What does a Computer Specialist do?
A computer specialist's responsibilities typically revolve around installing and repairing computer hardware and software. They meet with clients to identify their needs, examine and troubleshoot equipment, perform upgrades, and discuss the extent of repairs or replacements to clients. In a company setting, a computer specialist is in charge of overseeing an array of equipment, conducting regular maintenance checks, and performing corrective measures as needed. Furthermore, they must provide technical support, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Computer specialist responsibilities
Computer specialists are responsible for a wide range of tasks that include providing technical support, installing and configuring hardware and software, managing databases, and troubleshooting technical issues. They often communicate with customers via email to report on calls received and actions taken, and maintain accurate logs of system operations. In addition, they may be tasked with designing and implementing interactive web-based applications, managing teams of computer specialists, and generating high satisfaction levels while providing lab system and hardware/software support. As Dr. Harvey Hoffman, Associate Dean of Engineering at Fairfield University, notes, "The key to remaining highly employable, successful engineers is to constantly learn, upgrade skills, and constantly adapt to new situations." This sentiment is echoed by Dwight Elliot, Professor of Information Management, Cybersecurity & Law at Palm Beach State College, who advises computer specialists to engage in continuous learning and pursue certifications to increase their earning potential.
Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer specialist resumes:
- Manage all operating end-user software including JavaScript - updating/installing Java.
- Install Cisco routers and diagnose switch & hub connectivity issues.
- Insure proper T1 circuit termination and testing before installing Cisco routers.
- Troubleshooted/Fix code bugs, configuration problems (web application level) and SQL server errors.
- Used a variety of complex SQL query techniques (store procedures, data modeling).
- Service responsibilities include building IBM compatible computers and upgrades, installing and maintaining Novell networks.
- Support daily operations, system maintenance (patches), major and minor OS version updates.
- Develop a menu system for accessing the mapping systems to reduce the need for UNIX training.
- Train other operators in data distribution, reprocessing techniques, and the use of UNIX scripts.
- Train cashiers and managers in the use of the computer, the POS and theScMP32 program.
- Assist users in resolving networking and browser issues on windows and OSX, assist with VPN troubleshooting.
- Use SMS to remotely log into customer PCs to verify and repair hardware/software problems, reducing the workload.
- Trouble shoots, analyzes, and repairs various mainframe computer, networks, stand-alone PCs and phone systems.
- Provide strategic troubleshooting and problem solving to remedy performance problems with routers, file servers, switches, and tape libraries.
- Configure TCP/IP protocol over frame-relay for branch locations.
Computer specialist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Computer Specialists are proficient in Data Entry, Troubleshoot, and Computer System. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Listening skills, and Speaking skills.
We break down the percentage of Computer Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Data Entry, 8%
Performed technical data entry for database.
- Troubleshoot, 7%
Monitored software/hardware systems, troubleshoot and escalated as needed to appropriate personnel.
- Computer System, 7%
Prepared production schedule for computer processing on large-scale mainframe computer systems in the absence of regularly assigned scheduler.
- Technical Support, 6%
Provided administrative and technical support related to various operations within the whole Department with minimal and/or no supervision.
- Desk Support, 4%
Served as technical/help-desk support for Fixed Income, Equities, International Banking, Asset Management, Research and Back office divisions.
- Network Printers, 4%
Network printers, Network connectivity troubleshooting.
Most computer specialists use their skills in "data entry," "troubleshoot," and "computer system" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential computer specialist responsibilities here:
Customer-service skills. One of the key soft skills for a computer specialist to have is customer-service skills. You can see how this relates to what computer specialists do because "computer support specialists must be patient and sympathetic." Additionally, a computer specialist resume shows how computer specialists use customer-service skills: "provided network troubleshooting and problem diagnosis utilizing data analyzers: and remote client and server administration and customer support. "
Listening skills. Another essential skill to perform computer specialist duties is listening skills. Computer specialists responsibilities require that "support workers must be able to understand the problems that their customers are describing and know when to ask questions to clarify the situation." Computer specialists also use listening skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "communicated with dod risk management personnel re medmal cases, and treasury payments on these cases. "
Speaking skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of computer specialists is speaking skills. This skill is critical to many everyday computer specialist duties, as "support workers must describe the solutions to computer problems in a way that a nontechnical person can understand." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "escalate technical support issues that cannot be addressed by the help desk to the appropriate department. "
Writing skills. A big part of what computer specialists do relies on "writing skills." You can see how essential it is to computer specialist responsibilities because "strong writing skills are useful for preparing instructions and email responses for employees and customers, as well as for real-time web chat interactions." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical computer specialist tasks: "united network for organ sharing: technical support, report writing, programming, and end-user support. "
Problem-solving skills. Another common skill required for computer specialist responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." This skill comes up in the duties of computer specialists all the time, as "support workers must identify both simple and complex computer problems, analyze them, and solve them." An excerpt from a real computer specialist resume shows how this skill is central to what a computer specialist does: "ensured customer support problems were identified, and resolution was the ending result. "
The three companies that hire the most computer specialists are:
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Compare different computer specialists
Computer specialist vs. Technical support specialist
A technical support specialist is responsible for assisting customer's and businesses' concerns and system issues by performing troubleshooting and remote solutions. These specialists must have extensive knowledge of system applications, including software and hardware database to handle complex processes that might affect the end user's experience or the business' daily operations. Technical support specialists should maintain excellent communication skills to guide the client and business on solving network problems. They must also document concerns and progress promptly for reference and quality checks.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, computer specialist responsibilities require skills like "data entry," "cloud computing," "dod," and "system administration." Meanwhile a typical technical support specialist has skills in areas such as "customer service," "math," "customer satisfaction," and "phone calls." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Technical support specialists really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $60,838. Comparatively, computer specialists tend to make the most money in the professional industry with an average salary of $78,107.technical support specialists tend to reach similar levels of education than computer specialists. In fact, technical support specialists are 1.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Computer specialist vs. Computer engineer
A computer engineer is someone who examines, designs, and manages computer hardware and software systems. He/She or she helps in solving issues or any concerns that may occur with the computer's hardware and software as well as assists in the innovation of computer technology. Computer engineers are responsible for computer hardware design, development, research, and test computer systems. They examine components like circuit boards, processors, memory devices, routers, and networks. While, those working with the computer software are in charge of the development, design, and administration of software programs.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real computer specialist resumes. While computer specialist responsibilities can utilize skills like "data entry," "desk support," "network printers," and "sql," computer engineers use skills like "c #," "python," "software development," and "java."
On average, computer engineers earn a higher salary than computer specialists. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, computer engineers earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $117,704. Whereas computer specialists have higher pay in the professional industry, with an average salary of $78,107.In general, computer engineers achieve higher levels of education than computer specialists. They're 7.6% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer specialist vs. Installation specialist
Installation specialists are skilled employees who are responsible for installing various equipment, machinery, and computer systems for a company or clients. These specialists must work with HVAC contractors to install air-conditioning ductwork and materials in business establishments and homes. They should recommend corrective action when identifying electrical and environmental deficiencies to ensure optimized performance and reliability of equipment. Installation specialists must also test hardware and software to determine its efficiency and reliability as well as its compatibility with the existing system.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from computer specialist resumes include skills like "data entry," "troubleshoot," "technical support," and "desk support," whereas an installation specialist is more likely to list skills in "customer service," "ladders," "scaffolding," and "quality measures. "
Installation specialists typically earn similar educational levels compared to computer specialists. Specifically, they're 3.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer specialist vs. Technology services specialist
Technology Services Specialists are information technology (IT) personnel in a company. They assist internal employees and external clients on everything related to technology. They may specialize in a specific item, such as software, hardware, or network infrastructure. Technology services specialists advise users on the usage of different tools. They should be able to troubleshoot concerns and conduct repair and maintenance activities. They should also know how to address the needs of their clients. Technology Services Specialists may sometimes man helpdesk tickets and respond to these tickets accordingly.
Types of computer specialist
Updated April 25, 2024
