Computer technicians set up networks, manage them to ensure they run smoothly, and fix them when anything goes wrong.
Among the most appealing aspects of this position is the opportunity to engage in a variety of jobs in various settings. They can work for an IT firm, in the educational field, or for other organizations.
Here are essential steps to follow if you want to work in this employment:
- Get to know the industry
- Obtain an academic training
- Acquire a professional certificate
- Apply Learned Theories In Real Life
- Find a job
Wait any longer! Let’s dive into this article to get step-by-step instructions to take part in this career path. Scroll down!
What Is A Computer Technician?
Computer technicians are often referred to as computer support professionals or assist desk technicians aid with their computers.
They engage in various settings, such as enterprises, government offices, non-profit groups, and third-party technology support companies.
Tech support technicians are the starting point for several programmers and network administrators.
What do they do? Computer technician help individuals and businesses using computers and digital software.
Computer technician are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including:
- Analyze, train, and fix networks.
- Install, support, and repair software on computers.
- Select and set up peripherals and computers for customers and workers.
- Repair computers and their peripherals.
- Address inquiries about technology from customers and coworkers.
- Teach people who aren’t in the IT field to use software and computers.
- Administering latest computers to workers
- Take part in onboarding for the latest employment and recovering company equipment in the worker offboarding procedure.
- Change how firm personnel access servers, disks, networks, and files.
- Supply disaster counseling and support in the aftermath of a catastrophe, malware, or other problems that destroys or inhibits a firm’s IT infrastructure.
How much do they earn each year? According to our report, the average annual earnings for these experts reached $55,260.
How To Become A Computer Technician
If you plan to participate in this career, the valuable tips below may be helpful for you. Let’s take a closer look!
1. Get To Know The Industry
Several aspiring technicians start their schooling by self-teaching themselves about technology and computers.
So, you can learn about this field on your own. You can disassemble and assemble your devices to understand how each component functions.
You can also discover it by going to the library, reading magazines and newspapers, or taking courses.
Furthermore, you must have a comprehensive knowledge of the parts that comprise a computer, such as:
- Motherboard
- RAM
- CPU
- DVD/CD drive
- Hard drive
- Video card
- Network card
- Sound card
There are numerous external and internal elements of a computer and these core components.
A newbie will benefit from getting at least a basic understanding of extra components. What’s more, it’s essential to learn about how systems, drivers, and software operate.
All hardware is useless if you don’t know how to use it. That’s why you need to know how to use the computer OS.
Understanding software applications and operating systems are beneficial, as most people have inquiries about such programs daily.
Furthermore, computer drivers are a regular source of issues, so understanding them and how to set up and remove them is critical.
You should be familiar with the construction, maintenance, and upgrade of computers. Computer repair firms usually appreciate a specialist with some expertise.
2. Obtain An Academic Training
Depending on the profession, computer technicians or system administrators will require different degrees of education.
Most certifications are vendor-neutral and concentrate on data information systems, information security, and software development.
A certificate network’s courses may concentrate on a specialized type of technology or programming language.
A computer technician’s education can be facilitated by enrolling in an associate’s degree course. Usually, you may study specific software programs.
Programming, systems, architecture, applications, and concepts are just a few subjects you can study.
You might study the following topics in associated bachelor’s degree courses:
- Computer servicing
- Advanced math
- Server administration
- Logic structures
- Network design
- Security management
- General education coursework
3. Acquire A Professional Certificate
Certification shows businesses that a computer technician has a specified level of competencies.
Computer technicians who are certified can work on specific items with a particular programming language.
Obtaining the necessary certifications is among the most remarkable ways to secure a strong start while pursuing a career as a specialist in this field.
Some professionals want to acquire a CompTIA A+ certificate. It is a vendor-neutral certificate to evaluate a specialist’s ability to install, maintain, manage, and debug.
Some employers require new computer technicians to have this certificate.
It is beneficial to get an A+ Certification, while it is not mandatory.
This certification adds to your evidence that you comprehend computer systems. It also demonstrates that you are familiar with the systems and can solve typical issues.
The certification exam isn’t too costly. Furthermore, completing the examination and receiving the certification can assist you in obtaining that position in the IT realm.
4. Apply Learned Theories In Real Life
Experience is the most fantastic method to master everything, including how to become a computer tech.
Volunteering to help relatives, family, colleges, and organizations with computer problems is a great idea.
Whenever you help others, you can experience difficulties you have never encountered before.
Also, by dealing with them, you’ll discover how to repair them and ways to solve related issues.
Joining online IT forums and chat rooms is an excellent learning method and seeing how other people deal with computer issues.
If you’re still in college or high school, attempt to gain a few internship opportunities.
An internship can help you find work when you graduate. It’s a great way to demonstrate that you are enthusiastic about becoming a computer technician to your future employers.
5. Find A Job
Computer technicians’ job opportunities differ depending on their degree of education and the certificates they have obtained.
Computer technicians may operate in a wide range of areas, including health care, telecommunications, education, or finance, as previously mentioned.
Plus, taking advantage of programs is the most fantastic option. Computer system and networking courses are available from a variety of organizations.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer technicians typically receive significant on-the-job coaching after being hired, which can last about three months based on the role.
A computer tech who wants to develop in the profession should take advantage of any courses offered by the business.
It’s important to note that you should keep up with the latest technology. Because digital technology evolves rapidly, staying current on new systems is essential.
When new technologies and platforms are released, you should attend seminars, conferences, and workshops.
You may also get more certifications and go back to college for more advanced training.
What Skills Do You Need To Become A Computer Technician?
Once you have determined to get involved in this IT field, here are some necessary skills you should equip for yourself:
1. Inspecting Structures, Material, Or Equipment
Your competence to evaluate components should be reflected in your expertise with computers.
As a result, familiarity with current computers software and hardware is essential.
It’s also necessary to have a deep knowledge of the equipment you use in terms of its functions and components.
2. Communication
Every professional needs communication. It may be an instant message, email, or face to face.
To discuss and solve problems, you should know how to communicate smoothly with customers and colleagues.
This entails improving your listening, teamwork, and skills. The objectives range from composing a message to negotiating.
Your new career will be smoother if you have previous expertise with professional communication skills.
3. Problem-Solving
Any technician needs problem-solving skills. To diagnose hardware, you’ll need a strong background in problem-solving.
When supplemented with a knowledge of how computers operate, these skills will determine how fast and successfully you can complete technical tasks.
4. Decision Making
Decision-making enables you to assess each alternative and select the optimal course of action.
This skill involves recognizing which actions will provide you with knowledge, which may lead to an unwanted outcome when working with computers.
5. Collecting Information and Data
Technical employment includes a lot of research. From locating a hardware failure to choosing the best software applications to apply, you need to gather a lot of information and data.
If you pursue this career, you’ll spend a lot of time analyzing and fixing problems. To identify issues fast, you’ll need to gather all essential information.
6. Using Computer Proficiently
Any IT or technical profession requires a basic understanding of computers, especially when beginning this career.
Before diving deeper, it’s ideal to start by performing different tasks with the operating system, applications, and configurations on a fundamental level.
First, it would be best to comprehend how computers perform and communicate with humans to maximize each operation.
The most outstanding technicians have a thorough understanding of how computers work and can adjust their techniques to the existing technology and the desired outcome.
7. Consulting
Once you become professional in this field, many colleagues or juniors may want to get to you for advice or information on technical problems.
You could be giving IT support to customers, company staff, or administrators who believe in your knowledge.
Apply your skills and knowledge to assist them in anticipating the technology strategy possibilities and each possible range of objectives and impacts.
As a result, you should hone your expertise in consulting and advising others.
8. Developing Strategies
Computer remedies are always identified when using goal-oriented methodologies. It’s better to improve your ability to set goals and create an implementation plan based on them.
It would help if you also worked on developing strategies to implement your solutions.
From maintenance to information security, this technique works for any computer solution.
Apart from the condition and performance of each piece of equipment, you’ll need to keep up with routine maintenance, network protections, and virus scanning.
9. Documenting Information
To solve computer issues, you must first establish baseline measurements that provide you with crucial information like the CPU, processor temp, or RAM usage.
Whatever sector of the IT field you work in, you’ll need to document, record, and construct a plan based on computer data.
10. Repairing Electronic Equipment
As a tech expert, particularly a hardware specialist, you must know and repair electrical equipment.
Mobile devices like laptops and smartphones are intricate devices.
You’ll need a good understanding of maintaining and repairing each gadget to return to its original working order.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Computer Technician?
Computer technicians in IT or computer science usually have an associate’s certificate or more. These programs typically take fewer than two years to finish.
If you want to improve your chances for further career advancement, you can study for a bachelor’s degree. However, it will take you four years to complete the program.
How Much Do You Need To Pay To Become A Computer Technician?
Completing an associate’s master’s program or diploma at a university or vocational institution is one path to work in this field.
The tuition fee and other living expenses vary based on the course you take.
For instance, you need to pay approximately $18,000 every year to get an associate’s certificate in the IT realm.
On the other hand, you will have to pay $226 for each examination to undertake the CompTIA certification test.
The Bottom Line
In general, you need to study this field, enroll in an academic program, achieve a certificate, practice, and seek a job.
Besides, you should acquire and master the essential skills before working in this profession like consulting, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, or documenting data.
Hopefully, this article will be helpful for you. Thanks for reading!