What is Technical Support Specialist?

Career Definition for Technical Support Specialists

Technical support specialists provide technical support, advice, and assistance to consumers and businesses with technical, hardware, and software system problems. Specialists generally deal directly with end users and must effectively communicate answers in a way they can understand. According to the Princeton Review, www.princetonreview.com the most common problem technical support specialists deal with are connection problems, inabilities to access data, slow performance, and inefficient programs. Some specialists may work on site to modify, install, clean, and repair computer software and hardware.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Education Required

Some employers prefer that applicants have a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems or a related subject. Others request that individuals complete a computer training program, which may include professional certifications. Students should focus on computer and communication related courses while in school. Most employers provide on-the-job training in order to educate employees on company products and policies.

Skills Required

Technical support specialists must have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Having interpersonal skills allows technical support specialists to communicate with customers and solve technical-related problems quickly and efficiently. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov) reports that specialists need to have strong computer skills and be patient with customers.

Education and Career Outlook

Jobs for computer support specialists (including technical support specialists) are expected to increase by 12% from 2014 to 2024, according to the BLS. This is due to increasingly sophisticated programs and technology. As the roles of computers continue to expand in companies and businesses, opportunities in this field are expected to increase. The BLS reported in May 2015 that computer user support specialists made a median annual wage of $48, 620.

Alternate Career Options

Similar career options in this field include:

Web Developer

Web developers are responsible for putting together websites and making sure all of the components work properly. They meet with clients or their own colleagues to gather details about what needs to be included, from text to graphics to technical capabilities. Employment usually requires an associate's degree in web design; career advancement may be attainable with a bachelor's degree. The BLS reports that jobs in this field are expected to grow 27% from 2014 to 2024. Web developers earned median pay of $64, 970 in 2015, per the BLS.

Customer Service Representative

A customer service representative helps people by phone, chat, in person, or by any other communication method. Customer service representatives answer questions, address complaints, help place orders, make account changes, and perform any other related duties in service to the customers of a business or organization. In some cases, customer service representatives have to pass issues on to more senior employees. Employment typically requires only a high school diploma. Customer service representatives who work in the finance and insurance industries are required to meet state licensing requirements. The BLS reports that jobs in this field will increase by 10% from 2014 to 2024, and that customer service representative jobs paid a median salary of $31, 720 in 2015.