Signs a Career as an IT Technical Support Officer is for You

An IT Technical Support Officer is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the computer systems and networks of an organisation. You will install and configure computer systems, diagnose hardware and software faults and solve technical and application problems, either over the phone or in person. Here are the signs you’d make a good IT Technical Support Officer:

You have…

• a logical and meticulous approach 
• excellent interpersonal skills to communicate with clients and explain problems and solutions
• the ability to work well in a team
• problem-solving skills
• time management skills and the ability to prioritise your workload.

You want to…

• ensure computer systems run effectively and efficiently
• install and configure computer hardware operating systems and applications
• monitor and maintain computer systems and networks
• communicate with staff or clients, either face-to-face or over the phone, to help set up systems or resolve issues
• troubleshoot system and network problems, diagnosing and solving hardware or software faults
• replace parts as required
• provide procedural documentation and relevant reports
• follow diagrams and written instructions to repair a fault or set up a system
• support the roll-out of new applications
• set up new users’ accounts and profiles and deal with password issues
• respond within agreed time limits to call-outs
• work continuously on a task until completion (or referral to third parties, if appropriate)
• prioritise and manage many open cases at one time
• conduct electrical safety checks on computer equipment.

You don’t mind…

• high pressured environment with multiple jobs being submitted simultaneously
• Having to lift and carry equipment
• Long periods of time in front of a computer screen
• low ratio of women to men in the sector.

Getting started

This career is open to all graduates or holders of a Higher National Diploma but a degree in the following subject is advantageous:

• Business information technology
• Business systems engineering
• Computer networking and hardware
• Computer science
• Computer software development
• Information technology
• Internet engineering
• Software engineering

Employers also look for in-depth knowledge of programs and applications used such as Microsoft, Linux and Cisco technologies. This can be gained through technical certifications from further education colleges and commercial training centres.

Work experience will also give you experience with these programs. This can be gained through speculative applications to local businesses.

Search all IT technical support jobs on our vacancies page.

Article source: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/it-technical-support-officer