An Online Information Technology Degree Brings Tech Skills To Students

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Who You Gonna Call?

"I don't know what happened!" Often heard as a wail of frustration, it's the average computer user seeking help for some hardware or software issue that has them completely baffled. The voices who answer are the ones trained to help with any question you might have about a new computer or software or other tech problems you encounter. They are also the people who come to your house to perform any hardware issues you might have, as well as usually the one's who actually know the answers when you are shopping for new equipment. The formal name is computer support technicians, but usually they're referred to as tech support.

The position is officially called computer support services, but is also called support tech. They are the people who answer questions regarding new hardware or software, do basic repairs and are often the more competent salesmen at electronic retailers. Part of the job is to have a fundamental understanding of computer systems, which in turn gives the tech the basics of any area he or she would like to later specialize in when going to college or taking courses online.

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Ongoing Education Keeps Grads Up To Speed

Computer support specialist is a relatively new occupation. Because of this, there are a number of exceptional high school students who get jobs right after they graduate. At the same time, most recruiters prefer to hire those who have taken the time out to get either a vocational certificate or undergraduate degree in some form of computer science. Lately, hiring authorities like it even better when the person has a bachelors.

While one can enter the workforce at this point, this doesn't mean the education ends there. For starters, the better jobs have training periods of their own, and these can go on for anywhere from a week to a year. From there, part of the job will be constant training as hardware and software reps will be dropping by to explain the latest advances in their products.

Employment From Your Home

There's another interesting trend that's developing inside the computer support world. Many techs are now starting to work out of their homes. They can be hired to work for such organizations as AT&T, where they remotely troubleshoot and repair computer systems through the telephone. Others are on call, where they will go to people's homes or offices to fix the issue more directly.

Still, the overall objective is to continue one's education in other ways, i.e., earning a computer science degree online. . Many companies will offer financial assistance to their most promising employees. Another important method of getting aid is with organizations like the National Science Foundation as computers are a STEM occupation. With this kind of backing, one can easily set up an arrangement where one works and studies from home through an online college.

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Get A Degree In Technology

A support tech's income is based on several factors, including their level of education, years in the field and who they work for. For example, an applicant with a degree in science and 5 years of field experience will usually earn substantially more than someone who is just getting started in the industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average salary is about $45,000, and ranges from $23,500 to as much as $70,000.

Still, the ultimate benefit is that the technician has an ability to see where they want to go from the inside. As any hiring authority will certainly confirm, a person with actual experience and the education, such as a degree in technology, has an advantage over those who don't have both.

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Comments!

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  • Yourshowman Dec 19, 2010 @ 9:15 pm | delete
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