About PC Analyst Training

PC analysts have earned a variety of reputations during their short time in the career market, with stereotypes ranging from nerdy loners (like the analyst in the 1982 film "War Games") to lovable-but-mysterious technophiles (ala "Hackers"). Training for this line of work can be just as scattered, though this article can help those interested in PC analyst training sort through the myriad options by exploring some types, benefits, time frames and considerations of computer work.

History

The term "PC analyst" has evolved considerably since personal computers rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s. Early analysts spent long hours interpreting output from machines or operating specialized software that bewildered and intimidated the uninitiated masses. As PCs became increasingly common, the mainframe market dried up, and user-friendly applications such as Excel and Powerpoint took the mystique out of computing, the PC Analyst field evolved into more of a hardware troubleshooting position. Today's PC analysts work in helpful, supportive environments such as BestBuy's Geek Squad and corporate information technology (IT) departments where they install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair computer equipment.

Types

Just as there are varied settings for a PC analyst to work, there are many different ways for an up-and-coming analyst to learn. Many local junior and community colleges offer outstanding two-year degrees in PC analyst fields such as computer engineering technology, and four-year colleges such as the University of Central Florida or the University of Tennessee offer highly recognized and revered baccalaureate degrees. Many of these schools also offer graduate programs, including a Master's degree in information technology, and some schools even offer doctorate programs in the same field. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a number of correspondence schools bring PC analyst training into the home.

Certifications

In addition to formal education, PC analysts may benefit from--and are often expected to have--various certifications. One of the more basic certifications is the A+ certification, available from the computing technology industry association, CompTIA. More vendor-specific certifications, such as the CCNA, CCNP and CCNE certifications offered by Cisco and the MCSE certification from Microsoft, are also honorable achievements.

Time Frame

The time frame required for training to become a PC analyst varies largely according to the type of training pursued. Associate degrees and basic certifications such as A+ or CCNA may be obtained in as little as 18 months, while baccalaureate degrees generally require four to five years of intensive college education. Because the computing and technology industry is constantly evolving and rapidly changing, PC analysts often continue their training and incorporate their training regimen into their full-time job.

Benefits

The enormous time investment and constantly evolving field of study may deter some would-be students from a career as a PC analyst, but a career in this industry carries significant benefits. Not the least of these benefits is the open and expanding job base, as virtually every major corporation sports its own information technology department. PC analysts are often among the higher paid employees with sizable amounts of both power and responsibility. PC analysts often have very lax dress codes, as their jobs may require crawling under desks to diagnose complex computer issues. Finally, a 2009 article on the Microsoft Network (MSN) pegged PC analysts as one of the undiscovered "sexiest" jobs.

Resources

• CompTIA