Technical Support Specialist

Support people, solve problems, succeed.

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.

The 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.

835300

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.

$50980

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.

What 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.

Your 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.

0 - 12 Months

Certification Course

College Program

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.

Apprenticeship

Employment Opportunity

Free

Job 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.

College Program

Financial Assistance