IT Support – Job Description
Simon Thompson on IT support workers, contrary to popular belief, don’t spend their time sighing and asking whether you’ve actually turned your computer on.
The job does involve plenty of customer/user support, so patience, problem-solving and people skills are important. But much of the work revolves around installing and configuring systems and networks and discovering trends and underlying issues that can help you diagnose and solve hardware and software problems.
IT support jobs require logical people who are able to explain complex issues in simple terms and who are absolutely up to date with the latest technological shifts.
Good (A to C) GCSEs in English, maths, IT and science can get you an entry-level job and there are BTEC, City & Guilds and OCR certificates available to give you the edge in the job market. Graduate training schemes are also common.
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Other recommended resources:
British Computer Society (BCS)
Offering a chartered status for IT professionals, the BCS provides a number of qualifications towards continuing professional development. They also strongly support exchange of knowledge and expertise, and membership can get you access to this community of information.
Institute for the Management of Information Systems
Involved in information and research development to support IT professionals, the IMIS also offer a strong education network with links to universities and regarded qualification programmes that cover the spectrum, from providing a foot in the door to continuing professional development.
IEEE Computer Society
A division of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Computer Society provides access to a wealth of information developed through knowledge exchange and research allowing you to keep abreast of latest trends and developments. They also offer some training in addition to networking opportunities through conferences.
e-Skills
The UK Sector Skills Council for IT, connecting you with the training and qualifications you need to get ahead in the industry.
National Skills Academy for IT
A portal to short and long courses, apprenticeship schemes and information about careers, standards and systems. Great for figuring out if it support is the job for you and how you can get there.
Tech Republic
A blog resource aimed at connecting IT professionals with the latest news, trends and developments in the IT world allowing executives to make informed decisions and, for anyone interested in getting into the job, evidence of industry awareness.
Information Week
A digital magazine bringing the latest in IT news relevant to business and enterprise, offering IT professionals the opportunity to pick out the top new developments that could help the company they work within.
