How Can I Become a Computer Attendant?
Research what it takes to become a computer attendant. Learn about education requirements, job duties, salary and career outlook to find out if this is the career for you.
What is a Computer Attendant?
Computer attendants monitor computer labs in academic or public settings and help authorized users with any problems that may arise. They may also work with computer networks to make sure users can access and use them. As computer support specialist they may also be in charge of installing new software and hardware. They troubleshoot network and computer problems that arise. In some cases they may need set up equipment, ensuring that everything is installed properly or connected. Take a look at the following chart for an overview of how to enter this field.
<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Education Required</b> </td><td> High school diploma, additional computer-related courses</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Education Field of Study</b> </td><td> Information technology, software, business</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Key Responsibilities</b> </td><td> Monitor and maintain computer lab, answer user questions, enforce computer lab policies</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b> </td><td> 9% (for computer user support specialists)*</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Median Salary (2020)</b> </td><td>$52,690 (for computer user support specialists)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWouldTheJobResponsibilitiesBe">What Would the Job Responsibilities Be?</h3><p>As a computer attendant in an academic setting, your primary responsibility will be monitoring the computer lab to ensure that only authorized individuals (students, faculty, staff) are using the computer resources. You'll also be responsible for answering all user questions concerning system software and hardware, Internet connectivity and computer lab policies. If there are questions you can't answer, you may have to refer the query to your supervisor or to a support department, if one is available.
</p><p>Another facet of your job will be to maintain the computers in the lab to make sure they're all working properly. You'll be responsible for enforcing any computer lab policies, such as any restrictions on food and beverages at the computer stations. In addition to monitoring the computers, you may also have to support and maintain other equipment, such as photocopiers, printers and overhead projectors.
</p><p>If you're working at a non-academic computer lab, your responsibilities shouldn't be much different from those mentioned above. You might have additional duties, such as referring users to reference materials (if you're working at a municipal library) or operating a cash register (if you're working at an Internet cafe). However, your primary responsibilities will still be maintaining a secure and comfortable computer lab and answering any user questions that come up.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesShouldITakeToPrepareForAJobAsAComputerAttendant">What Courses Should I Take To Prepare For a Job As a Computer Attendant?</h3><p>To effectively market yourself as a computer attendant, you'll want to be proficient with a wide array of computer software and operating systems. Look into information technology courses covering topics such as computer networks, including wireless, wide area and local area networks. Also explore courses that teach basic and advanced skills for particular software programs, such as the Microsoft Office suite. You may even want to sign up for business courses that teach customer service and troubleshooting skills.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatOtherSkillsShouldIHave">What Other Skills Should I Have?</h3><p>In addition to taking the courses discussed above, you'll also want to polish up your people skills. You'll need to be friendly, patient and communicative. You'll be frequently called upon to confront user problems with enthusiasm and a sincere desire to help.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3><p>The way computer attendants work with users is related to how customer service representatives work with customers when they call with complaints or questions. Customer service representatives work to help customers resolve complaints, get information or check on orders. These workers only need a high-school diploma to start this career. Web developers work with computers to create websites for clients. This involves coding, imputing graphics and trouble shooting problems. These designers typically have an associates degree or bachelor's degree.</p>