What Skills Do You Need for a Career in IT Support?

Maybe you’re intrigued at the prospect of joining the world of information technology (IT) support but worried you don’t have the technical skills to hack it. Fear not. You already may have the winning combination that makes a good IT support specialist truly great.

Think of it this way: Technical skills can be taught. You can learn about computer hardware and operating systems, troubleshooting, and device repair—that’s the “simple” part. What can’t be learned in a classroom? Excitement, a willingness to learn and the desire to help others.

So what does it take to be an exceptional information technology support specialist? What do you need to know?

The Nitty-Gritty: The Technical Skills You Need for IT Support

IT support specialists provide help in a wide array of fields and industries. You may work in-house for a specific organization, or you may serve a host of businesses and customers, but many of the skills are essentially the same.

As an IT support specialist, you should learn how to perform the following essential IT tasks:

Install and configure hardware, software, systems, networks, printers and scanners.
Plan and execute maintenance upgrades.
Set up accounts for staff.
Respond to breakdowns and other technology issues.
Investigate, diagnose, and solve computer software and hardware problems.

You also should have skills to assess and strengthen enterprise system security, protect confidential data, and manage mobile and desktop devices. The Center for Employment Training (CET) teaches all of these skills and more.

The Difference Makers: The Soft Skills You Need for IT Support

Let’s set the technical skills aside for a moment. What interpersonal skills will help you build a productive and meaningful IT career? To be an IT rockstar?

CompTIA, the world’s leading technology association and the top IT-industry certification organization has identified these skills (and several others) as being integral characteristics of IT support specialists:

Communication skills: When people need IT support, it’s usually not because everything is going well; you’ll be interacting with people who need assistance. You should be able to listen to their needs and help solve their specific problems. You can’t do this without strong listening skills and the ability to communicate ideas clearly.
- Bonus Points: Don’t misunderstand us here. Communication comes in all forms. If you are bilingual or multilingual or if English isn’t your primary language, this is a major asset in IT! In an increasingly global world, speaking languages besides English means you can provide support to a larger group of people. And at CET? We can provide the vocational English language skills you need to communicate with everyone regardless of your primary language.

Problem-solving skills: Problem solving is all about looking at issues through a new lens. If you like solving puzzles or you excel at critical thinking, IT support may be the right field for you.
Organization: Chances are you’ll be juggling multiple people’s needs at once. Project management and multitasking skills are critical to excelling in IT. You’ll have deadlines to meet, goals to reach and many daily tasks to achieve. To do so with precision and efficiency requires organization.
Curiosity: Maybe you took old electronics apart as a child? Being curious about how things work and the inner workings of operating systems is a major plus in the IT sector. It even can help you better understand security risks; you can pinpoint potential cyberattacks and data breaches by searching for them yourself.

About CET’s Comprehensive Computer Specialist Training Program

The most important skills to have are the ones that set you apart, the traits that make you “you.” Communicating well with supervisors and colleagues, approaching each challenge with curiosity is an essential, non-technical skill that will make a huge difference in how you approach your work.

At CET, we’ll help you learn the rest, all the tools and credentials you need to back up your personal strengths:

Computer foundations and CompTIA A+ certification preparation
Computer hardware knowledge
Computer maintenance and repair
Mobile and device management
Enterprise operations and security
Internet navigation and the fundamentals of networking
Remedy IT service management

You have the makings of a great IT support specialist. Learn the technical skills you need to step into your future. AT CET, we’ll help you make it happen.

CET is committed to supporting students just like you by providing you with the marketable skills and personal development you need truly to be self-sufficient in a growing and expanding field like IT support.

It’s time to join the world of information technology. At CET, you don’t have to wait to start classes while the world of technology continues to evolve. Embark on your future as soon as you register.

Technical Skills for IT Support:

Install and Configure Hardware, Software, Systems, Networks, Printers, and Scanners:
- This involves setting up and optimizing various components of computer systems.
Plan and Execute Maintenance Upgrades:
- Regular maintenance is crucial for the smooth functioning of IT systems. This includes updating software and hardware components.
Set Up Accounts for Staff:
- Managing user accounts, permissions, and access control is an integral part of IT support.
Respond to Breakdowns and Technology Issues:
- Quick and effective troubleshooting is essential to address system breakdowns and resolve technical issues promptly.
Investigate, Diagnose, and Solve Computer Software and Hardware Problems:
- The ability to analyze and fix both software and hardware issues is a fundamental skill for an IT support specialist.
Assess and Strengthen Enterprise System Security:
- Understanding and implementing security measures to protect confidential data and ensure the integrity of enterprise systems.
Manage Mobile and Desktop Devices:
- Handling and optimizing devices used by an organization, including both mobile and desktop platforms.
Keep Up with Technology:
- Continuous learning is emphasized, acknowledging that technology evolves exponentially.

Soft Skills for IT Support:

Communication Skills:
- Interacting with people seeking IT support requires strong listening and clear communication skills.
Problem-Solving Skills:
- A focus on critical thinking and problem-solving, essential for addressing challenges in IT.
Organization:
- Juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities requires organizational skills, including project management and multitasking.
Curiosity:
- A curiosity about how things work, including the inner workings of operating systems, can be beneficial in identifying and addressing issues.

Comprehensive Computer Specialist Training Program at CET:

The article mentions the Center for Employment Training (CET) and its training program, covering:

Computer foundations and CompTIA A+ certification preparation
Computer hardware knowledge
Computer maintenance and repair
Mobile and device management
Enterprise operations and security
Internet navigation and fundamentals of networking
Remedy IT service management

CET aims to equip individuals with the technical skills and credentials needed for a successful career in IT support, emphasizing personal strengths and communication skills.

In conclusion, the combination of technical expertise and essential soft skills is emphasized as the key to becoming an exceptional IT support specialist. Continuous learning and adaptability are crucial in this ever-evolving field. If you're considering a career in IT support, the article suggests that your personal traits and commitment to learning may be just as important as your technical skills.

What Skills Do You Need for a Career in IT Support? - CET (2024)