by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: June 23, 2008

A good information technology technician knows all the ins and out of the computer. They can compile, process and enter information into the computer data base. They can make, edit and test computer system programs. They can install, configure and monitor local and wide area networks, hardware, and software.

A great Information Technology Technician has a myriad of other skills that make him/her an asset in many other ways.

~ Avoid industry language. Most technicians at one time or another are going to have to communicate with the common employee. "What is your address?" is a different question when coming from a technician. They want some kind of IP address, not where you have your computer set up or what's on your business card. Cookies are not something you eat and they want them to be cleared. A great technician knows who he/she is speaking with and uses terminology to effectively communicate.

~ See the whole picture. Take the extra time needed to learn the functionality of the individual systems. I worked in a reservation department once and I was forever trying to explain to our technician what the program used to do and why I thought there might be a problem. It took an hour conversation before she understood the problem. It would have taken 30 minutes for her to learn the program. She lived in a computer bubble. How do these programs and computer issue affect everyone else in the business?

~ Become a teacher. Most technicians would rather not be called for minor issues that computer savvy associates should be able to handle. Changing your password should be an easy task. However, not every associate they work with will have what they may consider basic computer skills. So provide them with information and teach them. They way technicians can do the actual work they are hired to do.

~ Leave gaming at home. There are times when you have spare time at work. If employees wonder by and see you playing games that what they assume you do all day long. Unless company policy says everyone plays computer games on their break, it's best to avoid the practice.

~ Be visible. Technicians need to be seen and involved in the company. Much of the work technicians do is behind the scenes, but they have other talents the company needs as well. Volunteer for service projects. Share ideas and experience. Jump outside of the box and become a team member.

These ideas will make a great Information Technology Technician and the job will be much more rewarding.

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