With IT teams essentially acting as a cornerstone of every modern company, investing in well-trained, experienced staff is becoming increasingly important as time goes by. Not only is an equipped IT team able to meet the ever-evolving consumer demands, but it’s also an essential weapon in any modern business’ arsenal.
To make sure you‘re able to outpace your competition and use IT as a driving force towards the future success of your company, these are the five IT roles you’ll need to focus on.
Help desk analyst
Also referred to as a technical support specialist, a help desk analyst is an IT professional whose role is to provide assistance to end users. They’re there to either solve any issues users are dealing with or connect them with more experienced analysts when that’s required, ensuring customer satisfaction while also boosting employee productivity.
The role of a help desk analyst puts them on the IT support frontline, and it’s a role that is tiered. Help desk analysts who belong to Tier 1 deal with everything from resolving technical issues to troubleshooting to answering. When the issue at hand is too complex, that’s when more intensive IT support (Tier 2 or Tier 3) is provided. Some of the skills a help desk analyst should possess include active listening, dealing with conflicts patiently and effectively, problem solving skills, and technical knowledge.
Hardware technician
In order for computer systems and networks to be of high quality and run smoothly and efficiently, they need to be maintained by a professional. This is where the role of a hardware technician comes into play. These skillful pros handle a variety of tasks, from managing servers and computers to making the necessary repairs.
Also referred to as an IT specialist or a hardware engineer, a hardware technician is responsible for everything from installation to troubleshooting to upgrade. Their tasks may seem basic but their role is still incredibly essential for the company. While larger companies may need to hire a team of hardware technicians, smaller businesses usually don’t require more than one. Some of the skills these pros need include setting up software and hardware, tackling hardware repairs and maintenance, troubleshooting techniques, and collecting and reporting data.
Network administrator/engineer
Both are of crucial importance for the company, and while administrators are there to maintain networks, engineers are the ones designing and developing them. They understand how companies’ IT networks and structures work, and aside from monitoring and maintaining those networks, they’re also designing them to drive future growth.
This is often done by integrating new technologies. For instance, implementing technical solutions such as a Positive Pay integration system can be a practical way to protect clients against check fraud. In case of forged, altered or counterfeit checks, the bank sends out notifications to corporate customers in the form of exception reports, thus preventing fraud. This just goes to show the importance of integrating new technologies and applying modern solutions when it comes to creating a greater sense of security.
Systems engineering manager
As IT systems and infrastructure evolve and become increasingly complex, managing them becomes rather challenging. They require supervision, and hiring a systems engineering manager can be a great way to fill in the gap.
Their job description includes monitoring systems performance, planning and engineering the company’s organization infrastructure, and providing recommendations when that’s necessary. A systems engineering manager is often expected to lead a team of engineers and manage their daily performance. As for their skillset, they ought to be experienced in the field (at least seven years is recommended) and familiar with the best practices and methodologies when it comes to modern system engineering. They also need to be able to think analytically, resolve conflicts effectively, and possess great decision-making skills.
IT project manager
Last but not least, when looking for roles that provide value to your business, it’s important to mention the role of an IT project manager. Their role acts as a bridge between the initiation stage and execution stage. A good IT project manager is able to identify goals, break them down into steps, and then make sure that those steps are being taken.
They do so by applying their vast knowledge on the subject matter and thinking quickly all the while being responsible for a range of tasks. These include planning, organizing, budgeting, managing tasks, allocating resources, and working closely with business managers and development teams. It goes without saying that they ought to possess excellent communication skills, be familiar with project management methodology, and have experience when it comes to managing costs, resources, and risks. Finally, they need to be able to perform well under pressure while also being great at multitasking.
Wrapping up
With technology changing and advancing as we speak, it’s important for businesses to keep pace with the latest advancements and adjust the way they operate.
By applying new technologies and modern solutions, companies are able to maintain a competitive edge, thus successfully adapting to an increasingly competitive business environment.