Tyra
What are the skills I need to become a computer technologist?
My career is in computer technologies #facebook #computers #technology #information-technology
6 answers
Chad Eckles
Chad’s Answer
Great question! While there are many technical skills you will utilize throughout your career working in the field of computer technology, I will start with the non-technical skills you will need to be successful. I believe the essential skills you need to be are the following:
1. Be a problem-solver - This is a professional field that is all about solving complex challenges, innovating to make things better, or discovering new solutions entirely to change the landscape for the greater good of the industry. If you love being challenged and finding solutions to those challenges, you are in the right field!
2. Be team-oriented - You will usually be working in smaller teams to do tasks such as building a software program, designing a data center, strategizing on process improvements within the organization, etc. It is important to sharpen your communication and project management skills, have the ability to actively listen to your team, take constructive feedback positively, and learn how to leverage the team's strengths/weaknesses to be as efficient as possible. Long story short - teamwork makes the dream work!
3. Be curious to learn more - Technology is a complex and ever-changing career field. What was popular a decade ago can be considered ancient depending on what organization you are working in. You have to be hungry for knowledge and be education-focused to constantly adapt to the current landscape. Post-college education such as graduate school, certifications, and training classes are all things that can keep you sharp. I subscribe to various podcasts, online magazines, and news articles to stay current on industry trends as well.
Now, to touch on the technical side of the house, technology is an incredibly large field with many distinct focus areas. Is there anything in particular that interests you? If you have a few ideas but are unsure, I highly recommend an internship or networking with technology companies in your area to see if you can volunteer or even schedule time with some of their employees to talk specifics. I have been at many organizations that hosted students to have a "day in the life" discussion, showing what tasks would be expected if you worked in software coding, hardware engineering, cyber security, etc.
I couldn't agree more with this. The technological skills can be acquired through OJT (on -the-job training), courses, seminars, etc. The resources out there are vast for learning new skills and staying with the current trends in Computer Science. This is a must to succeed in the field. But to start, from the ground up depending on where you want to go Administrative/Operations or Development requires different basic skill sets. Another core skill (non-technical) I would say is missing from above is customer service.
Joseph D'Angelo
Beibit Bak
Beibit’s Answer
As with anything, without clear motivation chances of quitting is high. So spend some time initially to understand why do you want to pursue this path. And second, always remind yourself about it.
Willingness to learn is required since the field is constantly evolving with new technology. Reading the blogpost I've written just 2 years ago I can see that I could improve 50% of my previous solution. So constant learning is required.
There are tons of interesting projects around. New ideas come every day. But success comes with consistency. Thus, having a self-discipline to say No to other things and focusing on important tasks is critical.
Daniel Cotter
Daniel’s Answer
The skills required to be a Computer Technologist include but are not limited to:
General:
Possess a variety of technical, conceptual, communicative, design, marketing, interpersonal, and project management skill sets.
Knowledge Broker:
Conceptualize abstract and complex systems easily. Communicate technically and conceptually complex subjects clearly and accurately to technical and non-technical audiences using a variety of media.
Creative Thinker:
Articulate oral, written, and visual communicator with a strong technical aptitude and a keen eye for detail; with the ability to identify and employ the most effective way to communicate a complex concept.
Logical Designer:
Design clear, concise, practical, and intuitive easy to navigate user interfaces.
Multi-Tasker:
Exceptional team player who excels in fast paced dynamic environments where priorities change quickly and frequently. Experienced at managing, re-prioritizing, and completing multiple projects simultaneously on time and on budget.
Problem Solver and Leader:
A careful and empathetic listener and an effective facilitator with superior interpersonal skills, able to move processes forward and increase individual and team productivity.
Results Driven:
Effectively and independently collaborate with internal and external Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and vendors to create and maintain written and graphical content in an accurate and timely manner.
Strong Work Ethic:
Be an honest, hardworking, and dedicated worker. Apply common sense, common courtesy, and clear communications in everything you do.
Jai Saini
Jai’s Answer
Good luck in future!
Jai
Terry Diggs
Terry’s Answer
Here is a site with good info
https://learn.org/articles/What_is_a_Computer_Technologist.html
Terry Diggs
Terry’s Answer
Great question and I think there is good advise given.
Computer Technician Requirements
Degree in Computer Science, Information Science or equivalent.
Problem-solving skills.
Active listening skills.
Knowledge of data storage and data recovery.
Service-oriented.
Exceptional technical expertise.
Superior working knowledge of computer systems.
Time and task management.