10 Tips to Help You become a Computer Technician

ITonlinelearning > Blog > Technology > 10 Tips to Help You become a Computer Technician
  • February 29, 2016
  • Posted by: Stacie Jansen van Vuren
  • Category: Technology

IT Technician Career Overview

In order to know whether or not you would like to become a computer technician you will need to know a little more about what the IT Technician career entails. There is a continuously growing demand for professionals in this field as technology evolves and finds an ever increasing number of roles in modern society.

Computer Repair Technician, Desktop Support, IT Technician and Support Technician are all job roles that fulfil the need for these skilled IT workers. The specific duties and responsibilities of these roles can vary based on the requirements of the specific organisation but to become a computer technician you should have the skills to fulfil tasks such as:

  • Installing PC Hardware
  • Installing PC Software
  • Computer Repair
  • Maintaining equipment
  • Providing desktop support
  • Troubleshooting a vast range of computer issues
  • Configuring computer networks

 

10 Tips to Become a Computer Technician

1. Get your CompTIA A+ Certification

One of the best foundations to ensure a great start when you decide to become a computer technician is to gain the right qualifications. CompTIA A+ is one of the most sought-after entry-level certifications in this field and most IT jobs require this as a basis. The course can be studied via online training so this is a qualification that you can work towards in your own time and at your own pace. The CompTIA A+ certification is considered to be a standard requirement when you are looking to become a computer technician so having this on your CV will be highly beneficial.

2. Practice Computer Repair

When you become a computer technician a large part of your job will consist of computer repair. This is a vital part of desktop support and will require that you are able to repair PC hardware, software and accessories such as printer and scanners. As an aspiring IT Technician, you can gain a vast amount of practical experience by repairing broken computers belonging to friends and family. If you are able to, source unwanted broken computers and spend time figuring out what you are able to fix and learn from what you have discovered.

3. Build a Computer

Although it will not necessarily be a part of your job when you become a computer technician, building computers can teach you as much as computer repair can and this is a great learning tool for those who learn through practical application. When buying the different components, you will learn about the internal structure of a computer and this will provide a wealth of knowledge. To become a computer technician you will need to know computers in a very detailed manner and building one from scratch is a significant learning curve.

4. Volunteer in Desktop Support

One of the quickest and easiest ways in which to gain the practical experience that will assist your goal to become a computer technician is to do volunteer work. Work at a local small business, a school or wherever you can find someone who is in need of computer repair or other aspects of desktop support. If possible, request that each of these places write you a recommendation letter stating that you have partaken in volunteer IT Technician work and what you have done during your time with them. These could prove helpful when applying for a job to become a computer technician.

5. Create a Search Friendly CV

Now that you have a relevant certification or two and have added practical experience to your inventory, it is necessary to ensure that your CV will get noticed by those recruiters who are hiring. There is fierce competition for IT Technician roles and recruiters are often swamped by the masses of applications that they receive. This has led to the use of filtering features and it is vital that you consider these when constructing your CV. Ensure that you clearly note any IT certifications that you have earned (CompTIA A+ is often used in the filtering process), mention any practical experience that you have gained (even if this is simply helping your friends and family with computer repair) and do not clutter your CV with unnecessary information or details – interviews are for the recruiter to ask for further information relating to the areas of your CV that have caught their attention.

6. Compile your own Guidance Database

This can prove to be a very useful resource at any time during your career as an IT Technician and it can also help you along your path to become a computer technician. Your Guidance Database can consist of anything that will help you with your career – tutorial videos, helpful websites, repair manuals, self-made notes, study guides or anything else that may come in handy.

7. Accept Any IT Job Offer

With the high levels of competition for positions as an IT Technician, it is advisable to accept any formal job offer that is presented to you when you are first trying to become a computer technician. This will provide you with on-the-job experience and the ability to learn more and add a paying IT Technician, Computer Repair or Desktop Support role to your CV.

8. Learn from other IT Technicians

Do not make the mistake of thinking that because you have now become a computer technician; you have nothing left to learn. The field of IT is always changing and there is always something new to learn. Learning from other IT Technicians is a fantastic way to increase your knowledge and skills and enhance your career potential.

9. Maintain Professional Integrity

Once you have become a computer technician you will begin to build your IT career from that basis. This applies whether you wish to remain in this career path or move towards a particular specialisation. Maintaining professional integrity is vital in order to develop a strong working reputation and having a sound work ethic is important both before and after you become a computer technician.

10. Work Smart

Although it is obviously important to work hard to become a computer technician and to further your career once you have gained your first IT Technician position; it is equally necessary to work smart. Focus on the areas where your weaknesses lie so that you can improve on them and keep an eye out for areas that you excel in as potential for a specialist career.

Become a Computer Technician Today

The first step in order to become a computer technician is training. If you are considering the online study route, it is advised that you study through an accredited training provider so that you can be assured that your IT Technician training is recognised and will thoroughly prepare you for the exams that are beneficial to achieving your goal to become a computer technician. ITonlinelearning is CompTIA accredited and will assist you with an affordable and flexible training option to get you started.