
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Services, Cloud Platforms, Productivity Software, Cloud Computing, Google Workspace, Virtualization and Virtual Machines, Desktop Support, Cloud Applications, Business Technologies, Technical Support and Services, Microsoft 365, Technical Support, End User Training and Support, Servers, Help Desk Support, Virtual Machines, Network Troubleshooting, Microsoft Teams, Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud, Customer Inquiries
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Mac OS, Microsoft Windows, Operating System Administration, Desktop Support, System Configuration, Technical Support, Computer Displays, Software Installation, Android (Operating System), Apple iOS, Mobile Security, Patch Management, System Monitoring, Application Performance Management, OS Process Management, Browser Compatibility, Collaborative Software, Data Maintenance
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft 365, Network Security, Business Software, Computer Hardware, Cybersecurity, Microsoft Office, Desktop Support, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Network Troubleshooting, Technical Support, Hardware Troubleshooting, Generative AI, Operating Systems, Collaborative Software, System Support, Network Protocols, TCP/IP, Application Security, Microsoft Teams, Cloud Computing
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Technical Support and Services, Technical Support, Customer Support, Help Desk Support, Negotiation, Relationship Building, Business Relationship Management, Professional Networking, Verbal Communication Skills, Knowledge Transfer, Constructive Feedback, Initiative and Leadership, Ethical Standards And Conduct
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Electrical Safety, Desktop Support, System Support, Technical Documentation, Problem Management, Debugging, Safety and Security, Technical Support, Hardware Troubleshooting
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Manufacturing Operations, Production Management, Production Planning, Production Process, Operations Management, Production Schedule, Business Operations, Inventory Control, Quality Control, Scheduling, Inventory Management System, Operational Efficiency, Lean Manufacturing, Material Requirements Planning, Quality Management, Project Schedules, Project Management, Capacity Planning, Statistical Process Controls, Process Analysis
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Cyber Threat Intelligence, Malware Protection, Personally Identifiable Information, Threat Detection, Cybersecurity, Cyber Attacks, Vulnerability Scanning, Information Privacy, Data Security, Security Awareness, Human Factors (Security), User Accounts
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Medical Privacy, Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act (HIPAA) Compliance, Electronic Medical Record, Telehealth, Patient Safety, Health Technology, Health Information Management, Clinical Informatics, Security Awareness, Encryption, Personally Identifiable Information, Help Desk Support, Medical Equipment, Desktop Support, End User Training and Support, Health Care, Clinical Documentation, Patient Communication, Technical Support, Customer Support
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Computer Hardware, Technical Support, Software Installation, Technical Documentation, Hardware Troubleshooting, Customer Support, Computer Networking, System Software, Technical Communication, Computer Literacy, Linux, Microsoft Windows
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Remote Access Systems, Desktop Support, Technical Support, Telecommuting, Information Technology, Collaborative Software, Issue Tracking, Information Privacy, Data Security, Artificial Intelligence
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Peripheral Devices, Hardware Troubleshooting, Desktop Support, Computer Hardware, Technical Support, System Requirements, System Configuration, Computer Displays, Issue Tracking, Usability
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Minnesota
Skills you'll gain: Enterprise Resource Planning, Business Systems Analysis, Systems Analysis, Requirements Analysis, Cybersecurity, Business Requirements, Business Systems, Cloud Computing, IT Management, Supply Chain Systems, Change Management, Business Technologies, Information Technology, Organizational Change, Technology Strategies, System Implementation, User Requirements Documents, Technology Solutions, Project Management, Critical Thinking
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Excellent computer skills are a must before learning support and operations. Any work or educational experience in IT, particularly quality assurance, infrastructure management, or technical support are helpful too. Because many people in support and operations deal directly with consumers and vendors, a background in customer service, even if it is from an entry-level retail job, can be beneficial too before starting to learn about support and operations.
People who are good communicators are well-suited for roles in support and operations. You'll spend much of your time communicating with customers, vendors, other IT team members, and people from other departments in your company. If you're planning to go into IT operations management, you'll also have to clearly communicate the needs of the job to your employees. This means you'll also need good leadership and decision-making skills. You should be a good problem solver too. When something goes wrong, it may be your job to figure out why and get to the bottom of it. Because troubleshooting can be time-consuming, excellent time management skills are a must as well.
People who work in IT support and operations may begin with entry-level positions, such as IT technicians, desktop support specialists, and field service technicians. As you earn your degree, gain more experience, and earn specializations or take courses related to your field, you may work towards more advanced jobs, like field engineers and support operations managers. You may also work towards jobs in cybersecurity, web development, software development, and data analytics.
Any education related to computer science or information technology can relate back to the field of support and operations. You may consider specializations in areas like IT support, IT automation, technical support, operations systems, and programming languages like Python. People who work in operations and support may also want to study English or communications to improve their written and verbal communication skills.
Companies that require IT support are the most common places that hire people with a background in support and operations. However, while some companies may have a team in-house, others may outsource to a third-party firm, so working for a company that specializes in support may also be an option. You may also find yourself working in schools, universities, government agencies, hospitals, and anywhere that operates using a computer network.