OUTLOOK FOR COMPUTER SUPPORT SPECIALIST WITHIN THE NEXT 5-10 YEARS

Introduction Ever since I was a child I have always enjoyed working with computers and finding ways to solve problems. Whenever my family and I had computer problems we would hire computer specialists to fix our computers. Among those specialists was a busboy who worked at my family’s Thai restaurant; and on the side he operated a computer support store. Another specialist is a good friend of mine who works at Volkswagen as a computer support specialist; he has stopped by my house several times to retrieve corrupted files, reformat computers, in addition to adding more memory storage. I was always fascinated by his techniques. For example, he was able to fix my computer from his office while I was at home. Up until then I didn’t know that it was possible to view another person’s desktop from your own desktop.
I am interested in becoming a computer support specialist also due to the fact that my parents’ Dearborn restaurant is still being operated in the old fashion way with a traditional cash register. The most irritating thing about operating a popular restaurant without advance technology is making mistakes on orders because they are hand written. In addition, calculating profit by hand is very tedious for the owner. In the past we have had employees steal money and throw away checks that were to be accounted by the end of the day. I feel that if my parents had the up to date advance technology equipment to run there business it would be more efficient and less stress for them. As the only son, I feel obligated to use my business and technological knowledge to run the family business better.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Computer support specialists held about 565,700 jobs in 2008. Although they worked in a wide range of industries, about 18 percent were employed in the computer systems design and related services industry. Substantial numbers of these workers were also employed in administrative and support services companies, financial institutions, insurance companies, government agencies, educational institutions, software publishers, telecommunications organizations, and healthcare organizations” (bls.gov).
Purpose and Scope

The goal of my research is to determine the viewpoint for a Computer Support Specialist. The purpose of this study will be to collect key information, evaluate the information and then use it to form an approximation on what the outlook will be for a Computer Support Specialist in the future. Components such as the employment opportunities, school choices and tuition; the weekly hours, and also the advantages and disadvantages will be put into consideration in this research.
Report Organization This report will be organized into three main categories; education, employment opportunities, and expectations. The end of this report will have recommendations and conclusions about the outlook for Computer Support Specialist in the next 5-10 years.
Sources and Methods As a method of data collection, I interviewed Semir Hadzic about school choices and cost also, opportunities. Other sources such as the internet and books are also going to be used as a secondary source to learn a broader span of information. As secondary sources I will be using the Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov, Macomb Community College (Macomb.edu), Walsh College (Walshcollege.edu), World Wide Learn (World Wide Learn.com), Payscale.com, Inside Tech (insidetech.monster.com).
Required Degrees According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, having either a bachelor’s degree, computer related associates degree, or some formal type of college education is required. “Most support specialists receive on-the-job training after being hired. This training can last anywhere from 1 week to 1 year, but a common length is about 3 months. Many computer support specialists, in order to keep up with changes in technology, continue to receive training throughout their careers by attending professional training programs offered by employers, hardware and software vendors, colleges and universities, and private training institutions” (bls.gov). Figure 1 illustrates, the more experience you have the higher salary you will earn according to payscale.com

Colleges and Universities Community colleges like Macomb Community College offer certificates and associate degrees for IT Profession. IT Professional program is designed to prepare students for three types of information technology positions entry-level positions, IT management positions, or IT project management positions. The program will give the student a background in windows-based applications (word processing, spreadsheet applications, presentations, and database management), web design, programming, networking (Macomb.edu). Information systems are used by businesses and how they can drive businesses into new markets and pursue new opportunities. Business Information Technology (BIT) will prepare students both in the language of business and the language of technology. Obtaining the Business Information Technology (BIT) degree will also prepare students to meet the need for professionals proficient in the development of business collaboration software (Walshcollege.edu). In an interview with my friend Semir Hadzic, who is a computer support specialist for Volkswagen, he revealed that he received four certificates in the associate level. They are the A+ Certification, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), Microsoft Certified IT Professional Certification (MCITP), and the Java Certification. He also insisted that I should attend Walsh College for anything dealing with IT (Vang, Interview Hadzic).
Time Required To Graduate
Macomb community college states that to receive an associates degree you need a minimum of 62 Macomb credit hours. One must earn a minimum of 18 semester hours in Arts and Sciences component. Most of the suggested courses are business communications and program developing (Macomb.edu). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people interested in becoming a computer support specialist must have strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills because troubleshooting and helping others are vital parts of the job. The constant interaction with other computer personnel, customers, and employees requires computer support specialists to communicate effectively via e-mail, over the phone, or in person. Strong writing skills are useful in writing e-mail responses and preparing manuals for employees and customers (bls.gov). A minimum of six semester credit hours must involve with ITCS, ITOS, or ITWP (Macomb.edu). For a Bachelors degree in Business Information Technology (BIT) one can attend a national accredited college such as Walsh, which is located in Troy, Novi, and the University Center at Macomb Community College. Walsh College states that, “Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Business Information Technology (BBA BIT) from Walsh College requires a total of 127 semester credit hours. This includes the transfer of up to 82 credit hours and a minimum of 45 credit hours (15 courses) taken while in residence at Walsh College” (Walsh College.edu). If one decides to pursue future management program, a master’s degree in Information Systems is also offered if one has a GPA of 2.75 or higher, in addition to being omitted (WalshCollege.edu). Semir Hadzic graduated from high school in 2006, and received his third certificate at the age of twenty. He received his certificates from computertraining.com. Now he has thought about attending undergrad school for Business Information Technology (BIT). There is a possibility that it may take him up to two years to receiving his bachelor’s degree (Vang, Interview Hadzic).
Cost of Education Macomb Community College offers undergraduate credits at $72.00 per credit hour. Out of district students that attend Macomb pay $110.00 per credit. Out-of-State students or students from another country are entitled to pay $143.00 per credit (Macomb.edu). 127 semester credit hours are needed for a Bachelor’s degree at Walsh, costing $19,629. And the general admission would cost $305.00 per credit hour (walshcollege.edu). Semir Hadzic is still paying off his $27,000 loan (Vang, Interview Hadzic).
Employment opportunities According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer support specialists held about “565,700 jobs in 2008, which they work in a wide range of industries such as, banks, government agencies, insurance companies, and supportive service industries” (bls.gov). In addition, “with the continued development of the Internet, telecommunications, and e-mail, industries not typically associated with computers-such as construction - increasingly need computer-related workers. Small and large firms across all industries are expanding or developing computer systems, creating an immediate need for computer support specialists and systems administrators” (WorldWideLearn.com). Semir Hadzic, who works as a Computer Support Specialist at a Volkswagen, was paid to attend a national technology convention show in Las Vegas to learn more about the new upcoming technology. (Figure 2) illustrates the employment increase. For a better idea of salary earned, (see figure 3). This following bar graph illustrates the Median wages earned in May 2008 (bls.gov).

Advantages There are many benefits for a Computer Support Specialist. It is a fact that technology is always changing and improving the way we live. For instance, my friend Semir was paid to attend a national technology convention show in Las Vegas to learn more about the new upcoming technology. There will always be something new for you to look upon and it makes the job more exciting (Vang, interview Hadzic). According to insidetech.monster.com, some computer support specialists become applications developers, designing products rather than assisting users. Computer support specialists at hardware and software companies often enjoy great upward mobility; advancement sometimes comes within months of one’s initial employment. Also with the technology continuing to improve, computer support specialists must keep their skills current and acquire new ones. Many continuing education programs are provided by employers, hardware and software vendors, colleges and universities, and private training institutions (insidetech.monster.com).
Disadvantages
There are disadvantages to being a Computer Support Specialist. There are going to be times when you will stare at a computer all day; eventually dealing with clients who have no knowledge at all; you’re going to have to handle people who are outdated with their technology, and also trying to help stubborn clients who think they have more knowledge than you. There is less stimulation due to the fact that you are in your own cubicle (Vang, Interview Hadzic). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, injuries in this occupation are common, but like other workers who type on a keyboard for long periods, computer support specialists are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort, and hand and wrist problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome (bls.gov).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the outlook for Computer Support Specialist in the next 5-10 years is expected to increase, with more companies hiring certified specialist without a bachelor’s degree. Salaries will depend on your seniority and position. After gathering all this research, I realized that becoming a Computer Specialist is not really for me. The disadvantages I found, in my interview with Semir Hadzic, has out weigh the advantages: less stimulation and dealing with difficult clients (Vang, Interview Hadzic). I will still attend Walsh College for their business program and still take the required IT classes, however I cannot envision myself specializing in the IT field as a career.

Works Cited
VangPersonal interview with Semir Hadzic. 8 Feb. 2010.
Macomb Community College. 9 Apr. 2010
Walsh College. 9 Apr. 2010 < http://www.Walshcollege.edu>
"Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition" Bureau of Labor Statistics 10 Apr. 2010 .
“Computer Support Specialist.” World Wide Learn 10 Apr. 2010

“Salary Survey for Job: Computer Technical Support Specialist.” Pay scale 10 Apr. 2010

“Working As a Computer Support Specialist.” Inside Tech 10 Apr. 2010

Appendix A

Questionnaire and personal interview with Semir Hadzic, Volkswagen Computer Support Specialist, location Conducted on March, 04, 2010.
Questionnaire
1. How much is it to take the certification exam?
2. Where did you go to receive your certifications?
3. What are some advantages and disadvantages to becoming a certified Computer Support Specialist?
4. What college would you recommend for someone who is pursuing in the IT field?
5. Over the next 5-10 years how many jobs will there be in government agencies, health care, banks, and education?
6. How much did the school you attend cost? Did you take loans out? Are your loans paid off?
7. What got you interested in becoming a Computer Support Specialist?

Interview: Questions and Answers
1. How much is it to take the certification exams?
The Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist (MCTS), and the Microsoft Certified IT Professional Certification (MCITP) exam cost roughly $100 to $130. For the A+ Certification and the Java+ Certification cost between $40 to $75.

2. Where did you go to receive your certifications?
I received my Microsoft certified technical Specialist Certification, Microsoft Certified IT Professional Certification, the A+ Certification, and the Java+ Certification from Computer training.com.

3. What are some advantages and disadvantages to becoming a certified Computer Support Specialist?
Some advantages are, you do not need a bachelor’s or an associate’s degree. All you really need is Certifications to become a Computer Support Specialist. Another advantage is, technology is always changing and, there’s always something new for you to learn. Some disadvantages are, you stare at a computer all day, not a lot of stimulation going on to keep you focused in the office, dealing with clients who think they know more than you, and those who have no knowledge of using a computer what so ever.

4. What college would you recommend for someone who is pursuing in the IT field?
I would recommend Walsh College.

5. Over the next 5-10 years how many jobs will there be in government agencies, health care, banks, and education?
30% Government agencies, 35% Health care, 15% Banks, and 20% Education.

6. How much did the school you attend cost? Did you take loans out? Are your loans paid off?
The school that I attended cost roughly about $27,000. Yes I took loans out. And no, my loans are not paid off.

7. What got you interested in becoming a Computer Support Specialist?
Ever since I was in high school, friends and family always told me that I was good with computers and that I should pursue in a career in IT.