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Jagpreet
11 October, 2024
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“With great power comes great responsibility.” – You may remember this iconic line from Spider-Man . But, did you know that this also applies to computer operators? They may not swing between the skyscrapers like Spider-Man. But, they are the unsung heroes who work behind the scenes. Their primary job involves ensuring the computer systems run smoothly without glitches.
Moving on, the demand for computer operators is flourishing with the technological advancement in each working sector. In fact, as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), the demand for computer support specialists including computer operators is estimated to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031 . Moreover, the salary range for computer operators based on all years of experience lies between ₹ 22,000 to ₹ 26.2 Lakh per month , as stated by Glassdoor (2024). Therefore, a computer operator career could be a great start for you to enter the IT industry.Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or seeking a job in a high-demand IT career, this computer operator career guide shall uncover all the key insights. It shall unfold this career’s growth opportunities, in-demand skills, and job outlooks. So, let’s dive into the world behind the screens!
A computer operator oversees the working of computers and ensures their smooth functioning. They administer the computer equipment and their networks to identify potential glitches.However, the variety of industries often comprises different computer operator roles. It might involve detaining the commands or resolving and responding to various programme errors.
Furthermore, almost all industries recruit computer operators based on their expertise. Becoming a computer operator allows you to choose your specialisation. It also contributes to your career growth and higher earning opportunities. Moreover, computer operators aren’t always responsible for merely one task. Their job role puts them in charge of some related computer operations as well. Based on your expertise as a computer operator, you might be addressed with the following names:
Computer programmers
Program writers
Systems analysts
Systems engineers
Software developers
Network architects
Technicians
Application programmers
Systems software specialists
As a computer operator, you would need to keep your skills up-to-date. The IT world is swift and only people who nourish and learn the latest skills over time survive brightly here. Now, starting from the basics, you must require proficiency in handling numerous operating systems. It includes Windows, Linux, Unix, and MacOS.
Also, apart from software maintenance, knowledge of hardware is a must to understand the functioning of the computer. The following are the essential skills for a computer operator:
Data Entry
Backing-Up Data
Problem-Solving Skills
Analytical Skills
Data Processing
Equipment Maintenance
System Monitoring
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Data Management
Keen Eye for Detailing
Coding or Programming Skills
Advanced Computer Literacy
You could be placed in several computer operator roles with a mere senior high-school diploma. However, on-site training and certifications are inevitable. Also, having previous working experience could be your powerful asset. However, you would require some exceptional skills and knowledge to specialise as a computer operator. It shall also open the doors of career growth opportunities in esteemed companies.
Moving on, you need to follow a proper hierarchy of computer operator education to become a professional. Here is a detailed procedure of educational requirements to become a computer operator:
To the least, you must complete your senior secondary (10+2) education to become a computer operator. Since it’s a field that requires logical thinking, decision-making, analytical, and quantitative skills, employers look for candidates who have studied maths and physics-like subjects. Also, in order to upgrade your skills with a bachelor’s degree, you must complete 10+2 with nearly 50% scores.
If you want to advance your computer operator career , you may consider a bachelor’s degree. You can either pursue –
BSc in Computer Science (CS)
BA in Computer Applications (CA)
BSc in Information Technology (IT)
B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering (CSE)
B.Tech in Information Technology (IT)
Or BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications)to advance your skills and education with a bachelor’s degree. These courses equip you with relevant and essential skills needed to become a computer operator. Moreover, you can also consider a diploma in a field related to computer science. However, diplomas are yearly courses but surely contribute to career growth opportunities. But, having a bachelor’s degree is a ticket to a master’s. You couldn’t pursue a master’s and advance in your education even more, without an UG course.
Practical working experience has always been a reliable asset for individuals looking to grow in their careers. You would want to work in reputed and multinational companies. Each organisation demands a skilled and experienced candidate. Training and internships allow you to enhance your skills and gain experience simultaneously. This significantly improves your computer operator career.
Last but not least! The IT world is huge and modifications are done every day. To derive computer operator career opportunities, you must enhance and earn new skills using the latest technology. This is when certification courses turn out to be beneficial. These are short courses that can be done anytime after your secondary education or 10+2. It allows you to earn fresh skills and insights on the latest niches.
Furthermore, you can consider online certification courses as well. Online certification courses facilitate learning while earning. Their flexible curriculum allows you to learn at your own pace and manage your job concurrently. Here are a few certification courses that you may consider to derive career growth opportunities.
Certificate in Office Computer Operator (OCO) from the Indian Institute of Skill Development and Training (IISDT)
Certificate in Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA) from Industria Training Institutes (ITIs)
Computer operators are responsible for monitoring computer hardware, software, and networks according to the advised protocols. They manage the installation and maintenance of companies’ computer networks and systems. Nowadays, computer systems are ubiquitous in each industry. So, the need for computer operators is everywhere. However, following specific protocols, the tasks may differ a bit. Below are the common responsibilities of a computer operator:
Maintaining the computer networks’ security.
Execute preventive maintenance such as installing ad blockers and antivirus programmes.
Evaluating the topological needs of a company or clients.
Modifying the machines’ settings as needed.
Implementing computer commands to launch programmes.
Management of supply inventory.
Generating, modifying, and implementing documentation.
Organising the hardware components of the desktop.
Identifying the issues with software and equipment malfunction.
Responding to client or company issues and inspections.
Associating with the IT Team for required changes and updates.
Data implementation and interpretation.
The computer operator career is emerging and it shall expand with time. Due to the technological advancement and computer-based environment everywhere, opting for a computer operator career could be beneficial. You can get to work in numerous positions in different industries worldwide. Whether you are a graduate or a professional, there is always a higher role waiting for you in this career. Here are the top 15 potential computer operator career
growth opportunities for you:
IT Administrator
Data Centre Technician
Network Specialist
IT Project Manager
Systems Analyst
DevOps Engineer
Database Administrator (DBA)
System Administrator
IT Support Specialist
Network Architect
Software Quality Assurance (QA) Tester
Cybersecurity Analyst
Business Analyst
Cloud Administrator
IT Consultant
Computer operators always remain in demand in every industry. Whether as a software developer, hardware analyst, or network architect, numerous industries welcome computer operators. Below are the top industries that offer a range of job roles to computer operators:
Information Technology (IT) Services
Healthcare
Financial Services
Manufacturing Industries
Government Agencies
Education
Retailing Industries
Hospitality and Travelling
Telecommunications
Energy and Utilities
Transportation and Logistics
Aerospace and Defence
Pharmaceuticals
Media and Entertainment
Legal and Consulting Services
Computer operator careers have been always in high demand in every sector. Each industry offers different job roles to computer operators and recruits them as per their needs. According to a report from Zippia (2024), the estimated job growth of computer operators is 10% from 2018 – 2028. Around 83,100 new jobs are expected over the next decade. Moreover, the pay for computer operators has increased by 16% in the last 5 years.
Also, as stated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), around 356,700 job openings are projected each year to employ IT and computer operators. In short, the jobs for computer operators are in market demand and the computer operator job outlook will continue to grow over the next decade.
Becoming a computer analyst is like being a backstage crew of a large high-tech concert. You may not be in the spotlight or among the crowd. But, you could be the reason for everything on the stage running smoothly. With the growing use of data automation, management, and cloud computing, you can ensure the optimisation and security of these programmes.
Whether you want to specialise in system monitoring, automation technologies, or network management, computer operator career can make your way to higher IT roles. So, if you want to ensure the management runs smoothly by assisting behind the scenes, computer operator career might be your ticket. It’s a stable and emerging career path, that allows you to make an impactful career in the world of technology. So, are you ready to take your first step? Then, begin now!
