Activity 1-8: KSA's

The Information Technology field is one of the fastest growing career industries in the world right now.  Everyone uses computers, and unfortunately, or fortunately for us, not everyone is well versed in the operation and the troubleshooting steps that need to be taken to resolve some of today’s most common issues.  I have had the privilege of working for three different IT companies the past ten years that have helped me gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the computer and user support field.  Through my first job I gained experience in office management, and computer support for small businesses and home users.  Through my second job I gained hands on experience in large business and corporate support solutions as well as help desk management.  Finally, my current job granted me experience in technical support in the medical field.  All of my careers have allowed me to gain a comprehensive knowledge that would be useful in most user support positions in many different industries.  I am currently working on furthering my knowledge by earning my associates degree in Network Administration.  I am also in the process of completing my Net+, Security+, and A+ certifications.

Some of my qualifications are as follows:

Knowledge:

•   Knowledge of server, desktop and laptop computers and their components.
•  Experience with Mac, Linux, and Windows operating systems.  Including Windows 98, XP, Vista, 7, and 8
• Knowledge in the use and maintenance of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Visio, Publisher, InfoPath, Outlook, SharePoint, OneNote, and Access
• Knowledge of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and Server 2008
• Knowledge of image creation and deployment with Symantec’s Altiris, and Ghost
• Knowledge in Active Directory maintenance and management
• Knowledge in malware protection and removal

Skills:

• Key 51 words per minute with 96% accuracy
• Manage and deploy computer systems and software
• Have custom built more than 50 computer systems for various uses
• 5 years of experience troubleshooting Windows operating systems, computer components, and software
• 1 year experience with Cisco Call Manager and VPN

Abilities:

• Able to communicate clearly and effectively with customers and coworkers via email, phone, instant messaging, and face to face interactions
• Able to manage 6-10 personnel 
• Ability to multitask, with strong organizational skills, and accomplish tasks in a timely fashion
• Able to work in a fast paced, constantly changing environment without losing quality of work
• Flexible and reliable when accommodating the needs of the business

In searching for potential employers I was able to find a Techinical Support Analyst position with the American College of Surgeons.  The position is a midlevel technical support career in Chicago, IL.  I selected this position for several reasons, first the location, my family’s goal has been when we complete our education to move back to my hometown of Chicago.  Second, this position will allow me to further my skills that will eventually lead to a position in Network Adminstration.  The best thing about this position is that I already have the knowledge, skills and abilities required.  The company is asking for the ability to provide individual assistance to users by troubleshooting PC hardware and software problems, managing outlook and active directory accounts, coordinate repair resolutions efforts with other IT staff members or outside vendors, as well as several other skills.

This company came highly recommended through several coworkers in the my current occupation.  Due to the large number of staff and students the company is constantly growing and always opening new positions within their IT department.  This leads me to believe this is the perfect career for me to pursue as I work towards a position in Network Administration.

http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?APath=2.21.0.0.0&job_did=JHN6Z86NVL9YBWBFQGR&IPath=JRKV0C