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Course: Computer Support Specialist
What a nightmare: Right in the middle of a big project, your computer crashes. You search everywhere for the data, but find nothing. Frantic, you dial customer support. When the person on the other end of the line can't solve your problem right away, you want to scream -- and do.
Coping with screaming customers is one of the "soft skills" you’ll master in this major. When it's time to graduate, you’ll know not only how to fix computers, but also how to work with the people who use them, which may be the toughest skill of all.
Computer support specialist majors learn the technical and communication skills they need to help customers and co-workers with hardware and software problems.
Did You Know?
You may learn a thing or two about cross-cultural communication: customer service means dealing with people of all backgrounds.
Are You Ready To...?
- Prepare to test for Microsoft, Novell, CompTIA, or other industry certifications
- Complete an internship
- Practice translating computerese into English
- Install and uninstall software
- Learn how to network computers
- Upgrade your skills on all kinds of software
- Pull long nights in computer lab
It Helps To Be...
A computer ace who can explain things clearly, both orally and in writing. Patience is a big help, too: computers can be very trying -- and so can customers.
College Checklist
- Are labs and classrooms equipped with up-to-date hardware and software?
- Will the program prepare you to pass an industry certification test?
- How much of your course work will transfer to a four-year school if you decide to pursue a bachelor's degree?
- Does the program allow for an area of concentration, such as network support or end-user support?
- Does the program place enough emphasis on communication skills?
Did You Know?
Your education will continue beyond graduation as you strive to keep up with changing technology.
Course Spotlight
Troubleshooting a printer problem is one thing. But walking customers through it in words they’ll understand -- while showing empathy and enthusiasm -- is a whole new challenge.
In a course on help desk concepts, you’ll learn how to troubleshoot computer problems as well as people problems. Topics covered include writing for and training end users, listening to confused customers, and navigating language barriers. This course is great training for the day you first put your degree to use in the real world.