3 answers
2
Questions
Asked
350 views
Translated from Chinese (Simplified) .
What can I do become a professional on computer hardware.
What can I do become a professional on computer hardware.
#computer-hardware I am very interested in it.
Login to comment
3 answers
Updated
Jonathan’s Answer
There are multiple means on becoming a professional on computer hardware. Therefore, there is no single best path and what I recommend can easily be considered among various options. First, you should start to layout your milestones (or goals) which are measurable and timebound that will get you to the finish line (which is, becoming a professional on computer hardware). While this could be self-evident, I cannot begin to count how many times I coached individuals and them realizing how their ultimate goal could not be obtained because they did not phase out their journey. Basically, they knew their "Why" (vision) and "What" (Result) but they had an opportunity to improve their plan of action/goals or "How."
So, here is my recommendation to your question:
Your initial goals should be grounded on developing the requisite skills for a computer hardware professional. Therefore, you need to identify what skills are needed for your field of interest. So, how do you develop skills? You can develop them through a combination of education, experiences, relationships (e.g., mentorships/networking) to name a few. Next, you need to set timebound factors on those aforementioned means of developing skills. In order to obtain experiences such as on the job experience, these may require IT certification(s) depending on the position/opportunity. Therefore, you should focus on your education/self-paced learning. When it comes to education, there are many certifications in the IT field that can be obtained quickly in your dedicate your time and energy accordingly. In this instance, you may want to consider trade/technical schools to obtain certifications. Again, this is dependent on what position(s) you are considering and what is required for them respectfully. Next, you need to obtain experiences in your field of interest as quickly as possible which leads me to the next point. While you are educating yourself, you should also focus on cultivating relationships with those around you such as seasoned professionals in your field of interest. The relationships can help your resume get the "second look" from a Recruiter and/or Hiring Manager, mentoring, get you an internship, entry-level position, etc. All of this can help provide you with first-hand experience while still building on your formal education.
In summary, your initial goal should be focused on developing required skills of a professional of computer hardware. Thereafter, put other timebound goals you feel are necessary into becoming a professional on computer hardware.
I hope that information helps and wish you all the best!
So, here is my recommendation to your question:
Your initial goals should be grounded on developing the requisite skills for a computer hardware professional. Therefore, you need to identify what skills are needed for your field of interest. So, how do you develop skills? You can develop them through a combination of education, experiences, relationships (e.g., mentorships/networking) to name a few. Next, you need to set timebound factors on those aforementioned means of developing skills. In order to obtain experiences such as on the job experience, these may require IT certification(s) depending on the position/opportunity. Therefore, you should focus on your education/self-paced learning. When it comes to education, there are many certifications in the IT field that can be obtained quickly in your dedicate your time and energy accordingly. In this instance, you may want to consider trade/technical schools to obtain certifications. Again, this is dependent on what position(s) you are considering and what is required for them respectfully. Next, you need to obtain experiences in your field of interest as quickly as possible which leads me to the next point. While you are educating yourself, you should also focus on cultivating relationships with those around you such as seasoned professionals in your field of interest. The relationships can help your resume get the "second look" from a Recruiter and/or Hiring Manager, mentoring, get you an internship, entry-level position, etc. All of this can help provide you with first-hand experience while still building on your formal education.
In summary, your initial goal should be focused on developing required skills of a professional of computer hardware. Thereafter, put other timebound goals you feel are necessary into becoming a professional on computer hardware.
I hope that information helps and wish you all the best!
Wayne Archibald
Cybersecurity Associate Director here to share knowledge!
210
Answers
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
Hi Jiaqi,
Computer repair technicians (or professionals on computer hardware) are professionals in the information technology (IT) field who specialize in solving computer issues. If you are interested in fixing computer hardware, installing software and troubleshooting technical issues, a role in computer repair could be a great opportunity for you. Learning more about this role and what it involves could help you determine your next career steps. In this article, we explain how you can become a computer repair technician, and we provide important career information, including job responsibilities, career outlook and useful skills.
What is a computer repair technician?
A computer repair technician, also called a computer technician or PC repair technician, is an IT professional who helps troubleshoot and repair computers and computer programs. They can assist customers in a variety of locations, including corporate offices, IT departments and repair centers. They help ensure that computers, networks and systems function correctly.
What does a computer repair technician do?
A computer repair technician works to ensure computers function correctly. Their responsibilities can vary depending on their work environment and role, but common duties include:
Preparing new computer systems
Installing software and computer programs
Maintaining and troubleshooting existing software
Updating and checking computer security programs
Instruction customers on best security practices
Analyzing computer function and repairing hardware or servers as needed
Testing and evaluating new software programs for a company
Assisting customers or employees with technical issues
Answering questions and describing troubleshooting steps to customers
Training customers or employees on computer software programs or general use
Visiting homes or offices to repair computers
Working remotely to solve problems through live chat and diagnostic testing
How to become a computer repair technician
There are several pathways you can take to become a computer repair technician. If you are interested in this career, consider following these general steps:
1. Earn high school diploma or equivalent
Computer repair technicians must have a high school diploma or equivalent education. Some high schools offer classes in computer repair or technology. These courses can give students a chance to work with computer equipment and develop technical skills. Courses in physics, math and engineering can also help aspiring computer technicians develop their skills. If you are in high school, consider exploring your school's programs to what courses it offers.
2. Complete additional education
Some computer repair technicians begin their careers with a high school diploma, but many roles prefer or require an associate or bachelor's degree. Consider earning an additional degree to help you stand out to potential employers and qualify for more roles. Computer technicians often have one of the following majors:
Computer hardware technology
Computer repair technology
PC maintenance
Information technology
Information science
Computer science
Computing and security
Engineering
3. Develop technical skills
Computer repair technicians can develop technical skills during their education, work or individual exploration. Many technicians begin by studying their own computer hardware. They might analyze common computer problems and help their family or friends solve technical issues. Consider developing your computer repair skills by studying computers, hardware and networks. You may find relevant information in online groups, online courses and books.
4. Gain professional experience
Professional experience can help computer repair technicians advance their skills and qualify for new roles. Consider gaining professional experience by applying for entry-level roles that involve computer technology. Some professionals start their careers working in customer service or help centers in a variety of industries. For example, an aspiring computer technician may work at a university help desk and answer technical questions in the library.
5. Explore certification options
There are a variety of certifications available for IT professionals. These certificates show a professional has developed industry knowledge and exemplary technical skills. A certificate is usually optional for computer repair roles, although some positions may require certain certifications.
There are general IT certification programs or certificates in special software programs. Consider your interests, job preferences and skills when choosing a certificate program.
6. Apply for roles
Computer repair technicians can work in a variety of locations. When applying for positions, consider your preferences. You may work for a repair center, business, healthcare organization or school. You can also pursue freelancing opportunities.
If you are interested in working for a company or organization, you can develop a resume and cover letter to reflect your hard and soft skills. IT professionals should list their specific software knowledge and any certifications they hold on their resumes. This can help show an employer how qualified you are.
If you want to begin your career as a freelancer, you can reach out to network connections or clients to find opportunities.
Skills needed for computer repair technicians
Computer repair technicians use a variety of hard and soft skills to succeed in their roles. Here are some important career skills they can use:
Customer service: Many computer technicians work directly with customers and clients. They listen to customer's computer issues, train clients on new software and explain best computer practices to others. They can use strong customer service skills such as empathy and patients to help them accomplish these tasks.
Active listening: Active listening is the ability to fully comprehend what someone is saying. Computer repair technicians can use active listening to understand customer's computer issues. This can help them troubleshoot and solve issues quickly
Verbal communication: Computer repair technicians may explain complex computer concepts to customers and clients. They sometimes lead computer software training within a company or explain processes to residential customers. Strong verbal communication allows them to express ideas clearly to multiple audiences.
Problem-solving: Computer repair technicians use effective problem-solving skills to resolve computer issues.
Analytical thinking: To resolve technical issues, computer technicians must use analytical thinking to analyze information. They assess how a computer functions to create a solution.
Technical skills: Computer repair technicians require technical skills and industry knowledge. Depending on their role, they may need skills in computer programming, coding, hardware repair or network analysis. They may also use a variety of software and computer languages.
Average computer repair technician salary:
The average national salary for computer repair technicians is $20,303 per year. Common benefits for this career include remote opportunities, flexible hours, tuition reimbursement and employee discounts. Your salary and benefits can vary depending on your geographic location, education and professional experience.
Job outlook for computer repair technicians
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts employment in computer and information technology roles to grow by 11% from 2019 to 2029. This is faster than the national average for all occupations. The BLS expects the number of computer-related occupations to increase as companies use new technologies.
Computer repair technicians can work in a variety of environments, including:
Computer or technology retail stores
Computer repair centers or help desks
Hospitals or other healthcare organizations
Government buildings
Universities or colleges
Company IT departments
Some computer technicians may work as freelancers, meaning they work on contracts for individual clients. They may travel to multiple locations, visiting residences, or work remotely.
Jobs for computer repair technicians:
If fixing computers is something that interests you, there are a variety of jobs for you to consider. Here are 10 jobs similar to computer repair technicians:
1. IT technician
2. Technical support specialist
3. Desktop support technician
4. Help desk analyst
5. IT support specialist
6. Senior computer repair technician
7. Service desk technician
8. Cellphone repair technician
9. Instructional support technician
10. IT field service technician
Good luck!
Computer repair technicians (or professionals on computer hardware) are professionals in the information technology (IT) field who specialize in solving computer issues. If you are interested in fixing computer hardware, installing software and troubleshooting technical issues, a role in computer repair could be a great opportunity for you. Learning more about this role and what it involves could help you determine your next career steps. In this article, we explain how you can become a computer repair technician, and we provide important career information, including job responsibilities, career outlook and useful skills.
What is a computer repair technician?
A computer repair technician, also called a computer technician or PC repair technician, is an IT professional who helps troubleshoot and repair computers and computer programs. They can assist customers in a variety of locations, including corporate offices, IT departments and repair centers. They help ensure that computers, networks and systems function correctly.
What does a computer repair technician do?
A computer repair technician works to ensure computers function correctly. Their responsibilities can vary depending on their work environment and role, but common duties include:
Preparing new computer systems
Installing software and computer programs
Maintaining and troubleshooting existing software
Updating and checking computer security programs
Instruction customers on best security practices
Analyzing computer function and repairing hardware or servers as needed
Testing and evaluating new software programs for a company
Assisting customers or employees with technical issues
Answering questions and describing troubleshooting steps to customers
Training customers or employees on computer software programs or general use
Visiting homes or offices to repair computers
Working remotely to solve problems through live chat and diagnostic testing
How to become a computer repair technician
There are several pathways you can take to become a computer repair technician. If you are interested in this career, consider following these general steps:
1. Earn high school diploma or equivalent
Computer repair technicians must have a high school diploma or equivalent education. Some high schools offer classes in computer repair or technology. These courses can give students a chance to work with computer equipment and develop technical skills. Courses in physics, math and engineering can also help aspiring computer technicians develop their skills. If you are in high school, consider exploring your school's programs to what courses it offers.
2. Complete additional education
Some computer repair technicians begin their careers with a high school diploma, but many roles prefer or require an associate or bachelor's degree. Consider earning an additional degree to help you stand out to potential employers and qualify for more roles. Computer technicians often have one of the following majors:
Computer hardware technology
Computer repair technology
PC maintenance
Information technology
Information science
Computer science
Computing and security
Engineering
3. Develop technical skills
Computer repair technicians can develop technical skills during their education, work or individual exploration. Many technicians begin by studying their own computer hardware. They might analyze common computer problems and help their family or friends solve technical issues. Consider developing your computer repair skills by studying computers, hardware and networks. You may find relevant information in online groups, online courses and books.
4. Gain professional experience
Professional experience can help computer repair technicians advance their skills and qualify for new roles. Consider gaining professional experience by applying for entry-level roles that involve computer technology. Some professionals start their careers working in customer service or help centers in a variety of industries. For example, an aspiring computer technician may work at a university help desk and answer technical questions in the library.
5. Explore certification options
There are a variety of certifications available for IT professionals. These certificates show a professional has developed industry knowledge and exemplary technical skills. A certificate is usually optional for computer repair roles, although some positions may require certain certifications.
There are general IT certification programs or certificates in special software programs. Consider your interests, job preferences and skills when choosing a certificate program.
6. Apply for roles
Computer repair technicians can work in a variety of locations. When applying for positions, consider your preferences. You may work for a repair center, business, healthcare organization or school. You can also pursue freelancing opportunities.
If you are interested in working for a company or organization, you can develop a resume and cover letter to reflect your hard and soft skills. IT professionals should list their specific software knowledge and any certifications they hold on their resumes. This can help show an employer how qualified you are.
If you want to begin your career as a freelancer, you can reach out to network connections or clients to find opportunities.
Skills needed for computer repair technicians
Computer repair technicians use a variety of hard and soft skills to succeed in their roles. Here are some important career skills they can use:
Customer service: Many computer technicians work directly with customers and clients. They listen to customer's computer issues, train clients on new software and explain best computer practices to others. They can use strong customer service skills such as empathy and patients to help them accomplish these tasks.
Active listening: Active listening is the ability to fully comprehend what someone is saying. Computer repair technicians can use active listening to understand customer's computer issues. This can help them troubleshoot and solve issues quickly
Verbal communication: Computer repair technicians may explain complex computer concepts to customers and clients. They sometimes lead computer software training within a company or explain processes to residential customers. Strong verbal communication allows them to express ideas clearly to multiple audiences.
Problem-solving: Computer repair technicians use effective problem-solving skills to resolve computer issues.
Analytical thinking: To resolve technical issues, computer technicians must use analytical thinking to analyze information. They assess how a computer functions to create a solution.
Technical skills: Computer repair technicians require technical skills and industry knowledge. Depending on their role, they may need skills in computer programming, coding, hardware repair or network analysis. They may also use a variety of software and computer languages.
Average computer repair technician salary:
The average national salary for computer repair technicians is $20,303 per year. Common benefits for this career include remote opportunities, flexible hours, tuition reimbursement and employee discounts. Your salary and benefits can vary depending on your geographic location, education and professional experience.
Job outlook for computer repair technicians
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts employment in computer and information technology roles to grow by 11% from 2019 to 2029. This is faster than the national average for all occupations. The BLS expects the number of computer-related occupations to increase as companies use new technologies.
Computer repair technicians can work in a variety of environments, including:
Computer or technology retail stores
Computer repair centers or help desks
Hospitals or other healthcare organizations
Government buildings
Universities or colleges
Company IT departments
Some computer technicians may work as freelancers, meaning they work on contracts for individual clients. They may travel to multiple locations, visiting residences, or work remotely.
Jobs for computer repair technicians:
If fixing computers is something that interests you, there are a variety of jobs for you to consider. Here are 10 jobs similar to computer repair technicians:
1. IT technician
2. Technical support specialist
3. Desktop support technician
4. Help desk analyst
5. IT support specialist
6. Senior computer repair technician
7. Service desk technician
8. Cellphone repair technician
9. Instructional support technician
10. IT field service technician
Good luck!
Updated
Ram’s Answer
What you can do to become a computer hardware professional? I observe you are still a student. Without knowing when you will be out of school, my answer[s] can only be generic.
1. develop curiosity in yourself to learn how computers work.
2. read about the different parts that make up a computer - which will enable you to ask specific questions to understand their functionality. If you cannot find a mentor, even google can be an excellent source!
3. if possible watch a computer being repaired.
4. be prepared to dedicate your Time and effort into acquiring the knowledge to become a professional - this applies to any field of your choice.
5. if you are a stage in school where an apprenticeship is possible, even if it is unpaid work, explore the possibilities and sign up.
Always understand that you have your put in your effort first!
1. develop curiosity in yourself to learn how computers work.
2. read about the different parts that make up a computer - which will enable you to ask specific questions to understand their functionality. If you cannot find a mentor, even google can be an excellent source!
3. if possible watch a computer being repaired.
4. be prepared to dedicate your Time and effort into acquiring the knowledge to become a professional - this applies to any field of your choice.
5. if you are a stage in school where an apprenticeship is possible, even if it is unpaid work, explore the possibilities and sign up.
Always understand that you have your put in your effort first!