Should I become an IT operator?

Computer operators monitor computer hardware systems to ensure that they are processing accurate institutional data that has been requested for support. Computer operators also maintain peripherals to ensure that they are working properly. A large number of industries employ computer operator job, including scientific institutes, technical structures and companies. This career is often a launch pad for positions in software development and computer programming. Computer operators often sit at their desks for many hours.

Career requirements

At the beginning of this career, a graduate can acquire an associate degree. Although this is not essential, many employers prefer an employee with about 1-2 years of experience. The key competencies that an IT operator needs are time management, operation and control, critical thinking, solving complex problems, active listening, monitoring, understanding reading and monitoring processes. He must also be able to use the database user interface and query software, the network monitoring software, the object or component oriented software and the operating system software. In May 2018, the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics said that computer operators paid an average annual salary of $ 45,840.

 

Steps to Become a Computer Operator

Step 1: acquire technical knowledge

The requirements for training as a computer operator vary depending on the employer. According to the United States Department of Labor Statistics (BLS), you can only start this career with a high school diploma. However, college graduates who are successful in this field typically enter the labor market with knowledge of computer, computing, and peripheral maintenance. One way to acquire technical knowledge without a degree is to attend technology seminars.

 

To really shine in the field, you earn a degree. Technical schools, community colleges and some computer companies offer the training required to advance in this profession. Most related degrees in computer science generally include web authoring courses, databases, programming, database management systems, algorithms, and data structures.

Step 2: Find a job

Computer operators can find employment in many areas, including data processing, finance, insurance and government services. Depending on the employer’s staffing needs, computer operators can work a flexible shift that can include nights, weekends, or holidays.

 

It is important to gain work experience.

 Step 3: advances in IT

To advance to a higher paid position as a software developer or computer analyst, computer operators generally need to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Because this particular area is about computers, professionals who want to gain a competitive advantage generally take lessons throughout their careers to stay up to date with changes and advances in technology.

 

It can also be beneficial to join a professional organization. The Association of Information Technology Professionals offers its members conferences, training events, scholarships and networking opportunities. Participation in a professional organization can lead to more experience and more professional opportunities.

 

With a high school diploma, possibly a degree, some work experience, and extensive computer skills, computer operators can earn around $ 46,000 annually to monitor and support a company’s operating systems.

 

Education and training requirements

In the past, a baccalaureate, previous experience with an operating system and knowledge of the latest technologies were the minimum requirements for employment. However, employers are increasingly demanding formal computer training from operators, possibly through a community college or technical school. Employers then train workers until they are familiar with certain equipment and routines.

 

Definition and type of work

Computer operators manage the operation of hardware systems. You will often have to work with most types of computers, including minicomputers, mainframes and personal networks. computer. The computer operator must maintain the computer hardware and solve any problems. The task of the computer operator varies according to the computer system.

Computer operators are very important for the daily operation of old mainframes and minicomputers. This computer system consists of a network of smaller computer terminals (monitors and keyboards) connected to a central core that contains all software and system memory. Most older mainframes and minicomputers have a central control panel. When the computer is running, the computer operator carefully checks the error lights on the console that might be on to indicate that the computer is not functioning properly. If the indicator lights are on or the computer is off, the operator must identify the problem and solve it. The operator saves the equipment operation registers and registers and records all malfunctions and errors. If computer system files and programs are on disks or cassettes, the operator must ensure that the computer has been loaded with this storage media. Experienced operators can help computer programmers or systems analyst testing programs.