T echnical Support Specialist
Modern technology is advancing rapidly, making a career in this field one that can always feel fresh and exciting. As a technical support specialist, you’ll use your smarts and technical savvy to help people resolve their issues with technology. If you’re a problem-solver, great communicator, and excited by a challenge, you will excel in this role.
T he Perks
With more and more users accessing technology each day, the demand for technical support specialists is skyrocketing. Helping people and sharing your unique skills and knowledge can make each day of work enjoyable and satisfying.
835,300
Jobs
In 2016, there were 835,300 technical support specialist positions available.
11
Growth
Between the years 2016-2026, the total employment of this position is projected to grow by 11%, more than the national average for all occupations.
50,980
Salary
The median salary of people in this position in 2018 was $50,980 with the highest paid in this position earning close to $75k
Technical Support Specialist
Emerson
I love seeing the light bulb that goes off when people realize ‘Oh, this thing I thought was really hard is actually pretty simple’. In a way, I get to be a kind of teacher and help people learn to use technology better, which is cool.
W hat Do I Need?
Entry requirements for this role are easily met, making it a very accessible position. With certifications and some basic experience or an internship under your belt, you can be a strong applicant to many positions.
Training and/or certification
While not every employer requires prior training, taking courses (often free online) and getting certified can be a great way to boost your skillset.
Technical skills
Having a knack for all relevant operating systems, software, and technology is a great starting point in your career as a tech support specialist.
Problem-solving skills
Each day you’ll need face tech-related problems and be able to act quickly to determine the best solutions.
Patience
In any profession where you work closely with clients, it is important to be patient and accommodating.
Problem-solving skills
Strong communication skills and the ability to walk someone through a solution is essential for this role.
Curiosity
Solving clients’ issues may mean doing extensive research on technology that may be foreign to you, so curiosity and love of learning are key.
Training and/or certification
While not every employer requires prior training, taking courses (often free online) and getting certified can be a great way to boost your skillset.
Technical skills
Having a knack for all relevant operating systems, software, and technology is a great starting point in your career as a tech support specialist.
Problem-solving skills
Each day you’ll need face tech-related problems and be able to act quickly to determine the best solutions.
Patience
In any profession where you work closely with clients, it is important to be patient and accommodating.
Problem-solving skills
Strong communication skills and the ability to walk someone through a solution is essential for this role.
Curiosity
Solving clients’ issues may mean doing extensive research on technology that may be foreign to you, so curiosity and love of learning are key.
Y our Resources
Ready to get started? Here are some resources and pathways you can explore to get started in a successful career as a technical support specialist.
Accelerated IT Help Desk Certificate
IT Help Desk/End User Support personnel, or computer support specialists, provide technical assistance to computer users. Help Desk staff are under pressure to act quickly and efficiently to solve the problem at hand. Personnel in this line of work routinely answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone or electronically. The ultimate goal of the Help Desk Staff is to offer first contact resolution as quickly and smoothly as possible. Students who enjoy meeting people, value strong communication skills and have the ability to convey an understanding of technical subject matters are the ideal candidates for this field of study.
TechHire
TechHire helps job seekers rethink, retrain and retool their careers with IT certificates and work experience. Participants learn new tech skills, improve their chances for employment, and build a stronger and more inclusive tech community for the St. Louis area. Morning and evening classes available.
CyberUp
CyberUp connects ambitious job seekers with opportunities to earn well-paying jobs in cybersecurity through a unique apprenticeship model. There are three tracks for candidates: Pre-apprenticeship program for those in need of further development of their workforce readiness skills, Level 1 course for those with some career experience, and Level 2 course for those already possessing some IT job experience or training.
NPower St. Louis
NPower creates pathways to economic prosperity by launching digital careers for young adults from underserved communities. NPower’s Tech Fundamentals course, which provides foundational IT skills, is a free 22-week course.
