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Nature of Work—Help desk specialists apply hardware and software knowledge and customer service skills to troubleshoot and resolve basic PC and applications problems. They answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or from remote locations. They may provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software including printing, installing hardware and software, application programs, electronic mail, and operating systems. Help desk specialists are encouraged to earn A+, i-Net+, and Microsoft Certified Application Specialist Certifications. Related Job Titles—Help
desk specialist, desktop support technician, computer support specialist Employment of computer support specialists is expected to increase by 18 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is faster than the average for all occupations. In addition, this occupation is expected to add 155,000 jobs over the projected decade. Demand for these workers will result as organizations and individuals continue to adopt increasingly sophisticated technology. Job growth will continue to be driven by the ongoing expansion of the computer system design and related services industry, which is projected to remain one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. economy. Growth will not be as explosive as during the previous decade, however, because the information technology industry is maturing and because some of these jobs are expected to be outsourced offshore where prevailing wages are lower. Physical location is not as important for computer support specialists as it is for other occupations because these workers can provide assistance remotely and support services are provided around the clock across time zones. Job growth among computer support specialists reflects the rapid evolution of technology. As computers and software become more complex, support specialists will be needed to provide technical assistance to customers and other users. The adoption of new mobile technologies, such as the wireless Internet, will continue to create a need for these workers to familiarize and educate computer users. Consulting jobs for computer support specialists also should continue to increase as businesses seek help managing, upgrading, and customizing ever more complex computer systems. Median annual earnings
of wage-and-salary computer support specialists were $43,450 in May 2008. The
middle 50 percent earned between $33,680 and $55,990. The lowest 10 percent
earned less than $26,580, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $70,750.
Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of
computer support specialists in May 2008 were as follows: For job and internship listings and job search assistance, contact the Job Resource Center, Student Services Center, S202, at (708) 974-5737. www.morainevalley.edu/jrc. |
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Moraine Valley
Community College's PC Applications Help Desk Program prepares students for
positions as supervisors or coordinators of personal computer operations.
Students in this program have the advantage of working on modern computer
equipment in the college's Center for Contemporary technology. This program is
intended to lead to employment. Students who are considering transferring to a
four-year college or university to obtain a bachelor's degree using the courses
from this program, should make an appointment with an academic advisor to review
options.
