The role of an Information Technology Technician or a Computer Technician has undergone a sea change in the 21st century. The emergence of cloud computing and automation of most tech-related tasks has resulted in the need for fewer technicians, but there are still several specific roles that require human intervention.
It is here that IT Technicians come in. They now specialize in distinct tasks, such as providing security, developing software, maintaining systems, resolving IT-related issues, and other types of technical support.
Technicians are well-versed with the brass tacks of the services/products, which they provide support for. If IT Technicians are unable to resolve a problem, it is escalated to the senior team.
Technical support is beneficial for the information technology industry, as it helps organizations to monitor and maintain their networks and computer systems. The technical support team installs and configures PCs, assesses hardware and software issues and solves all types of technical problems, either remotely or in person. If you're interested in pursuing a career in IT, it's important to understand what an IT Technician does and the skills required to succeed in this field.
IT Technician Job Description
Information Technology Technicians assist employees of organizations by helping them install and configure system software and hardware. They offer system and operations support to the personnel on a daily basis.
Primary responsibilities of technicians include installing, configuring and supporting laptops, PCs, tablet, and mobile phones, installing, configuring and supporting network printers. They fix LAN/WAN issues, add or delete user accounts, set up and maintain email accounts. Technicians also support VoIP telephone systems and set up folders and files.
Furthermore, technicians identify software and hardware issues at workplaces to resolve them. Besides, they carry out daily network backup tasks, conduct tests on systems equipment and programs, and more. They are also the primary contact people for logging and resolving issues.
Technicians may install operating systems, scan for viruses, manage firewalls, configure networks, establish Internet connectivity, and install computer hardware and software, among others.
They also need to test and assess new technology, train staff on software and IT equipment, help the IT managers to develop the infrastructure of the environment, order equipment from suppliers, and so on.
Technicians log requests and their status for the tickets raised by users. They will also have to interact with clients to understand and meet their business requirements.
Technicians aid in planning, design, building, and deploying new systems and equipment. They partner with the information technology team to fix, implement, maintain, and document the IT ecosystems of their organization. They carry out precautionary maintenance for all computer systems and examine existing systems to determine solutions to improve efficiency and reliability.
Educational Requirements and Certifications Required for IT Technicians
IT Technicians must have an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in information technology or computer science. It will help if they have had formal training.
Although it is not mandatory for IT technicians to hold certifications, it would be beneficial if they have CompTIA certifications in Linux+, A+, CCNA or MCP. Knowledge of SQL and MAC and Windows OS is essential.
Moreover, it would be beneficial if candidates know basic computer programming. Experts aver that computer programming or coding is essential even for non-technical job positions. If technicians know how to program, it will help them troubleshoot technical issues much better.
Future for Information Technology Technicians
IT Technician Job roles are required by most companies, as they offer support for computer systems. Being versatile, as they secure IT systems, troubleshoot problems and provide network support and so on, future looks promising for them.
If they upgrade themselves by obtaining certifications, they can climb up the value chain to become managers or senior IT personnel. Besides, they can be employed in various organizations, both in the public and private sectors, as they have a broad range of responsibilities.
According to the BLS (US Bureau of Labor Statistics), there is expected to be a growth of 11% in employment opportunities between 2016 and 2016. With upgrades to computers, IT Technicians can look forward to the creation of more jobs.
Moreover, many small and medium and, sometimes, even large companies are outsourcing IT technical support because they can reduce costs by turning to technicians only when issues arise. Also, outsourcing companies work round-the-clock, allowing businesses to contact them whenever they encounter problems. Finally, it will enable enterprises to focus on their core business processes, as they need not worry about resolving the technical problems of their systems.
IT Technician Salary
Payscale.com in a recent study said that the median salary of an Information technology Technician per hour is $16.59. In the United States, their yearly average salary is $68,709, according to indeed.com.
How Fieldengineer.com Facilitates IT Technicians
If you are looking forward to being placed as a freelance Information Technology Technician in the Freelance Marketplace, visit Fieldengineer.com. It helps you to connect with employers who are looking out for candidates with the appropriate skills. About 40,000 engineers belonging to different fields in over 170 countries have registered on this platform for helping employers select candidates with the skill sets they need.
