If recent history has shown us anything, it’s that the information technology field will continue to evolve and play an ever-expanding role in our daily lives. And undoubtedly, the sheer number of computer users will grow through time. As such, the need for computer support specialists will never wane, making it a dynamic career path to pursue right now.
With an Associate in Specialized Technology (AST) Degree in Computer Support from ASPIRA City College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, you could become qualified for a wide range of rewarding information technology (IT) support careers. We shine a light on three of them here.
Career Paths for Computer Support Specialists
Computer science offers countless areas for career specialization requiring differing levels of education while providing growth and advancement opportunities. An AST degree in computer support from ASPIRA City College is a valuable IT degree, with technical coursework including Linux, network operations, and database management. It also teaches the soft skills, such as communications, needed to work the help desk and provide technical information to users in readily understandable ways. ASPIRA City College Computer Support Specialist graduates are competent, qualified, and ready for positions including:
Computer Support Specialist
As the program name implies, earning an AST Degree from ASPIRA City College prepares students to be work-ready computer support specialists upon graduation. Along with related occupations, the demand for computer support specialists is projected to increase faster-than-average due to our reliance on technology for enhanced productivity. Therefore, employment opportunities exist in virtually every industry.
Organizations that rely heavily on technology either have a computer support contract with a vendor or employ computer support specialists for full- and part-time staff positions. In either case, computer support specialists keep the network, desktops, and peripherals functioning well. They are the company’s go-to for maintaining, repairing, installing, and correcting connectivity issues, diagnosing and solving system or user problems, or upgrading the organization’s hardware and software. They also train users on new software to keep business downtime to a minimum.
Desktop Support Technician
Desktop support technicians are usually the first point of contact when something goes wrong. These IT professionals deliver on-site and remote support to assist computer users and organizations by answering their computer-related questions, running system diagnostics, and using their critical thinking skills to produce sound solutions.
Desktop support technicians can be accountable for the groundwork, installation, and maintenance of end-user workstation equipment (i.e., laptops and desktops), as well as peripherals like IP telephones. This role allows our graduates to consider freelancing or working remotely in addition to office settings.
LAN Technician
A local area network (LAN) allows computers and other office equipment, such as printers, to connect and communicate with each other seamlessly within a building. That way, users can send and receive data and print documents over the network infrastructure. The LAN relies on cabling, electronic hardware in the form of switches and routers, and specialized software to create the network connectivity.
Although these networks make users’ lives easier, they also take skill to maintain. That’s where LAN technicians come in. Technicians are hired by businesses and organizations to set up their LAN and sustain network productivity and service levels. A LAN technician performs various duties depending on the type of position, including:
- Installing the cabling, hardware, and program software needed to support and maintain local area computer networks
- Troubleshooting and performing disaster recoveries
- Backing up data in the event of possible network issues or malfunctions
- Replacing defective applications
- Designing and implementing virus protection, computer hardware, and system software
LAN technicians often work outside regular office hours to avoid disrupting employee workflow, making the position a good fit for those needing atypical work hours. Individuals may work in large corporations, government agencies, or small business environments.
Get Started at ASPIRA City College
If you have a passion for technology and enjoy helping others, then an IT career in computer support just might be the ideal track for you. Whether you are a mother returning to the workforce, an adult looking for a career change, a veteran, or a recent high school graduate, the Computer Support Specialist career training program at ASPIRA City College can prepare you to excel. To learn more, schedule a tour of our Philadelphia, PA campus, or contact us for more information today.
