What does an IT Specialist do?
An IT Specialist is responsible for troubleshooting technical issues and ensuring computer systems are up-to-date. IT Specialists ensure the security of corporate data and provide technical support to employees. The specific job duties of an IT Specialist can often vary from one organization to the next because IT requirements are not the same for all industries and sectors.
IT Specialist skills and qualifications
An IT Specialist should have excellent technical skills related to a wide variety of applications, software, and hardware systems. They should also have excellent command of coding, computing, configuration, debugging and design. Depending on the type of company and the role of the IT Specialist, the right candidate may also need basic knowledge of networking, network security, maintenance, servers, hardware, data management, and a variety of computer and operating systems. Some other prerequisite skills and qualifications include:
- Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to prioritize and manage time
- Excellent troubleshooting abilities
- Effective communication skills, both verbal and written
- Keen interest in technological development and advancements
- Ability to suggest process improvements
IT Specialist experience requirements
Experience requirements for an IT Specialist vary depending on both the position and the industry. An entry-level IT Specialist should have experience from internships and undergraduate studies. You may require candidates with specific experience in a technology or programming language, and expect candidates to have required certifications in applications and programs required for the role.
IT Specialist education and training requirements
IT Specialists should generally have a bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline, which could be computer science, computer engineering, or information technology. Candidates with a master’s degree may be preferred. Certifications are an important component of IT Specialist education. Candidates may have to present certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA Security), CompTIASecurity+, and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
IT Specialist salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Junior IT Specialist in Canada is $41,895 per year. A Senior IT Specialist earns approximately $65,867 per year. Salary may be dependent on the candidate’s experience level, the location of the job, and the specific company.
Job description samples for similar positions
If an IT Specialist is not quite what you’re looking for, some other job description samples that may fit your needs include: