Careers in Technical Support/System Support Services

Society's increasingly large use of computers has created a high demand for specialists to advise users on technical issues. This includes the everyday administration, maintenance, and support of computer systems and networks. Computer support specialists, technical support specialists, and help-desk technicians provide the technical assistance and advice to users and to customers. They respond to phone calls and e-mail messages requesting help to troubleshoot hardware, software, and system problems. They can sometime use diagnostics programs to identify the source of the problem. In some cases, they recommend changes in software or hardware components to improve stability and performance. The growth in the number of employment opportunities in this field is expected to be good. The California Employment Development Department predicts for the period 2002-2012 growth over 27% (Source: Labor Market Info www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov).

Necessary Education and Skills for Career Success
Individuals working as computer support specialists and help-desk technicians must be trained in the most commonly used software applications, operating systems, and networking protocols. In responding to requests for guidance with computer issues, computer support specialists and help-desk technicians must listen carefully to the computer user. Their communication and analytical skills must be solid in order to diagnose a problem and instruct the user step-by-step on the solution and/or proper set up and usage of the system.

General Info About the Program
De Anza College's Computer Information Systems Department allows students to choose among two certificate programs and an associate degree to acquire the necessary skills and experience to succeed in this field. Students learn the Microsoft Windows environment, networking principles, desktop hardware, programming, and end-user security basics.

Technical Support/System Support Services Certificate and Degree Programs

The following links open in .pdf.

Certificate of Achievement:

• Help Desk
• Windows Technical Support (two-options)
  

Certificate of Achievement-Advanced:

• System Support Services

Associate Degree (A.A.):

• System Support Services

For more information contact the Computer Information Systems Department
Business and Computer Systems Division
De Anza L14
(408) 864-8796,8797
www.deanza.edu/cis