What is a Desktop Support Engineer?
Desktop Support Engineers are IT professionals who fix issues with an organization’s desktop computers and laptops, as well as handle concerns with servers and security issues affecting business networks. Desktop Support Engineers most often work as part of a helpdesk team, reporting to the Senior Systems Administrator or Engineer and sometimes supervise junior helpdesk employees. As computer issues can arise at any time, Desktop Support Engineers may be expected to work a variety of shifts, including nights and weekends. Although they are able to access other employees’ computers virtually and mostly work from their office or desk, they may have to travel to individual work sites and server rooms, often being required to pick up and carry heavy equipment and parts.
Because of the increasing reliance on computers, jobs for Computer Support Specialists, such as Desktop Support Engineers, are expected to grow by 12 percent, which is faster than average for all jobs. This growth will result in 855,700 new jobs through 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Desktop Support Engineer Duties and Responsibilities
Troubleshoot Technology Issues
Install and Maintain Equipment and Software
Provide Client Service
Desktop Support Engineer Skills
A Desktop Support Engineer must have advanced technological skills to solve potentially complex IT issues, as well as interpersonal and leadership skills to manage a team of employees.
Core skills When searching for a job in the IT field, you will find that most Desktop Support Engineer job posts required these core skills
- Knowledge of computer science
- Knowledge of software engineering
- Background in IT
- Strong communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Ability to multitask
- Keep calm under pressure
Advanced skills Many professionals build these skills over time, but applying for a job and listing them on your resume can be advantageous in securing employment
- Programming experience
- Network security experience
- Training experience
Tools of the Trade These tools are often required by employers
- Windows platforms
- Anti-virus
- Microsoft active directory
- Cloud platform
- Computer peripheral devices
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Desktop Support Engineer Salary
Desktop Support Engineer Resources
As computer technology becomes more advanced, the role of the Desktop Support Engineer becomes more complex. Learn more about what this job entails by spending some time reading information from the following sources:
On the Web
Technology Services Industry AssociationThis association provides membership opportunities with access to resources and expert advice.
The Association for Technical Support Professionals (HDI)A community of over 150,000 industry peers and leaders that provides resources, knowledge and actionable suggestions on generating leads for business development.
Association of Support ProfessionalsAn international membership organization for customer support managers, executives, professionals, and those interested in the field.
Books
Windows 7 Desktop Support and Administration: Real World Skills for MCITP Certification and Beyondby Darril Gibson This comprehensive manual guides Desktop Support Engineers through their daily work with Windows 7.
MCDST: Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician Study Guideby Bill Ferguson and Brad Causey This revised and updated Deluxe Edition features over 200 pages of new contentincluding the very latest updates to the exams.
Start Your Own Remote Desktop Support Business: Live Anywhere, Be A Digital Nomad, Work For Yourself!by Jay Gibson A practical guide on starting your own Internetbased remote desktop support business.
On LinkedIn
Desktop Support TechniciansA group with over 19,000 members whose credential proves that they have the skills to successfully support endusers and to troubleshoot desktop environments that are running the Microsoft Windows operating system.
Desktop & Helpdesk Management ForumOver 18,000 professionals in this group facilitate communications regarding issues as well as general questions related to all aspects of the "Solution Center" model, including both Help Desk and Desktop Support functions.
TECHNOLOGY JOBS NETWORKAs the #1 LinkedIn Careers Group, over 119,000 members join this network to look for jobs in the technology field.
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