Best Careers: Computer Support Specialist

The rundown:

The widespread and expanding adoption of new technology will continue to dial up demand for those who can provide technical assistance. Computer support specialists may work for computer hardware or software vendors, such as Microsoft, Oracle, or smaller companies, answering questions or resolving problems for customers. Or they may provide technical support for a company's computer, network, and office systems, charged with tasks like assisting employees with computer issues and installing computer hardware and software. Aside from computer savvy, jobs in this field require problem-solving and communication skills, as well as the ability to multi-task in a busy environment.

[See a list of The 50 Best Careers.]

The outlook:

Employment of computer support specialists is expected to increase by 14 percent, or 78,000 jobs, from 2008 to 2018, according to the Labor Department. Outsourcing of jobs to offshore locations weighs on this growth projection, but it mostly occurs within lower-level customer service positions, says Jeffrey Tarter, executive director of the Association of Support Professionals: "The real trend is for customer technical support at a much higher level—handling support for more complicated products." As the adoption of new technology becomes more widespread, demand will rise for specialists who can resolve technical issues. Industries that rely heavily on technology, such as computer systems design and data processing, will see the swiftest demand for computer support specialists. There is also a growing need for these workers in industries that are striving to become more efficient, like health care.

Money:

Median annual wages of computer support specialists were $44,300 in 2009, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $27,200, and the highest 10 percent earning more than $72,690.

Upward mobility:

After learning the ropes, you may advance to a senior-level position or eventually a supervisory role. "This is an incredibly good entry-level job," says Tarter, partly because computer support can be a pathway to other jobs within a firm. "It's not unusual for companies to recruit developers and marketing people and professional services people from their help desk," he says. "Think of going into product development—if you've spent two or three years answering every conceivable question about what's not working with a product, you're really hitting the ground running."

Activity level:

You'll work a typical 40-hour week in the office (although telecommuting is becoming more common for computer support professionals). If you're employed by a third-party support firm, you may spend a lot of time at a client's site. Computer support specialists who work for a hardware or software vendor may spend five-plus hours on the phone each day, and the rest of the time researching issues in response to customer queries, or coming up with solutions. Those who work for a company's computer help desk spend their days assisting employees, installing software, and troubleshooting the network.

[See a list of the best technology careers.]

Stress level:

Your job may involve fielding calls from frustrated customers, which can be a source of stress. Spending long periods of time at a computer terminal can cause eye strain, back discomfort, and hand and wrist problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Education and preparation:

Employers tend to prefer some college background, such as a bachelor's degree or an associate's degree. A degree in computer science or related field will give you a leg up, but it's not always essential—some employers will hire applicants in any field. Since a wide range of industries employ computer support specialists, knowledge of a particular industry will give you an advantage. For example, if the job involves support for customers using accounting software, some accounting savvy will give you an edge. Knowing the specifics of a products isn't a must, says Tarter, because most support specialists receive on-the-job training.

[Find online degree programs in computer engineering.]

Real advice from real people about landing a job as a computer support specialist: