So, you’ve decided to switch careers or build a fresh career in the information technology field as a computer technician. Great! But now the question is, how do you go about learning the essential skills?
Should you focus of self-learning or should you invest in computer tech training?
Well, here’s the short answer: neither option is good or bad; however, if you want to ensure that you are job-ready after your training, then learning from a reputed IT technician school is recommended.
With that said, let’s explore the differences and learn which one is right for you.
Self-taught Benefits and Disadvantages
Many tech professionals swear by upskilling through self-learning certification courses or even community forums. Here are some pros and cons that’ll help you decide if it’s for you:
Pros
- Flexibility: This is perhaps the greatest advantage of self-taught online learning, i.e., you can control your learning pace, schedule, and curriculum. This makes it ideal for working professionals, especially those who have strict schedules.
- Budget-friendly: Another reason why most aspiring computer technicians rely on this approach is that most resources are within their budget, and some are even free.
- Developing Problem-solving Skills: Since you’ll be learning on your own, there is are high chance that you will not understand completely, and try to find a solution for that technical issue yourself, helping you develop critical problem-solving skills.
Cons
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- Lack of Structure: So, remember how we mentioned that flexibility is the greatest perk of self-paced learning? It can become a big disadvantage as well because there is no set curriculum or a teacher to guide you throughout the process. Not to mention that you can get lost or distracted as well.
- Limited Support: In addition to a lack of structure, you do not get access to an instructor, which means you cannot resolve your concerns in real-time.
- Knowledge Gaps: Learning on your own also makes you susceptible to overlooking crucial information like foundational concepts, which can lead to an incomplete understanding of the niche.
- Job Readiness: Despite completing a course, you’d still need to invest in hands-on training to develop essential skills for potential employers.
Online Structured (School) Learning Benefits and Disadvantages
Where self-paced learning is popular with tech professionals, online learning schools are the go-to choice for beginners or career changers. Here are the pros and cons to help you decide:
Pros
- Structured Learning: This style of learning offers a well-designed learning path, which is often developed by experts, resulting in students learning the most relevant and in-demand skills systematically.
- Access to Instructors: Synchronous live lectures also give you access to instructors, i.e., you can directly ask questions, clarify concepts, and get personalized feedback. This enables you to focus on your weak points.
- Hands-on Experience: Even though such computer tech training programs are online, they do offer lab simulations or externships. These allow you to gain real-world experience that can be added to your portfolio, boosting your employability.
- Career Services: Similar to externships, reputed schools offer dedicated career support, which includes resume building, mock interviews, and job placement assistance.
Cons
- Cost: Online schools generally cost more than self-paced courses. With that said, these do offer hands-on experience.
- Less Flexibility: Compared to self-taught learning, these have predetermined schedules and deadlines, which means students need to actively participate and attend on a daily or weekly basis.
- Fast Pace: Usually, these courses are fast-paced, lasting anywhere from 14 to 16 weeks. This accelerated learning schedule can be overwhelming for some.
Essential Skills Required to Become a Computer Technician
Now, if you are new to the IT field, it is important to know what skills you need to succeed as a computer support technician. Make sure the following skills are taught in your chosen program:
Technical Skills:
- An understanding of common operating systems, i.e., Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Proficiency in troubleshooting common issues.
- Installing, repairing, and configuring basic hardware and software.
- An understanding of data backup and recovery.
Interpersonal Skills:
- Ability to communicate technical information in simple language for users.
- Patience and strong customer service skills.
- Willingness to learn continuously.
Final Words
Now that you know the pros and cons of both learning formats, it comes down to personal preference and what you already know about the role.
If you are already in the information technology field and want to upskill, choosing a self-taught method will be the right approach. However, if you are completely new to this industry and want to increase your employability, enrolling in an online school will be the ideal option.
