A help desk technician is a computer support specialist whose primary responsibility is to respond to requests from computer users. People who choose this profession typically have a love for solving technical problems and helping others. Many help desk technicians have undergraduate degrees in information technology (IT), or at the very least have learned the trade from extensive computer use and experience. Typical responsibilities of a help desk technician include troubleshooting specific computer issues, working one-on-one with the public, and filing work tickets to help track the process.

For the most part, a help desk technician is the front line for customer support whenever there is a problem with a computer. Computer support is traditionally divided into different classifications, called tiers. A first-time caller with a problem will most likely be assisted by a tier one help desk technician. The technician usually does his or her best to answer the caller’s question during the conversation.

If the problem is particularly challenging, the support call may be escalated to a tier two help desk technician. These individuals usually have experience solving more challenging questions or problems that computer users face. He or she has likely had to solve similar cases in the past and generally is looked upon as an expert.

Some larger computer support organizations will have a tier three help desk technician to handle the most difficult questions. These technical support engineers typically have great problem solving and technology research capabilities. They use these capabilities to help solve problems for complex issues that may or may not have previously occurred.

Many tech support individuals will also teach technology classes on individual subjects to help people help themselves. This can reduce the number of help desk calls, thereby allowing technicians to focus more time on additional responsibilities. A technician might also help manage a network, perform computer installations, or produce training course material.

Most help desks typically have a specialized software package that is used for tracking the completion of support requests. Having software to track problems can help managers analyze the types of questions and problems that the end users have. Trends can be analyzed to help with planning the computer education program. Help desk software also keeps statistics to know how many calls each help desk technician resolves over a given period of time. This information can be used as a basis for performance reviews among peers, as well.

Help desk software can also be helpful to the end user who is making the request. A ticket is generated when the support call begins, and both the caller and the technician follow this ticket to track progress on the problem until it is satisfactorily resolved. Closing out a help desk ticket signals the completion of the support case and releases the help desk technician to begin helping another client.