Job Responsibilities
My current position consists of monitoring all of the servers
the company has to make sure everything runs well and smooth.
I also make sure the backups run every night on the servers, and
if there is a problem, contact the owner right away.
We help support any problems with Terminal Server (Citrix)
applications and setting up PC's to use these clients.
I also help setup, change, update user accounts; unlock
passwords; setup User Groups; and watch security on those groups.
We answer the phone and also take care of incoming e-mails to
our area.
I am also the Microsoft Office Level 1 support for the company.
When there is a problem with an Office application, they contact
me and I assist the user(s) on their problems.
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Job Requirements
I have an Associates (2 year) degree in Graphic Design; but have
a good background with PC's and customer service.
Having basic knowledge of how a PC runs and the applications is
necessary. The Customer Service part is the main thing to
have. If a person has great customer service skills, the
technical side can be taught. Customer service skills aren't as
easily taught.
The company ended up training me on their applications on their
own, because they have specialized apps; and certain things they
do on them.
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Uppers
Love helping people, the atmosphere is GREAT, and our boss is really easy-going.
Surprising people with answers that they didn't expect to get so quickly is
always a great "plus" to me.
Every October there is a "Customer Service Week". We decorate the whole area
and have games and food the whole week.
Everything in the area is laid-back, so not much stress from other employees.
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Downers
There are a few users who aren't very cooperative on the phone,
and some people, when the call, are already upset and ready to
rip your head off.
It can get stressful at times, trying to get all of the
different aspects of the job completed; and everyone's problems
resolved in a timely manner.
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Lifestyle
Work hours are typically 40 hrs a week, but are on call 24/7. Not usually
called, but it can happen. We each have a pager so we can be easily reached.
There is a support rotation, so that the 24/7 support goes from person to person
all of the time.
There isn't much travel, except for the occassional trips to training or
conferences (once or twice a year...and are usually one-day trips).
In the summer, there is a company picnic at the local amusement park (Holiday
World), where the park is open just to Kimball employees. There are other social
events for each area of Kimball. There are bowling events, golf outings, and
lunches randomly dispersed throughout the year.
Dress code is business casual; khaki pants/polo-button up shirt Monday-Thursday,
Friday is casual dress: blues jeans and polo shirts/T-shirts.
Very laid-back area.
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Compensation
Compensation is typical for this area. With me just accepting
this position a year ago, I'm at the bottom of the list.
Typically $30,000 with shared bonus spaced out throughout the
year. Bonus depends on how well the company is doing.
There are stock options provided by the company, and the
retirement plan is really good.
Health Insurance is available for full-time employees, with
medical and dental included. My only problem is vision is not.
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Advice to Jobseekers
This is a GREAT field to be in. Companies cannot exist without
computers, and wherever there are computers, there are going to
be problems. Where there are computer problems, there will be
need for tech support.
As long as there are computers, there will be a NEED for
employees like us.
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