Working in IT support has a lot more to it than just turning the computer off and on to see if it works. It is an involved and active role, often requiring the use of creative solutions to common problems. With IT becoming an indispensable tool to many modern-day businesses, the need for skilled IT support technicians is growing. Let’s take a look at five IT support jobs and the qualifications you need to land one.
- Helpdesk Analyst
- Desktop Support Analyst
- ICT Trainer
- Network Specialist
- Server Engineer
Helpdesk Analyst
Helpdesk analyst is a frontline customer support role. It is the most visible and one of the few public-facing jobs in IT. Helpdesk analysts resolve technical issues for end-users. They either resolve the issue themselves or connect the end-user to higher-end IT support. Because they could occasionally be called upon to help resolve such issues, helpdesk analysts are required to have strong computer skills. They should also be able to communicate effectively, both with end-users and higher-level IT support staff.
Remote support forms a large part of a helpdesk analyst’s duties. They are required to provide support over the phone, through screen-sharing, live chat, and email.
If you are looking for an IT job that will hone your communications and interpersonal skills, then this could be a good fit for you. A full-time IT helpdesk analyst can expect to earn around $40,000 per annum. Working part-time as a helpdesk analyst would earn you around $15- $20 per hour. Being a helpdesk analyst would also be a good role for anyone looking for a remote IT support job.
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Desktop Support Engineer
Despite the similar titles, helpdesk analysts and desktop support engineers perform very different tasks. Desktop support engineers are required to install and maintain a company’s computer system. They also repair the company’s servers and troubleshoot any security issues in the company’s networks.
A desktop engineer also installs and maintains required client software, and works remotely if required. Since computer issues can occur at any time, it is common for desktop engineers to work in shifts, and sometimes on weekends too. This also makes desktop support engineer a good option if you are looking for a freelance IT support job.
The primary qualification to become a desktop engineer is a thorough understanding of the agendas and application software your employer uses, like Linux, or Microsoft. However, a degree in computer science, information technology, or an associated field would be considered highly desirable. Additional certification in the software, such as those offered by Microsoft, would also be valuable. A desktop support job in America pays an average of $50,000 per annum.
ICT Trainer
Unlike some of the other roles on this list, an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) trainer does not work directly with customers, businesses, or software applications. Rather, an ICT trainer’s job is to train students to perform these tasks. ICT trainers analyze the training needs of ICT students and design training programs for them. They conduct training in software packages and information systems.
ICT trainers might also be called upon to design training materials, teach classes, and monitor the progress of their students. In other words, an ICT trainer is required to perform duties similar to that of a teacher. Though they are required to have the technical expertise to understand and teach about computer software and hardware, their day-to-day activities are not strictly tech-related.
As such, ICT trainers would be required to have experience working in an IT or computer science-related role, as well as an academic background in the field. They would also have to have experience in designing and delivering educational materials, and an understanding of modern educational techniques. An ICT trainer job can fetch about $60,000 per annum in the US.
Network Specialist
A network specialist, as the name might suggest, ensures that the company’s internal and external networks have effective connectivity. They are responsible for maintaining the company’s intranet and internet connections. They are also responsible for maintaining, and updating, the company’s network equipment, such as servers, modem, and LAN hardware.
Network specialists may be called upon to perform network security tasks as well. They would ensure that important data is safely encrypted and stored, and will periodically audit both the data and the storage, to locate and secure vulnerabilities. Though network specialists will observe the same working hours as their organization, they might have to be ‘on call’ in case of off-hour emergencies.
A bachelor’s degree would be the minimum requirement to becoming a network specialist. You would also need training in computer network installation and maintenance. Additional certifications, such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) credentials or CompTIA Network+ credentials, are a valuable bonus that prospective employers will appreciate. A network specialist typically earns an average of $62,000 per annum.
Server Engineer
A server Engineer performs tasks complementary to those of a network engineer. A server engineer maintains server and desktop infrastructure across the organization in order to give users smooth access to any critical application. They are called upon to troubleshoot issues both in the server and at the user end (A server is a geographic and electronic location where computer files and data are stored). Because crucial information is often stored on these servers, a server engineer is required to maintain them, and keep the data secure and free from corruption.
With the increasing use of electronic data and cloud computing, server engineers have become an important part of any IT support ecosystem. Server engineers can also perform their duties on a freelance basis, suggesting and implementing improvements in server technology.
Like most of the other technical support jobs on this list, a server engineer would need an undergraduate degree in computer science, IT, or a related field. They would also be required to have experience in designing and supporting servers, network configuration, Storage Area Network administration, and anti-virus software administration. The average annual salary of a server engineer is $74,000 per annum. If working on a freelance basis, a server engineer can charge about $30 per hour.
Conclusion
The IT industry is growing at a rapid pace. Information technology is the bedrock of many businesses around the world and is essential for their day-to-day operation. The role of the IT support technician is growing just as rapidly. Today most small to medium-sized organizations employ two or more IT technicians regularly to manage multiple duties. Server maintenance, network management, B2C communication, and many other jobs require experienced IT support. If you are looking to build a career in IT, maybe one of these jobs is the perfect place to begin!
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About the Company:
Peterson Technology Partners (PTP) has partnered with some of the biggest Fortune brands to offer excellence of service and best-in-class team building for the last 25 years.
PTP’s diverse and global team of recruiting, consulting, and project development experts specialize in a variety of IT competencies which include:
- Cybersecurity
- DevOps
- Cloud Computing
- Data Science
- AI/ML
- Salesforce Optimization
- VR/AR
Peterson Technology Partners is an equal opportunities employer. As an industry leader in IT consulting and recruitment, specializing in diversity hiring, we aim to help our clients build equitable workplaces.
