How long should I stay in help desk?

 helpdesk support jobs

How Long Should You Stay on the Help Desk?

We all have to start somewhere, and helpdesk work is as good a place as any for tech professionals to dive in. Helpdesk teaches important communication skills, technical troubleshooting techniques, and how SLAs and call escalations work. If you aren’t much of a conversationalist, then working on the phone all day can help draw you out of your shell. These are all great foundational skills to learn early on in your career and can help you to understand how support roles generally work. How long you should be looking to work in such a position depends on you. You need to consider the important details — career development and room to grow are big ones.

Becoming a Lifer

Different people generally have their own long and short term plans, and not everyone wants to move on from working in a helpdesk role to one like customer support technician or customer service professional.

However, if you are someone that really needs to get their hands dirty with practical work, then moving on is essential. The general rule of thumb is that two to three years is probably the longest you want to be in a helpdesk role if you plan on moving up into a more specialized field. That is assuming that you are using such a position as a stepping stone. Staying any longer and you risk becoming a ‘lifer’ and breaking out of that mold is tough.

Signs of Stagnation on the Helpdesk

There is nothing “wrong” with working in a helpdesk position. Things are good if you are employed at a nice company and you are satisfied with your hours and pay. Some people really enjoy the predictability and security of scripted work. The problem with any entry level role is that it suffocates your potential in the long run if there is no room to grow. If you have any aspirations beyond repetitive tasks, then you are wasting your potential.

How to know you are stagnating:

• Severe boredom at work even though your tasks are all up to date
• Procrastination. Finishing all of your objectives at the very end of your shift
• Doing other things while at work such as watching YouTube or playing games on your phone
• Fatigue and sleepiness while at your desk, regardless of your caffeine intake
• A sense of dread when thinking about your next shift

If any of these symptoms sound familiar then it could be time for you to start thinking ahead and planning a job change.

Leave No Stone Unturned

Helpdesk roles are not necessarily a dead end for an IT professional’s career. There can occasionally be room for promotion and growth in some companies. Think about the career advancement options from your helpdesk job. If your company does upskill and offers assistance with career development, then look at how ex-helpdesk workers have progressed through the organization. Whether this is the case or not will depend entirely on the company that you work for and what their philosophy is on upskilling, training and development. Some companies nurture their employees and ask them to plot out a development map for themselves, while others offer no room for growth.

If you are fortunate enough to work for a company that sees value in developing their helpdesk employees, then you could see yourself filling vacant roles as they become available should you be responsible and show potential, then you could become shift supervisor or general supervisor. From this point you have a few career tracks that you can pursue. You could attempt the management track. The other way to go would be to pursue the technical track. You could become a product specialist, technical lead, or even move on to one of the technical departments within the company’s IT team.

You might be wondering how to get the ball rolling at this point so here are some things you can try. It could be as easy as asking your manager for more responsibilities. Ask for more technical work that you can do when the phones aren’t ringing and things are quiet around the office. You could ask if you are able to assist other technical teams so that you can gain experience on your days off.

Nobody wants to sacrifice a day off, but if you show that you are willing to learn and push yourself then that might get you noticed. For example, maybe you volunteer to assist with server maintenance tasks during off hours. You will gain hands-on experience, while strengthening relationships with other teammates. Having someone who can vouch for you is never a bad thing when you’re looking to move up the ladder.

Evaluate and Act

In an ideal world it would be natural to move up the ladder from helpdesk to another department within the same company. The reality is that most companies find it very easy to fill technical roles through traditional employment processes. Putting time, effort and resources into an employee that might leave soon after does not make business or financial sense. Some companies feel that it is better to hire qualified technical staff than to develop them in-house.

If you have already tried something similar and speaking to your manager doesn’t help to kick start you in a new direction within the company, then you might need to start looking elsewhere. That doesn’t mean that you should just walk out of your job and hope you find something different, not at all. Instead, you need to start upskilling with training and certification in your spare time.

What Does A Help Desk Technician Do?

What Does A Help Desk Technician Do?

Help desk technicians play a crucial role in providing technical support systems for IT users, including employees and customers.

Help desk technician job description

Help desk technicians are instrumental to the smooth running of any IT department, and they also provide a valuable service to customers and clients. Often the first port of call when there is a network issue, these skilled technicians have expertise in customer service, as well as problem-solving.

A help desk technician has a varied role, which is centered on maintaining technologies, providing IT support, troubleshooting and identifying solutions.

Desk technicians can work in-house or remotely on a freelance basis, and their day to day job may change depending on the nature of concerns raised by employees or customers. In-house employees deal only with internal systems and network issues that affect and impact the workforce, while remote workers may deal with customer queries and problems via phone, email or on-site visits.

Help Desk Technician Job Outlook

 

help desk technician job description Employment of help desk technicians and computer support specialists is expected to increase by 10% from 2018 to 2028, faster than the 5% average for all stateside occupations. Demand for help desk technicians will increase as organizations continue to install and update to the newest computer systems to reduce costs and gain a competitive advantage. To improve your job prospects in this field, focus your help desk skill set on the computer systems design industry, as the job market for help desk professionals in this area is projected to grow at twice the rate (24%) over the same 10-year period. Health care is another industry with an accelerated need for IT support specialists.

How long should I stay in help desk?

 help desk support salary

We all have to start somewhere, and helpdesk work is as good a place as any for tech professionals to dive in. Helpdesk teaches important communication skills, technical troubleshooting techniques, and how SLAs and call escalations work. If you aren’t much of a conversationalist, then working on the phone all day can help draw you out of your shell. These are all great foundational skills to learn early on in your career and can help you to understand how support roles generally work. How long you should be looking to work in such a position depends on you. You need to consider the important details — career development and room to grow are big ones.

Becoming a Lifer

Different people generally have their own long and short term plans, and not everyone wants to move on from working in a helpdesk role to one like customer support technician or customer service professional.

However, if you are someone that really needs to get their hands dirty with practical work, then moving on is essential. The general rule of thumb is that two to three years is probably the longest you want to be in a helpdesk role if you plan on moving up into a more specialized field. That is assuming that you are using such a position as a stepping stone. Staying any longer and you risk becoming a ‘lifer’ and breaking out of that mold is tough.

Signs of Stagnation on the Helpdesk

There is nothing “wrong” with working in a helpdesk position. Things are good if you are employed at a nice company and you are satisfied with your hours and pay. Some people really enjoy the predictability and security of scripted work. The problem with any entry level role is that it suffocates your potential in the long run if there is no room to grow. If you have any aspirations beyond repetitive tasks, then you are wasting your potential.

What does a help desk technician do?

 help desk technician salary

A Help Desk Technician provides technical support and assistance, whether on the phone, in person, or remotely, related to computer systems, hardware and software. A Help Desk Technician responds to customer queries to provide technical assistance.

Help Desk Technician Responsibilities:

• Responding to queries on the phone, via email, in person, or through remote access.
• Offering technical assistance on the delivery, configuration, set up, maintenance, and troubleshooting of computer systems, hardware, and software.
• Training computer users.
• Training other staff on troubleshooting and diagnosing problems.
• Gaining feedback from customers to improve training methods.
• Writing and editing training manuals.
• Running reports and analyzing common complaints and problems.

Help Desk Technician Requirements:

• An Associate's degree in computer science or related field.
• A strong working knowledge of computer systems, hardware, and software.
• Good problem-solving, analytical, and team-working skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• An openness to learning new technologies.

What makes a successful office manager?

 it help desk jobs near me 1

Leadership Qualities: Office managers should be able to supervise others and have a willingness to use but not misuse power. A Good Work Ethic: Showing up on time and staying until the work is complete is also important. Team-Playing Skills: The ability to share information where relevant and help make improvements.

An office manager is responsible for anything and everything that can affect the quality of life in the office,” says Jase Bergen, office manager for an entertainment company in New York City. “If it's broken, you better fix it -- no excuses. You just do it. And when six things break at once, you have to keep your cool and have the presence of mind to figure out what has to be fixed first.” 

Few roles are as integral to an office as that of the office manager. Responsible for circulating information throughout an organization, as well as coordinating the efforts of vendors, management and support, office managers ensure everyone is working in tandem toward the company's overall success. Could you be up for the task?

The description of an office manager job often includes pricing office supplies, managing payroll, controlling petty cash, supervising support staff and interviewing job applicants. An office manager must exercise sound judgment every day, and any lapse may mean termination.

Consider the People

Equipment isn't the only thing that needs regular maintenance and support in an organization. A large part of an office manager's job is motivating and coordinating others to ensure everyone is working together productively toward a common goal.

“The trick to being a good office manager is to earn people's respect,” says Bergen. This means your staff and managers should know that they can count on you in a pinch to do the right thing for everybody, time after time. Sometimes this translates into standing up for what you know is right, even if a fellow employee -- or your boss -- disagrees with your decision.

“Your reputation is everything,” Bergen explains.

Immediate Gratification

While an office manager often works under great pressure because her responsibilities are so great in scope, her satisfaction level is high, too. In a 2004 survey conducted by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), office managers reported that being able to see the results of their labor reflected in increased productivity and office efficiency immediately is what they liked best about their job.

average salary for help desk technician

 average salary for help desk technician

A Help Desk Technician provides technical support and assistance, whether on the phone, in person, or remotely, related to computer systems, hardware and software. A Help Desk Technician responds to customer queries to provide technical assistance.

Computer Systems Analysts look for ways to optimize a business or organization use of its information technology. In many ways, they act as a bridge between business operations and IT to make sure they're supporting each other.

Computer Systems Analyst Job Description Template

Our IT team is rapidly expanding and we are now hiring a Computer Systems Analyst. You will research various hardware and software to decide if they will improve the overall IT function. You will also install, deploy, and test new systems. To do well in this role you should have a thorough knowledge of modern computer systems and applications and be able to quickly collect data to back up decisions you make.

Computer Systems Analyst Responsibilities:

• Consult with colleagues about their IT needs.
• Research hardware and software technologies to decide if they offer improvements.
• Help the management team decide if IT systems and infrastructure upgrades make business sense.
• Develop new functionality for existing computer systems.
• Select and install new software and hardware systems.
• Oversee new system installation and setup, and customize them for business needs.
• Run tests on systems.
• Train end users and write instruction manuals as necessary.

Computer Systems Analyst Requirements:

• Bachelor degree or master degree in computer science or related field.
• Knowledge of and experience with distributed networking concepts.
• Experience using computer aided software engineering tools and applications.
• Deep knowledge of hardware and software applications.
• Proven track record developing and supporting effective business systems.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Strong understanding of and ability to use mathematics.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Work well with our network administrator, security analyst, hardware analyst, business analyst, support specialist and other team members.
• Assist with inventory control.
• Provide technical support as needed.

The 16 highest-paying jobs

 service desk salary

alyst Job Description. A service desk analyst is an information technology (IT) professional who helps users resolve issues with computer hardware or software. They respond to user inquiries, assess problems and issues with IT equipment and applications, and help resolve these issues for users.

Here are 16 jobs that pay more than $100,000 a year and earned a sitting score of 75 or higher:

• Compensation and benefits manager. ...
• Lawyer. ...
• Air traffic controller. ...
• Judge, magistrate judge, or magistrate. ...
• Airline pilot, copilot, or flight engineer. ...
• Petroleum engineer. ...
• Computer- and information-systems manager.

• ome people can't stand the thought of spendi ..
  
  

  Read more at: https://www.fieldengineer.com/blogs/what-does-a-help-desk-technician-do

Is CompTIA Security+ Worth It? A Salary Perspective

  security+ salary

IT security is expected to grow 28 percent between 2016 and 2026, making this field an attractive career option. Many professionals turn to certifications to gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Today, we take a closer look at the CompTIA Security+ certification and ask the question – is it worth it? 

Security is one of the fastest growing areas in IT. The United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job growth of 28 percent for Information Security Analysts between 2016 and 2026. (Information Security Analysts is a general job category designation used by the BLS for security-related roles in the field of Computer and Information Technology.) With growth rates higher than the national average, IT security-related positions continue to be a very attractive career option for those seeking entry to security roles or looking to make a career change.

Almost 90 percent of IT professionals hold at least one certification. Many IT professionals view certifications as a way to gain a competitive advantage in the workforce marketplace. Unfortunately, not all certifications are created equal, and popularity doesn’t necessarily guarantee a return on investment in terms of helping you to gain a new job or secure a much-needed raise.

Today, we’re going to take a look at one of the CompTia’s star certifications — CompTIA Security+ — and examine whether it delivers in terms of advantages in hiring and higher salary.

About CompTIA Security+

Globally recognized, CompTIA is one of the world’s largest IT trade associations. A leader in vendor-neutral certifications, CompTIA has awarded more than two million certifications since its inception in 1993. Currently, it offers 13 vendor-neutral credentials across four focus areas: core skills, infrastructure, cybersecurity and other professional skills (project management or training, for example).

One of CompTIA’s most popular certifications to get, the CompTIA Security+ credential is part of CompTIA’s Core certification portfolio, which includes the IT Fundamentals+, A+, and Network+ credentials. Security+ builds on the technical and networking skills gained through the A+ and Network+ certifications. Both A+ and Network+ are recommended prerequisites for the Security+ certification, along with two years of security-focused IT administration experience.

An entry-level credential, Security+ is ideal for individuals seeking to establish themselves as IT security professionals. The certification targets IT professionals who troubleshoot, configure and manage networks. It not only validates a candidate’s knowledge of core cybersecurity topics, but also their ability to perform core cybersecurity tasks. Security+ credential holders are able to identify and solve security issues and are well-versed in managing and mitigating risks and detecting threats.

The latest version of the certification exam is sy0-501. Like many other certifications, Security+ is valid for a limited period of time and requires continuing education for each renewal.

CompTIA Security+: Salary Overview of Certified Professionals

As an entry-level credential, Security+ is frequently one of the first certifications obtained by aspiring IT security professionals. It validates that a candidate possesses the knowledge and skills to fulfil a variety of junior and entry-level security related roles, such as penetration tester, junior IT auditor, and systems, network or security administrator. Security+ skills are also used by security specialists, engineers and security consultants.

According to the May 2017 BLS Occupational Employment and Wages (BLS wage) report, the national mean wage for security analysts is $99,690, with the top ten percent earning more than $153,000.  There are a number of factors — specific job role, years of experience, industry sector and geographic location, for example — that influence individual salaries. The report notes that IT security employment rates are highest in Virginia, California, Texas, New York and Florida. On the other hand, if you’re looking for top earning power, then the District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, Virginia and Maine are the big winners. (Similarly, Global Knowledge’s 2018 IT Skills and Salary Report says that survey participants in the south and northwest earned lower salaries, and higher salaries were reported in the eastern states.)

The BLS report also indicates that the top five paying industries for IT security professionals are (1) Wholesale Electronic Markets and Agents and Brokers; (2) Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities; (3) Scientific Research and Development Services; (4) Utility System Construction; and (5) Legal Services. Please refer to the May 2017 BLS Occupational Employment and Wages to learn more about security job opportunities and salaries in your location and industry.

To provide typical salaries for some of the various Security+ job roles, I conducted a salary search on SimplyHired (a popular job board).  As noted above, many factors influence an individual’s salary, but the table below provides an example of what wages different security-related roles command.

How much does a help desk make?

  help desk pay

Help desk professionals manage customer service requests and address support tickets. Often, they also use specific software which, when used properly, can save time, effort, and money. Creating a help desk service consists of assessing your needs, training staff, and giving them tools to help them respond to customer concerns before the competition does.

We recommend Freshdesk for any small business that is looking for a help desk service. Freshdesk makes it easy for agents to organize and manage all customer tickets, and the system comes in different pricing tiers to meet the needs of most companies. Click the button below to get started with Freshdesk for free.

What Is a Help Desk?

In basic terms, a help desk is a central online hub where your customers can talk to customer support staff. It can be a physical desk but is more commonly a virtual space where your customers can reach out to you when they need help. Depending on the size of your company, a help desk can be staffed either by one individual employee or a specialized team dedicated specifically to support.

In some way, all companies have a help desk of sorts as part of their customer or account management system. If a customer has a problem with your product or service, they will probably call your organization to get the issue sorted out. A help desk management software solution is designed to make customer support easier thanks to ticket management, communications, automation, and other features.

How to Set Up Your Help Desk in 5 Steps

When setting up your own help desk operations, it is important to decide how you want to use your help desk. From there, you should identify any gaps between your goals and your current support operations. These five steps will give you the knowledge to map out a process that can adhere to at any level within your management structure so that your help desk can easily scale with your company’s growth.

Here are the five steps to take when setting up your help desk.

1. Decide What Support Your Desk will Deliver

Traditionally help or support desks are a place for receiving basic customer tickets and fixing customer issues as they’re reported. However, they can also serve a more strategic function by acting as a centralized location for managing customer service workflows, centralizing customer data, and building a self-service knowledge base.

Help desks can also be expanded to include company-wide service requests. This means the help desk assists both internal and external customers and can act as a central hub for a customer relationship management (CRM) process.

work from home help desk jobs

 work from home help desk jobs

There are a ton of them coming up within the next few month due to the holiday season. Start going to like the big company's like Amazon, AT&T, google big companies and go to their website under the career tap. or go to one search. all jobs. Indeed.com and start looking now. Good luck  work from home help desk jobs

I’m glad you included the word “good” in your question.

A good email signature is one that has all these features:

1. Is easy to read and has all the relevant and useful fields
2. Isn't overcrowded and busy with information
3. Uses complementary colors
4. Is mobile-compatible (vertical signatures work best for this)
5. Isn't too large in size (in KB)
6. Looks professional

How you write it depends on how confident you are with coding HTML and CSS. HTML email signatures are not an easy thing to get right. They will often break because most email clients have different HTML rendering engines and many other reasons.

Luckily, there are tools out there that will create the email signature for you, like Gimmio.

Heres some examples of email signatures that were created using Gimmio:

desktop support engineer salary

  desktop support engineer salary

A Desktop Support Engineer resolves issues present in a company’s computer system. They fix server and security problems that impact business networks. The desktop engineer installs, maintains, and troubleshoots required client software and hardware, whether onsite or remotely.

The desktop engineer’s vital goal is to deliver support to an organization’s desktop, laptop to ensure all computers, network connections and software are functioning smoothly. The Engineers contribute the success of the organization by the computer support in the desktop environment. The technical support is what a client is looking for either in the assigned field or at the office.

Whether it’s a large enterprise or SMB the requirement of desktop support engineer is required everywhere for better assistance in case of any malfunctions. They resolve the technical issues of a computer user. They ensure to make the user comfortable.  

As computer issues occur at any time, Desktop Support Engineers work a variety of shifts, including weekends. Although they can virtually access client computers and mostly work from their office or desk, they may have to travel to the assigned field or site and server rooms to set up and fix client computer systems.

In the world of Information Technology field, most companies demand contracts with large or medium-sized Information Technology organization.

Desktop Engineer Job Description

desktop engineer’s job needs the assembly and installation of desktops, laptops, maintaining all systems up to date with upgrades and security resolutions. The standard routine is that the software section of an organization designs an application which will make the regular operations of an organization easier and much faster with the help of a support engineer. Another step is that business can purchase an authorized enterprise version of the software and allow the user to work on it based on the requirements. In both the scenarios, a group of Desktop Support Engineers will behave as a connection among the users and the new software. The engineer will work together with the users and provide their capability for trouble-free customer experience.

When it comes to roles and responsibilities, the Support Technician’s primary aim is to provide support to an organization’s IT systems to help them meet their business goals. They ensure that all computers and networks operate efficiently with high uptime. As a desktop engineer, you will assemble and install client desktop computers and assist the end-user in securing their hardware. The essential job descriptions include the following:

• To support daily technical support activities for desktop, data, and server management
• To set up and test desktop computer peripherals
• To perform the system changes adhered to organizational policies
• Conduct remote desktop troubleshoot to end-users along with documentation ticket maintenance
• Maintain technical documentation in association with other functional departments

How much money does an IT tech make?

 it support technician salary

DISH IT Technician salaries - 15 salaries reported	$44,937/yr
TEKsystems IT Technician salaries - 11 salaries reported	$18/hr
Corovan IT Technician salaries - 8 salaries reported	$16/hr
Citi IT Technician salaries - 7 salaries reported	$42,264/yr

As an IT Technician you'll be sorting out software and hardware issues for your company's computer users. You'll identify and diagnose computer problems, monitor company IT systems, set up equipment, and ensure that everything works as it should.

Technology professionals with the right set of qualifications have a lot of options in the current employment market. Whether you’re an applications architect or data security analyst, salaries are on the rise in many areas of technology due to the strong demand for highly skilled IT specialists.

Here’s a look at just some of the highest-paying IT jobs, according to Robert Half Technology’s 2020 Salary Guide:

1. Big data engineer 

Businesses need individuals who can transform large amounts of raw data into actionable information for strategy-setting, decision-making and innovation — and pay well for people with these skills. The salary midpoint (or median national salary) for big data engineers is $163,250. These professionals typically create a company’s software and hardware architecture, along with the systems people need to work with the data. Big data engineers usually have a degree in computer science and expertise in mathematics and databases.

2. Mobile applications developer 

Just look at your phone or tablet applications and it’s pretty easy to figure out why mobile applications developers are in demand. These IT pros need expertise in developing applications for popular platforms, such as iOS and Android. They also must have experience coding with mobile frameworks and mobile development languages, as well as a knowledge of web development languages. The salary midpoint for mobile applications developers is $146,500.

3. Information systems security manager 

Successful candidates for this hot job possess a technical background in systems and network security, but also have great interpersonal and leadership abilities. Analytical and problem-solving skills are key, as are excellent communication abilities. Information systems security managers also need to keep up with security trends and government regulations. Certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or CompTIA Security+ are often requested by employers. These IT pros earn a midpoint salary of $143,250.

IS IT help desk a good job?

it help desk technician salary

Those looking to break into the IT industry -- whether they are recent college graduates or entry-level professionals, or are transitioning from another profession -- often have the same initial question: Where do I start?

The concern is legitimate. The first steps you take as you launch your career in the technology field play a role in establishing the professional path you ultimately take. It’s also necessary to build a solid foundation of skills and experience early on so you can prepare yourself for additional responsibilities and advancement opportunities down the road.

> So, what’s a good first job? Quite frequently, rewarding IT careers start on the help desk. The support field is booming as companies continue to expand their operations and invest in technology to fuel this growth. In addition, the release of new systems and products rarely slows -- the new Windows Vista and accompanying Office updates are good examples -- meaning there is a steady need for specialists to help end users troubleshoot the applications and hardware they rely on.

India’s highest paying tech jobs and the skills that rake in the big bucks

> But more important, a help desk job can put you in a good position for future growth. Here are a few reasons why:

Hard skills development. Help desk technicians work with nearly every system a company uses or sells. That includes operating systems -- applications, networks, the Internet, hardware and peripherals. In a help desk role, you can gain in-depth, real-world knowledge of these technologies, an especially valuable commodity for workers with little or no job experience. This wide-ranging exposure allows you to not only build your hard skills, but also determine which technologies you have the greatest passion for.

Soft skills development. There’s no doubt well-developed technical skills are essential for any IT professional, but that doesn’t mean they’re all you need to build a successful career. Increasingly, managers are looking for employees who also have strong interpersonal skills, such as communication, problem-solving and leadership abilities. These so-called soft skills can be learned on the help desk. Think about it: Performing step-by-step troubleshooting of a proxy server configuration with a person unfamiliar with the workings of the e-mail system allows you to build your communication skills. And keeping your cool when helping a stressed caller resolve his problem can improve your tact and diplomacy.

Advancement potential. Perhaps the best part about a help desk role is that it’s often possible to leverage the skills and experience gained there to secure a higher-level position. Many network, Web and e-mail administrators, for example, got their starts on the help desk. In addition, many advancement opportunities exist within the help desk itself. In large companies, Tier 2 and Tier 3 professionals are needed to supervise, train and assist junior help desk technicians. Another potential career path is to pursue a position as a help desk manager. According to the Robert Half Technology 2007 Salary Guide, the national average starting salary for help desk managers is $62,500 to $88,250 this year.

> Unlike most areas of IT, which call for extremely specialized knowledge, the help desk requires professionals to be familiar, at least in a broad sense, with a large number of technologies. If you’ve grown up with computers or are the unofficial tech guru among your friends, a spot on the help desk may be the right way to start your IT career.

Is there any growth in technical support?

tech support salary

For people who might lack the technical skills needed for more advanced roles, tech support can be a great entry point to a career with a fast-growing company in Austin. 

Workers in tech support gain invaluable skills about the product and user experience that often lead to fast-track promotions. We caught up with three Austin tech companies that offer growth opportunities to their support teams — and a few employees who made the leap themselves.

Adam Ferenzi, BigCommerce's director of client success, said the company has seen team members grow from tech support roles to any number of departments, including engineering, product, account management, content and more.

When a candidate has shown potential, he said promotions typically occur within 12 to 18 months — though that time may be less or more depending on the person. 

Ferenzi said BigCommerce encourages and enables professional growth from the support team for several reasons, citing that these team members tend to know the product better than just about anyone and also develop a deep knowledge of industry trends based on conversations with customers. He also stressed the importance of a genuine desire to help customers succeed.

"When you couple that mindset with the product and tech knowledge gained by doing the job, then enter a new role in engineering, product, or another part of the organization, it's a recipe for continued success," said Ferenzi. 

Is CompTIA Security+ Worth It? A Salary Perspective

security+ salary

IT security is expected to grow 28 percent between 2016 and 2026, making this field an attractive career option. Many professionals turn to certifications to gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Today, we take a closer look at the CompTIA Security+ certification and ask the question – is it worth it? 

Security is one of the fastest growing areas in IT. The United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job growth of 28 percent for Information Security Analysts between 2016 and 2026. (Information Security Analysts is a general job category designation used by the BLS for security-related roles in the field of Computer and Information Technology.) With growth rates higher than the national average, IT security-related positions continue to be a very attractive career option for those seeking entry to security roles or looking to make a career change.

Almost 90 percent of IT professionals hold at least one certification. Many IT professionals view certifications as a way to gain a competitive advantage in the workforce marketplace. Unfortunately, not all certifications are created equal, and popularity doesn’t necessarily guarantee a return on investment in terms of helping you to gain a new job or secure a much-needed raise.

Today, we’re going to take a look at one of the CompTia’s star certifications — CompTIA Security+ — and examine whether it delivers in terms of advantages in hiring and higher salary.

About CompTIA Security+

Globally recognized, CompTIA is one of the world’s largest IT trade associations. A leader in vendor-neutral certifications, CompTIA has awarded more than two million certifications since its inception in 1993. Currently, it offers 13 vendor-neutral credentials across four focus areas: core skills, infrastructure, cybersecurity and other professional skills (project management or training, for example).

One of CompTIA’s most popular certifications to get, the CompTIA Security+ credential is part of CompTIA’s Core certification portfolio, which includes the IT Fundamentals+, A+, and Network+ credentials. Security+ builds on the technical and networking skills gained through the A+ and Network+ certifications. Both A+ and Network+ are recommended prerequisites for the Security+ certification, along with two years of security-focused IT administration experience.

An entry-level credential, Security+ is ideal for individuals seeking to establish themselves as IT security professionals. The certification targets IT professionals who troubleshoot, configure and manage networks. It not only validates a candidate’s knowledge of core cybersecurity topics, but also their ability to perform core cybersecurity tasks. Security+ credential holders are able to identify and solve security issues and are well-versed in managing and mitigating risks and detecting threats.

The latest version of the certification exam is sy0-501. Like many other certifications, Security+ is valid for a limited period of time and requires continuing education for each renewal.

CompTIA Security+: Salary Overview of Certified Professionals

As an entry-level credential, Security+ is frequently one of the first certifications obtained by aspiring IT security professionals. It validates that a candidate possesses the knowledge and skills to fulfil a variety of junior and entry-level security related roles, such as penetration tester, junior IT auditor, and systems, network or security administrator. Security+ skills are also used by security specialists, engineers and security consultants.

According to the May 2017 BLS Occupational Employment and Wages (BLS wage) report, the national mean wage for security analysts is $99,690, with the top ten percent earning more than $153,000.  There are a number of factors — specific job role, years of experience, industry sector and geographic location, for example — that influence individual salaries. The report notes that IT security employment rates are highest in Virginia, California, Texas, New York and Florida. On the other hand, if you’re looking for top earning power, then the District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, Virginia and Maine are the big winners. (Similarly, Global Knowledge’s 2018 IT Skills and Salary Report says that survey participants in the south and northwest earned lower salaries, and higher salaries were reported in the eastern states.)

The BLS report also indicates that the top five paying industries for IT security professionals are (1) Wholesale Electronic Markets and Agents and Brokers; (2) Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities; (3) Scientific Research and Development Services; (4) Utility System Construction; and (5) Legal Services. Please refer to the May 2017 BLS Occupational Employment and Wages to learn more about security job opportunities and salaries in your location and industry.

To provide typical salaries for some of the various Security+ job roles, I conducted a salary search on SimplyHired (a popular job board).  As noted above, many factors influence an individual’s salary, but the table below provides an example of what wages different security-related roles command.