Microcomputer Specialists install, troubleshoot and repair problems with microcomputers and laptop PCs, related hardware and software, and components such as printers and terminals. They also train users of microcomputers in basic operation and maintenance as well as provide support for microcomputer systems.  

JOB DUTIES   

Microcomputer Specialists may:

Receive trouble calls on equipment and diagnose problems  

Perform local and remote testing on equipment including running computer programs to diagnose faults  

Repair equipment, build cables, and replace boards and components to identify or remedy failures  

Prepare and install software  

Inventory and order spare parts as well as strip surplus equipment for usable parts  

Evaluate requests for microcomputer services, develop proposals and recommend new applications  

Develop system specifications, write and test programs and compile support documentation and manuals  

Call vendors to report or resolve problems and assist with demonstrations  

Attend conferences and seminars to keep abreast of new software

Click here to view brief video of Microcomputer Specialists at work!

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include:  

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES  

Microcomputer Specialists may specialize in these areas:  

039.264-010 MICROCOMPUTER SUPPORT SPECIALISTS install, modify, and make minor repairs to microcomputer hardware and software systems. They may also provide technical assistance and training to system users.  

032.262-010 USER SUPPORT ANALYSTS investigate and resolve computer software and hardware problems of users. They may specialize by type of software, computer language, or computer operating system.  

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:  

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  WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS  

Microcomputer Specialists work closely with system users to solve problems and keep equipment operating. They sometimes work as part of a team, but much of their work is done independently. Microcomputer Specialists usually work in offices which are comfortable, well lighted, and air-conditioned.  

Some Microcomputer Specialists may drive to user sites, carrying tools and equipment with them. Although some bending and lifting is necessary, this job is not strenuous. Some computer malfunctions can be diagnosed by other computers via remote access. This lessens travel requirements.  

Microcomputer Specialists usually work a 5-day, 40-hour week. They may work overtime and on weekends to complete projects or meet deadlines. Work hours may be adjusted to provide coverage and do system maintenance.  

Microcomputer Specialists may purchase their own microcomputer systems, allowing them to work at home as well as the office. They purchase magazines, reference books, and additional software to keep current of the latest developments in microcomputers. Some employers reimburse them for these expenses.  

Microcomputer Specialists may join organizations such as the Association of Information Technology Professionals or the Association for Computing Machinery . Members of such organizations pay periodic fees.

You Should Prefer:

• Working with machines or equipment

• Using your imagination to find new ways of doing things

• Activities of a scientific or technical nature

You Should Be Able To:

• Use logic/scientific thinking to solve a variety of complex problems

• Use judgment and known facts to make decisions

• Speak and write clearly and accurately

• Use technical terms, math, computer symbols and complex charts/graphs

• Read blueprints and drawings of items to be repaired  

Although many employers using computers do not require college degrees, they prefer applicants who have college or training courses. Several professional societies have joined to form a certification organization for computer personnel. While certification is generally not required by most employers, it is an indication of professionalism in the field.  

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:  

What voltage must a battery have to produce .50 amps of current through a 2.0 ohm resistor?  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:  

The units for resistance can be seen to be volts per ampere. This combined unit is called an ohm.  

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:  

You should be able to write a diagnostic report explaining what is malfunctioning and why .

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:  

You should be able to conduct different tests, analyze the results and then decide the best way to alleviate the problem.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: A Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond High School) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond High School) or a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond High School) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.  

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:  

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***  

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH, 3300 TECHNOLOGY  

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***  

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.  

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***  

215 COMPUTER SCIENCE  

Programs in Computer Science provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed in a wide variety of jobs dealing with the programming, analyzing, and operation of computers and other electronic and mechanical equipment. Individuals who teach Computer Science at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching certificate .

Courses vary from school to school but may include:  

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program  

 ***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***  

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.  

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***  

Please check the Military website at http://www.todaysmilitary.com.

COMPUTER SYSTEMS SPECIALISTS  

The military services use computers to store and process data on personnel, weather, finances, and many other operations. Before any information can be processed, computers systems must be set up, data entered, and computers operated. Computer systems specialists ensure information is entered, stored, processed, and retrieved in a way that meets the military services' needs.  

What They Do  

Computer systems specialists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Identify computer user problems and coordinate to resolve them

• Install, configure, and monitor local and wide area networks, hardware, and software

• Compile, enter, and process information

• Provide customer and network administration services, such as passwords, electronic mail accounts, security, and troubleshooting

Helpful Attributes  

Helpful school subjects include typing and computer science. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in work requiring accuracy and attention to detail

• Ability to communicate effectively

• Interest in working with computer equipment

Training Provided  

Job training consists of 7 to 13 weeks of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically includes:

• Use of computer console and peripheral equipment

• Computer systems concepts

• Planning, designing, and testing computer systems

Work Environment  

Computer systems specialists work in offices or at computer sites on military bases or aboard ships.  

Physical Demands  

Computer systems specialists may sit and key information for long periods.

Civilian Counterparts  

Civilian computer systems specialists work for a wide variety of employers, such as banks, hospitals, retail firms, manufacturers, government agencies, and firms that design and test computer systems. They perform duties similar to those performed in the military. They may also be called network support technicians, computer operators, or data processing technicians. Most civilian computer systems specialists require a four-year college degree.  

Opportunities  

The number of computer systems specialists in the services is unknown, however due to personnel changes and field demands specialists are needed annually. After job training, computer systems specialists are assigned to work under the direction of experienced computer systems officers. With experience, they may become managers of computer facilities.  

E-Learning Courses and Programs 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY  

Experience using microcomputer hardware and software is often gained by using home systems or systems in elementary, middle, or high school. Computers used by business or higher education are similar, but usually more complex.  

School-to-Work opportunities include:  

informal apprenticeships  

mentorships  

job shadowing experiences  

touring a local Microcomputer Specialist employer  

internships  

volunteer work with a Microcomputer Specialist employer  

community service work with an agency  

Opportunities for experience are also found in military service and postsecondary courses in computer science, electrical and electronics technology, and electronics repair.  

Direct application to employers is the usual method of entering the occupation. Openings are found through school placement offices, want ads, Michigan Works! local offices, and civil service offices. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.  

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT  

Nationally, Microcomputer Specialists' average earnings in mid 2009 varied based upon their subspecialty and experience. Average salaries by subspecialty in mid 2009 were:  

The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $37,544 in 2008.    

Microcomputer Specialists with the federal government in 2009 had starting salaries of $27,026 or $33,477 per year, depending on their college records and qualifying test scores.

In Michigan, the median annual salaries of Microcomputer Specialists in early 2009 were:

Information Technology Technicians employed by the State of Michigan in mid 2009 had annual earnings ranging from $33,366 to $51,052.  

Depending on the employer, fringe benefits received by Microcomputer Specialists may include paid holidays and vacations; hospitalization, life, and medical insurance; and a pension plan. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by employers. Some employers also offer stock purchase or savings plans.  

Large organizations tend to have more steps in career ladders than small ones. Microcomputer Specialists may start out as trainees or may enter higher positions directly with sufficient education and/or training. Typical career advancement paths may start with trainee and move to associate microcomputer specialist, Senior/Lead Microcomputer Specialist, and microcomputer system supervisor or manager.  

Microcomputer Specialists advance to higher positions through a combination of experience and further education and training. Those who demonstrate work and leadership skills may advance to Microcomputer Systems Manager.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK  

Nationally, there were about 552,500 Microcomputer Specialists employed in 2006. Employment is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. About 1.3% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Microcomputer Specialists looked like this:   

To find employers, clickEmployer/Business Locator.

There is strong demand for Microcomputer Specialists with local area network (LAN) skills and the ability to connect mainframes and minicomputers to microcomputers. Opportunities will be best for individuals with 2- or 4- year college degrees.  

There are more than 15,125 Computer Support Specialists, including Microcomputer Specialists employed in Michigan, primarily in urban areas. The largest numbers of microcomputer users are found in education, business and legal services, finance, insurance, and real estate, and durable goods manufacturing. The federal government also has a high ratio of microcomputers to desk workers.  

Job opportunities for Microcomputer Specialists in Michigan are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. Most openings will be due to rapid growth in the use of microcomputers in business, education, and government. Openings will occur most often in metropolitan areas. An average of 620 annual openings is expected, with 150 due to growth and 470 due to replacement of those who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Demand is expected to increase as users become more familiar with expanded microcomputer capabilities.  

Skills with local area networks (LANs) and connecting microcomputers to larger computers will be in great demand, as well as wireless connectivity of PCs and to the internet. Furthermore, expertise in client-server, relational database, collaboration, electronic mail, Internet browser, and Web-site development software will be required by business.   

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2016

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  

 Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth