STAN BARBEE

DR. KATHY BUCKELEW

ORI 110: GPS SEMINAR

CAREER OVERVIEW

I became interested in computers when I purchased my first desktop back in the

early ninety’s. The information that was available to you with just a click was very

fascinating. Now they have improved on their capabilities to do more things, I

decided a job in the field of computer science was the way to go and earn a

living. I wanted to help in software support field to help other’s with the skills I

would learn. Software support has many career pathways to follow, positions in

Information Technology, Interactive media, Network Systems, Programming and

Software Development.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB

Software Support will help in a lot of areas depending

on the position a person applies for. A prescribed area

of support will handle service levels of support in solving

issues with computers or equipment. Support Technicians

would make materials with information, that would guide

people when they had small computer problems.

Software Support Analyst would analyze, design and

develop systems. Software Technicians builds, and test

prototype assemblies, and supports the engineers that

does the testing.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING REQUIRED

IT Support education requirements vary, but

some college experience is preferred with a

bachelor’s degree for information systems,

computer science or systems engineering. IT-

related associate degree or technical

certifications help with jobs as an Microsoft

Certified Desktop Support Technician. Training

for on the job can take normally ninety days for

Help Desk workers. Help Desk Support people

normally continue with education to keep their

technical and repair skills sharp.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Average employees in the lowest 10 to 25 percent

earn 27,200 to 34,320 annually. Specialists in their

fields in the top 75 to 90 percent will earn 57,290

to 72,690 annually. Those in the middle earn an

average of 44,300 annually, and those in financial

institutions, natural gas exploration, computer

equipment and postal services are the highest paid.

Employees that work for schools, colleges, and

computer design firms can earn between 43,310 to

52,470 annually. Benefits, a personal one is being

able to take care of your own computer, saving

money on repair costs, and helping your family with

computer problems. Common ones are insurance

that’s provided by employers, health, and disability.

Performance bonuses, flexible schedules for parents,

employee sickness, or doctor visits, and some

employers even offer a retirement package.

Job outlook for computer support specialists is

projected to grow 17 percent from 2012 to

2022. More will be needed as organizations

upgrade computer equipment and software.

Healthcare industries will grow, with increase in

information technology (IT) and support services

too. Clear advancement possibilities for

computer support specialists are very favorable.

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Computer support people work as customer

service person maybe years. They can be

promoted to positions, that help improve the

design of future products that help computers

be more efficient. Their time of working on

computers could help them build designs. The

people who work in software and hardware

companies, advance quickly into software

developers or network and computer systems.

WORK CITED

Slide 1

“Software Support.” Photograph. “Amada America Inc.” Los Angeles Technical Center, “n.d.” 2015. Web.

28 October 2015. <http://www.amada.com/america/softwaresupportino>.

Slide 3

“Great Sample Resume.” The # 1 Resume Samples and Career Information, Web. “n.d.” 2015. Web. 4

November 2015. <http://www.greatsampleresume.com/Job-Responsibilities/Software-

Support-Specialist- Responsibilities.html>.

“McLaren An Idox Company” 26 April 2000. Photograph Idox Web. “n.d.” 2014. Web. 4 November

2015. <http://www.mclarensoftware.com/resources/client- logins/contact-support.aspx>.

Works Cited

Slide 4

Kinnser Software, Inc. Photograph, “The Training To Get You Started.” “The

Support To Keep You Going.” Web “n.d.” 2015. Web. 6 November 2015.

<http://www.kinnser.com/support-and-training/>.

Guzman, Alyssa. “Qualifications For an IT Help Desk.” Demand Media Inc.

Web. “n.d.” 1999- 2015. Web. 6 November 2015.

<http://www.ehow.com/list_6727382_qualificationsdesk.html>.

Works Cited

Slide 5

Mammadov, Tim. “EHow Contributor/ Professional Writer” Help Desk Job Salary.

Web. “n.d.” 2015. Web. 7 November 2015.

<http://www.ehow.com/info_7973736_desk-job-salary.html>.

World News. “Ten Best Companies To Work For In” You Tube. 11 December 2014.

Web. 7 November 2015.

<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmoELKt_nio>.

Works Cited

Slide 6

Bureau Of Labor Statistics. “Help-Desk Technicians.” Photograph. Publications,

Computer Support Specialists. Web. 8 January 2014. Web. 7 November

2015

<http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-

support-specialists.htm#tab6>.

Bureau Of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook.” Publications,

Computer Support Specialists. 8 January 2014. Web. Web. 7 November

2015.

<http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-

support-specialists.htm#tab6>.

Works Cited

Slide 7

“Warehouse Control Software Support.” Photograph. Warehouse Support Assistant.

Parachute Site, Web. “n.d.” 2015. Web. 8 November 2015.

<http://www.whsystems.com/services/warehouse-customer-support-service-

training/warehouse-control-software-support/>.

McKay Rosenberg, Dawn. “Career Planning Expert.” Computer Support Specialist,

Career Information, About. Web. “n.d.” 2015. Web. 8 November 2015.

<http://careerplanning.about.com/od/occupations/p/techsupport.htm>.