Desktop support Engineer skills

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  2. Desktop Support Engineering: Definition and Requirements

Desktop Support Engineering: Definition and Requirements

If you have strong technology skills and enjoy working as part of a team, consider pursuing a career as a desktop support engineer. Understanding what the field entails can help you make a more informed decision regarding your future career. In this article, we explain what desktop support engineering is, what a desktop support engineer does, the skills they have, the requirements for working in this field and the average salary for a desktop support engineer.

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Related: Desktop Support Interview Questions

What is desktop support engineering?

Desktop support engineering is a sector of engineering that involves resolving a variety of information technology (IT) issues. As IT professionals, desktop support engineers fix issues with a company's desktop computers. They also work with laptops and mitigate security and server issues that affect business networks.

Related: Learn About Being a Desktop Support Specialist

What does a desktop support engineer do?

The day-to-day of a desktop support engineer involves providing support to a company's staff members to ensure the functionality of computers, software and network connections. Here are some duties of a desktop support engineer:

  • Troubleshoot technology issues.

  • Install and maintain equipment and software.

  • Ask questions to pinpoint the problem.

  • Perform remote troubleshooting.

  • Help new employees set up their workstations.

  • Maintain and upgrade equipment as needed.

  • Train new employees to use a company's software and apps.

  • Work with existing vendors to evaluate new technology.

  • Respond to ad hoc and urgent requests.

  • Advise executives on the best technological solutions for an organization.

  • Monitor the performance of a company's desktop infrastructure and provide suggestions to improve efficiency.

  • Test, install and set up application programs on user workstations.

  • Test network connections.

  • Train end users when new software or IT regulations arrive at a company.

What skills do desktop support engineers have?

As a desktop support engineer, it's important to have a combination of both hard and soft skills in order to complete your tasks with ease. Here are some skills that desktop support engineers have:

  • Problem-solving skills: Desktop support engineers use their problem-solving skills to develop solutions for various IT-related issues. Strong problem-solving skills help resolve these problems in a timely manner, all while ensuring the efficient use of a company's resources.

  • Communication skills: Desktop support engineers use their communication skills to effectively work with and interact with a variety of people. This skill allows them to relate to each customer or colleague in a language they can understand. Their communication skills also help them ask the right questions when attempting to resolve a problem.

  • Teamwork skills: Because desktop support engineers work in a team setting, it's important to know how to embrace this type of environment. This means effectively collaborating with your teammates, providing them with support and assistance and giving them credit for their success.

  • Technology skills: In order to help with IT-related issues, desktop support engineers need a strong understanding of computers and computer networks. The more knowledge you have in this area, the greater level of support you can provide.

Related: 12 IT Skills You Need Now and How To Improve Them

Requirements for working in desktop support engineering

In order to pursue a career as a desktop support engineer, you need to meet certain job requirements. The more you meet these requirements, the greater chance you have of getting employed in this field. Here are some of the requirements for working in desktop support engineering:

Education

Desktop support engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology or a related field. This type of degree provides a solid foundation of knowledge as you continue on this career path.

Experience

Hiring managers prefer to hire candidates with proven work experience in this profession or as a desktop support technician. Before applying for a desktop support engineer position, consider pursuing an entry-level position on an IT team.

Training

Desktop support engineers typically undergo on-the-job training. This training allows them to better understand their new role before they train others. Prior to employment, you can do your own training through various courses or in the pursuit of relevant certifications.

Certifications

While not necessarily a requirement, you can pursue a variety of certifications to improve your chances of employment as a desktop support engineer. Some certifications to consider include the following:

  • Microsoft Certified Professional

  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert

  • CompTIA A+ Certification

  • HDI - Desktop Support Technician Certification

  • Information Technology Infrastructure Library

How much do desktop support engineers make?

Desktop support technicians make a national average salary of $46,405 per year. Keep in mind that desktop support engineers likely earn a higher salary. Your salary as a desktop support engineer also depends on your geographic location, your employer and your skill or experience level.

What is the job outlook for desktop support engineers?

While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn't report data for desktop support engineers, they do have data for computer support specialists. According to the BLS, computer support specialists can expect an employment growth of 8% from 2019-2029a growth rate much faster than the average for all other professions in the workforce.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the desktop support engineering profession:

Who does a desktop support engineer work with?

Desktop support engineers typically work as part of a company's helpdesk team. They report to a senior systems administrator or an engineer and may supervise a junior helpdesk employee.

What is a work schedule like for a desktop support engineer?

Desktop support engineers may work a variety of shifts since computer or laptop issues can occur at any time. This means that while they may work a day schedule, they may also have night and weekend shifts.

What is the work environment like for a desktop support engineer?

While most desktop support engineers work from their home office, they may also travel to server rooms or to a work site. Keep in mind that you can find desktop support engineers in a variety of sectors. For example, they may work in retail or work in a hospital.

What is the career path for a desktop support engineer?

Aspiring desktop engineers typically start as trainee engineers or in help desk support. With enough experience and technical certifications, they may move to a desktop support engineering role, followed by the role of a systems administrator or system engineer.

Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.