IT Jobs – What to expect working as an IT Support Professional
IT Support positions offer exciting employment opportunities for tech savvy individuals. If you are good at problem-solving, this could be the perfect role for you. The variety of positions that are available keep this career interesting. From answering phones to resolving technical queries, IT jobs involve a wide range of responsibilities. While a career in Computer Support can be challenging, it is rewarding to be able to help people. If you are passionate about technology, find IT Support jobs on Job Mail.
What is an IT Support person?
An IT Support person is responsible for offering technical advice to computer users. At the core of this position is the maintenance of computer systems and networks. They communicate with users via phone or email. Company staff members will liaise with the IT Support Technician when they are experiencing problems with their computer.
Employees in this position are responsible for answering phones, problem-solving and reviewing technical manuals. They perform administrative tasks which include record-keeping. Employees in this profession are expected to keep up-to-date with the latest technology. Some issues that IT Support staff can expect to deal with include forgotten passwords and viruses.
You may be required to install computer systems and log customer questions. Other tasks, that are associated with this position, include diagnosing and resolving hardware or software issues. Reviewing customer call logs is another task that forms part of Computer Support. The duties that IT professionals perform are dependent on the size of their organisation.
Needed skills of an IT Support Technician
Are you wondering what it takes to find IT jobs? From your education and skills to your personality traits, there is a variety factors to consider. Continuous learning is an important part of success in this field. While you may think that this position is all about technology, don’t forget that you will spend a large part of your day dealing with people. You will need patience to cope with stressed clients and their technical problems. To get an overview of what you need to succeed in IT Support, take a look at the list below:
- Interpersonal skills
- Communications skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Technical capabilities
- Professional demeanour
- Analytical skills
To be eligible for IT Support jobs you will need to have a relevant qualification in IT. You can complete a related National Certificate or a Diploma at a TVET college. Another option is to complete a National Certificate in IT System Support. This qualification takes one year if you complete it full-time. The topics that are covered include Hardware and Infrastructure as well as Data Communication. To be eligible for this course you will need English and Mathematics as well as Computer Literacy.
Work Environment and Salary
IT jobs can be found in after-sales support or computer maintenance. Suitable positions are also offered by software suppliers. Another option is to find a position at a company which requires in-house support for their computer systems and networks. According to Payscale the average annual salary for IT Support jobs is R121 109.
Employees in this position can increase their chances of being hired by developing their skills in Microsoft Exchange and Cisco Networking. Microsoft Active Directory skills as well as Windows 2003 Server capabilities are also associated with higher pay. Working hours differ between employers and according to the specifics of the role. An IT Support Technician, who is hired to find solutions to client’s technical issues, is likely to work shifts. For supporting staff within a company, regular business hours are likely to apply.
Computer Support offers opportunities to progress in your career. Opportunities for promotion include moving up to a senior level support role. Once you have proved yourself in a more senior role you can aim to become a team or department leader. If you are looking for an entry-level position for programming or technical sales, a support role is a great opportunity. This position is an opportunity to develop your technical skills so that you can move on to other roles within the IT field.
Now that you know more about IT Support jobs, you can search online for great opportunities. With the right skills and qualifications, your career will be off to a great start. IT Support is a dynamic position which offers you plenty of opportunity for career growth.
