What is an Application Specialist?
An Applications Specialist is needed in all sectors of industry that use software systems. They may alter existing software, install new software and troubleshoot any problems related to performance of computer systems. Application Specialists are expected to be expert in several computer programs and data interfaces.
Most computer support specialists follow full-time work schedules; however, many do not work a typical 9-to-5 day. As it is a support position it is important for businesses that Application Specialists be available 24 hours a day if necessary. Generally their schedules are often staggered 8-hour shifts to cover 24 hours of a day. Therefore many Application Specialists can find themselves working at night or during the weekend. Applications specialists work mainly in an office setting and many are able to work from home. Some jobs may require travel. This is a promising career as employment for Application Specialists is projected to grow 12 percent through 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As more organizations upgrade their computer equipment and software more support services will be needed, leading to this faster-than-average growth.
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Application Specialist Duties and Responsibilities
Use Hardware and Software
Troubleshoot IT Problems
Processing Information
Routine Maintenance of Networks
Application Specialist Skills
Application Specialists provide help and advice to people and organizations who use computer software or equipment. To do this, many skills come into play, such as the following.
Core skills Based on job listings we analyzed, employers want Application Specialists with these core skills. If you want to work as an Application Specialist, focus on the following.
- Communication and customer service skills
- Critical-thinking, problem-solving and time-management skills
- Ability to navigate operating systems
- Desktop communications
- Configuration management and query software
- Familiarity with PC’s
- Systems analysis
Advanced skills While most employers did not specifically require the following skills, several job listings include them as preferred skills. To broaden your career options, add these to your Application Specialist toolbox.
- Information ordering – The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules
- Category flexibility – The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways
- Deductive reasoning – The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense
- Fluency of ideas – The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic
Tools of the trade Application Specialists use many different tools to in their daily work. If you plan on pursuing a career as an Application Specialist, you should be proficient in using the following:
- Variety of digital devices
- Database management system software
- Development environment software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Program testing software
- Web platform development software
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Application Specialist Q & A
What are some of the core duties performed by an Application Specialist?
Some of the core duties an Application Specialist is responsible for include: install, configure and maintain desktop operating systems for businesses and organizations.
What challenges does an Application Specialist face?
The IT industry is a constantly evolving one so you need to keep abreast of any changes or technological developments in the industry you work in.
What skills do Application Specialists use most?
Listening skills, problem-solving skills and customer service skills are innate skills that will contribute to a successful career as an Application Specialist.
Application Specialist Salary
Application Specialist Resources
We found the best industry resources to help you explore a career as an Application Specialist. Peruse through our list for more opportunities to learn and connect.
On the Web
IT SpecialistThis site contains blogs, webinars and technical insights to keep you up to date with what is going on in the IT world.
CSSThe Computer Support Specialists website provides an enormous amount of information on technical help and advice for people and organizations using computer software and equipment.
Computer Repair BlogThis blogs aims to keep people up to date with the latest trends in the Information Technology industry.
Industry Groups
AITPAssociation of Information Technology Professionals, AITP, was adopted in 1996. In individual chapters and as a national association, AITP seeks to advance the IT Profession through professional development, support of IT education, and national policies on IT that improve society as a whole.
The League of Professional System AdministratorsThis is a nonprofit corporation with members throughout the world, with an aim to advance the practice of system administration through education.
Association of Computer Support SpecialistsThis is a large organization in California that supports better careers and compensation and its members can benefit from monetary discounts on electronics and tickets.
IEEE Computer SocietyThis organization has more than 60,000 members, it provides information, networking, and career-development sources for technology leaders which includes researchers, educators, software engineers, IT professionals, employers, and students.
Application Specialist Books
A Guide to Computer User Support for Help Desk and Support SpecialistsYou can discover the critical people skills, the informational resources and technical knowledge to be most effective and provide outstanding support in this position.
Windows 7 Desktop Support and AdministrationThis is a manual for Windows 7 desktop technicians and administrators, it provides knowledge that is needed for certification exams and will remain a valuable reference for support and administrative personnel on the job.
Windows 10 For DummiesThis is a fully updated book with helpful step-by-step explanations, it quickly gets you started with advice to help you manage files and applications, connect to the Internet, customize your Windows experience, and mostly importantly make repairs when things go wrong.
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