All careers

Computer User Support Specialists

Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.

What you’d do

  • Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
  • Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
  • Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
  • Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
  • Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications.
  • Confer with staff, users, and management to establish requirements for new systems or modifications.
  • Enter commands and observe system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors.
  • Maintain records of daily data communication transactions, problems and remedial actions taken, or installation activities.

Skills that matter

  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Writing

How to get there

Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

Also called

  • Computer Support Specialist
  • Computer Tech (Computer Technician)
  • IS Tech (Information Systems Technician)
  • IT Specialist (Information Technology Specialist)
  • Desktop Support Technician (Desktop Support Tech)
  • Help Desk Analyst

Related careers

See all careers

  • Computer Network Support Specialists

    Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud…

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

  • Network and Computer Systems Administrators

    Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network…

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Computer Systems Analysts

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications…

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

  • Software Developers

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth
    • Numerous Job Openings

    Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs.

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

  • Database Administrators

    Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems.

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree