Computer User Support Specialist

Your Fit

Income

$59K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

5.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Computer User Support Specialist?

A Computer User Support Specialist provides assistance and advice to computer users and organizations. These professionals troubleshoot software and hardware issues, guide users in the use of computer systems, and resolve technical problems.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Computer User Support Specialist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does a Computer User Support Specialist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$38K per year	$47K per year	$59K per year	$76K per year	$97K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $11K above the national average.

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What does a Computer User Support Specialist do?

Work environment

Computer User Support Specialists typically work in office settings, help desk centers, or remotely. They are employed across various sectors including IT services, educational institutions, healthcare, government, and businesses. Their work often involves direct interaction with users via phone, email, or in-person.

Quick task list

Diagnoses and resolves software and hardware issues.
Provides technical assistance and support for incoming queries and issues.
Sets up and configures computer hardware and software.
Maintains daily performance of computer systems.
Assists in the maintenance of IT documentation and inventory.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Technical Support: Focusing on troubleshooting and resolving hardware and software issues.
Help Desk Support: Providing first-line response to users' queries via phone or email.
Network Support: Assisting with network-related issues and connectivity problems.
Application Support: Specializing in specific software applications to assist users.
Training and Education: Conducting training sessions for users on new software or hardware.

Description

Computer User Support Specialists are essential in ensuring the smooth operation of computer systems within organizations. They are the first point of contact when technical issues arise, requiring them to have a broad knowledge of computer systems and excellent problem-solving skills. Their role is not just to fix immediate issues but also to guide and educate users to prevent future problems.

The job requires strong communication skills as they need to explain technical concepts in a way that non-technical users can understand. They must be patient and empathetic, often dealing with users who may be frustrated or stressed. Additionally, staying up-to-date with the latest technology and trends in IT is crucial in this ever-evolving field.

Career progression can include specialization in certain areas of IT, moving into network administration, or progressing to managerial roles. As technology becomes more integral to all aspects of business and everyday life, the demand for skilled support specialists is likely to increase, making it a stable and evolving career choice.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The pleasure of solving problems and helping others.
Opportunities to work with diverse technologies and systems.
The dynamic and constantly evolving nature of IT.

You might make a good Computer User Support Specialist if you are...

Patient and enjoy helping others solve problems.
Good at explaining complex technical issues in simple terms.
Interested in computers and technology.
Able to think critically and troubleshoot effectively.
Comfortable working in a team and have strong communication skills.

Pros:

High demand in various industries.
Opportunities for continuous learning and skills development.
Job satisfaction from helping others.

Cons:

Can involve dealing with stressed or frustrated users.
May require working outside of regular business hours.
Constant need to update skills with new technologies.

How to become a Computer User Support Specialist

Typical education

Most positions require at least an associate degree in computer science or a related field, which generally takes 2 years to complete. However, some positions may only require postsecondary classes or relevant experience, while others may prefer a bachelor's degree.

High school preparation

Courses:

Computer Science for foundational IT knowledge.
Communication to develop skills for explaining technical information.
Mathematics to enhance problem-solving abilities.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Join or start a computer club to gain hands-on experience.
Volunteer to provide tech support at school or for non-profit organizations.
Participate in technology-focused competitions or hackathons.

Preparation after high school

Consider an associate or bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or related fields.
Gain experience through internships or part-time jobs in tech support.
Obtain industry certifications like CompTIA A+ or Microsoft Certified: IT Professional.

More resources

CompTIA - Offers certifications and resources for IT professionals.
Microsoft Learn - Provides training and certification programs.
Tech Support Subreddit - A community for tech support advice and discussion.
Lynda.com (LinkedIn Learning) - Offers a wide range of courses in IT and tech support.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.