Zach, 20s
Around three years ago, Zach completed his computing course, and then found a job at the systems integration company where he still works. His current role involves network support, network and mail 'rollouts' (updates), as well as other computer technician work.
What do you like about the job?
"It's an interesting and challenging job," says Zach. "The work's always changing. There's a lot of variety, and there's always new technology to keep on top of."
On the other hand, Zach suggests that you can get some boring jobs, too. However he reassures: "The further you get in the profession, the less of those jobs you have to do."
What sort of things do you do?
Zach's day to day duties include checking logs, maintaining systems, providing help-desk support and general troubleshooting. "If your email isn't working, it's my job to find out why and then fix it."
In general, the work of a computer service technician requires good problem solving skills, some mechanical aptitude, an ability to grasp technical concepts and a willingness to learn. Also, if you're dealing with customers, in desktop or sales support, for example, you'll need good people skills as well.
Depending on where you work, there can also be a fair bit of travel. Often work is not on-site, and you may need to visit either residential or corporate premises in order to implement a new system into an old computer, or provide system support.
How do you become a computer technician?
"There are lots of accredited courses that can get you into the industry, and once you're in, there are a number of additional courses available if you want to branch into different areas. Also with the overall growth of the IT industry, there are likely to be more jobs for computer service technicians in general," he adds.
What kinds of opportunities are there?
Once you're in the industry, it's then quite easy to get into other computer-related occupations. "If you start off as a technician, you can later go into areas such as software development or systems integration," says Zach.
"As the total cost of ownership of a computer system decreases, more and more people will be requiring the services of computer service technicians," says Zach. "Plus systems are becoming both more advanced and easier to maintain."
Zach says, "While the public's tendency is to think of computer service technicians as either nerds, or gurus who fix the impossible, neither perception is particularly warranted. Not only are there all sorts of people who get into the occupation, but if you're willing to learn, you too can begin to unravel some of the mysteries of modern technology."
Find out more about this career path at myfuture.edu.au (Note: free registration is required to access the myfuture site).