Computer Support Service Owners

High School

Computer science classes will help you learn about operating systems and programming. Learn about various software, like word processing and spreadsheet programs, as well as Web page design. A journalism class and working on your school newspaper will involve you with multimedia presentations and teach you about page layout and graphic design. Take courses in business and accounting to prepare for the bookkeeping and administrative details of the work. English composition and communication courses can help you develop teaching skills.

Postsecondary Training

Though a degree is not required for you to start your own computer support service, most service owners and consultants have at least an associate's degree, while others have bachelor's degrees in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering. A small but growing number of colleges offer degrees in computer support. For a degree in computer science, you will be required to take courses in calculus, English composition, program design, algorithms, computer graphics, and database management. Electrical or computer engineering programs include classes in programming languages, industrial electronics, digital integrated circuits, and microprocessor systems. In addition to seminars, you will also attend labs. Some bachelor's programs include research projects in which you will work closely with a faculty member to study new technologies.

Consultants can supplement their education by completing special training offered by computer software companies such as Oracle and Microsoft.

Certification

A growing number of colleges and universities offer certificate programs in computer support, general computer science, entrepreneurship, business management, and specialty areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Certificate programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. One such program is provided by Elgin Community College in Elgin, Illinois, which offers a computer user support specialist certificate. Typical classes in the program include Introduction to Computers, Linux Operating Systems, Computer Hardware & Troubleshooting, and Introduction to Windows OS. Students also have the chance to earn industry certifications. Visit https://elgin.edu/areas-of-study/computer-user-support-specialist for more information.

Other Education or Training

Keeping up with industry developments is key to success as a support service owner. Professional associations often provide continuing education opportunities. For example, student and professional members of the Association for Computing Machinery can access online computing and business courses via the association’s Learning Center. Visit http://learning.acm.org for more information. The IEEE Computer Society offers career planning webinars and continuing education courses to its members. Visit https://www.computer.org/education for more information. The Association of Support Specialists (https://asponline.com) offers a few workshops and seminars.