Computer Network Support Specialist

Overview

When you've completed your certificate, you'll find work as a computer network specialist that communicates with vendors, assists users, diagnoses issues, and responds to troubleshooting questions related to network support services.

Computer systems are smaller, faster, more powerful, less power consuming, and more portable than ever imagined, and are an essential part of every industry today. Our Computer Information Systems (CIS) program is designed with guidance from industry professionals and is constantly being updated to keep up with the daily advances in technology.

For more information, including specific courses and class descriptions, visit the ECC Catalog.

What does a Computer Network Support Specialist do?

Computer network services professionals are essential in all organizations that require computer hardware and software upgrades for global connectivity, operational efficiency, and performance accountability. They provide detailed technical engineering-related functions. If you pursue a career in this area, your primary function is to provide diverse analysis, configuration support, and solutions through IT departments at organizations around the world.

Network Specialist duties include LAN/WAN/Wireless system and peripheral equipment setup configuration; access, security, and firewall configuration; software installation; customary cabling; performing regular network maintenance and data backup; resolving hardware and software operation issues; diagnosing, configuring, and testing systems; analyzing data and network usage; network troubleshooting and disaster recovery; developing training materials and providing end-user instruction; evaluating and testing software/hardware and releases for system and security compatibility and integrity; quality assurance; interfacing with vendors; and regular management reporting; logging network activity; help desk support.

What will I learn with a professional certificate as a Computer Network Support Specialist?

This certificate curriculum exposes you to various career options in computer science and technology. You will become familiar with details of the Internet, hardware and software fundamentals, computer programming, installation and configuration concepts, computer access and security protocols, and diverse operating systems (OS) features. You will learn diagnostic/analysis/troubleshooting principles, creating and monitoring logs, and proper customer support techniques. Open-source software solutions will be explored. You will learn how to install Linux OS, configure Open Source applications on Linux, become seasoned in conventional software updates, and become proficient in graphical user interface structures and components.

Is a Computer Network Support Specialist a good career?

Computer Network Specialist positions, by definition, will grow exponentially into the future because of the excessively high demand for digital and computer-related products and services in all aspects of life. It's a great career path for anyone seeking a challenging, lucrative, customer-oriented, and highly technical vocation.

What skills do you need to work in computer support? 

Computer support personnel often work in areas of software, hardware, and/or help desk support. You need to be customer-service-oriented and inquisitive, have strong problem-solving skills, patience, and a strategic technical aptitude.

Elgin Community College Certificate Programs?

The CIS program allows you to select classes that best suit your skills, strengths, and educational and career goals and meet today's industry needs. The curriculum covers computer systems and cybersecurity fundamentals, operating systems, hardware, structured and visual programming languages, system troubleshooting and helpdesk fundamentals, network technologies, cyber law and ethics, digital forensics, and database administration. Students will also develop proficiency in popular applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, and Internet publishing. 

CompTIA and Microsoft certifications can be achieved to ensure you have the necessary skill sets to meet employer expectations. With these skills and certifications, a computer professional can expect to enjoy a good salary, steady work, and opportunities to advance. 

Our program also teaches you how to learn and adapt to new technologies. You'll be prepared not just for the CIS Careers of today but also for the developments of tomorrow as you continue to expand and grow in your career.