Computer Support Technician

Computer support technicians should enjoy working with people, be open-minded to learning new technology and be able to multitask. It is important for those employed in this profession to have patience and know that there will be times when there will be extended hours outside the normal work day.

Graduates with this certificate will be qualified to work in a mobile or corporate technical environment with a high level of face-to-face interaction. Job titles in some organizations describing the role of this individual may be: Enterprise Technician, IT Administrator, Field Service Technician, PC Technician and others.

Computer Support Technicians provide help and support to people and organizations using computer software or equipment. They may also install, repair and maintain different types of computer equipment. The technician may focus on networks and servers, or other areas.

Several thousand new computer support specialists will be needed in Michigan by 2020, according to the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth. The number of computer support specialists is expected to grow by 31 percent and they will earn close to $22 per hour.

The Business and Computer Sciences department at Glen Oaks Community College is meeting this occupational need with a certificate that prepares students for entry-level computer support and repair positions. The certificate requires 32 credit hours, including 29 core credits and three credits hours from an elective course like Web Page Design, Advanced Visual Basic Programming or Network Administration (Windows NOS).