What's it like to work as a computer technician?

I'm super into tech and thinking about maybe starting off as a computer technician after graduation. Can anyone explain what the day-to-day job involves and what skills I'd need to have?

A day in the life of a computer technician varies depending on the specific role and type of organization they work for, but there are some general tasks and skills common to most positions in this field.

The day often begins with checking any pending service tickets from the previous day or newly raised ones. Tickets typically detail the nature of technology issues that staff or customers are facing. These could range from fixing software crashes, setting up new systems, or troubleshooting network issues.

The job often involves lots of problem-solving and hands-on work. You may find yourself removing and replacing hardware components, installing and configuring software, maintaining networks, or setting up new equipment. There's plenty of work done at the computer, researching solutions, using diagnostic tools, and communicating with clients.

Time management is another vital aspect. It’s common to juggle multiple tickets at once, so being able to prioritize tasks based on urgency is critical.

As for the skills you need:

1. Technical Aptitude: Good understanding of computer systems (both hardware and software), networks, and ideally, even some programming can be handy.

2. Problem-solving skills: You'd need to be good at diagnosing issues and finding their solutions, often under time pressure.

3. Communication: You'll need to interact with users to understand their issues and explain solutions in a non-technical language.

4. Patience and Tenacity: Some problems can be stubborn and require considerable effort and time to solve.

5. Continued Learning: Technology is continually evolving, so ongoing training and skill updates are necessary.

For a deeper understanding, you might consider an internship or part-time job with a local IT service or repair shop. You could also explore certifications from organizations like CompTIA that provide a structured learning path and a recognized qualification. They're very worthwhile investments and could help you start your career on a strong footing.