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Mobile Phone Technician
A mobile technician is a professional in technology who specializes in repairing mobile devices. This can be a great career path for professionals with excellent computer skills and manual dexterity, as they often work with their hands and find solutions to computer-related challenges. If you're interested in becoming a mobile technician, you might benefit from learning about the steps you can take to start your career, as this might help you secure a job. In this article, we discuss how to become a mobile technician and consider other elements of the career, such as their typical job duties and salary.
What is a mobile technician?
A mobile technician specializes in troubleshooting and repairing mobile devices. This can include surface-level repairs, like repairing a cracked screen, and more complex repairs, like fixing a malfunctioning control board or touch screen. These professionals most often work with cell phones, but they can also repair other devices like tablets and handheld music players. Mobile technicians typically work full-time hours, sometimes completing overtime to complete expedited repairs. While most mobile technicians have wide knowledge about different types of mobile devices, some specialize in repairing products from a specific brand or with a specific operating system.
What does a mobile technician do?
Here are a few key job duties for a mobile technician:
- Communicating with customers to learn about their repair needs
- Working on cell phones and mobile devices from various brands, models and operating systems
- Troubleshooting devices to identify aspects of the programming that might need repairs
- Completing surface-level repairs, such as cracked glass, stuck or missing buttons or scratched surfaces
- Repairing complex parts of mobile devices, such as their wiring, control pads and programming
- Preparing and processing invoices for customer transactions
- Selling mobile insurance plans to customers to protect their devices
How to become a mobile technician
Here are some steps you can follow to start your career as a mobile technician:
Earn a bachelor's degree
Most mobile technicians earn bachelor's degrees before entering the field, as this can help them build a foundation of knowledge in computer hardware and software. Due to the expertise that these professionals usually need, most aspiring mobile technicians major in computer science so they can study various technology concepts in-depth. For example, some topics that a computer science student might study include software programming, architecture for computers and the different parts of computer hardware. These programs typically take around four years to complete.
How to become a mobile technician
Here are some steps you can follow to start your career as a mobile technician:
1. Earn a bachelor's degree
Most mobile technicians earn bachelor's degrees before entering the field, as this can help them build a foundation of knowledge in computer hardware and software. Due to the expertise that these professionals usually need, most aspiring mobile technicians major in computer science so they can study various technology concepts in-depth. For example, some topics that a computer science student might study include software programming, architecture for computers and the different parts of computer hardware. These programs typically take around four years to complete.
2. Learn about different types of devices
While earning your bachelor's degree, try to learn about as many different devices as you can. This can help you prepare for work in the field, as many mobile technicians repair devices from different brands and in various models. You may explore the hardware and software used in certain devices during college, but it can also be beneficial to study the more in-depth characteristics of each type of device you might repair on your own.You can do this by researching different brands and models of cell phones online and by visiting technology retailers to view and practice using various devices.
3. Get certified
The next step you can take toward becoming a mobile technician is to earn at least one certification. This can be essential for aspiring mobile technicians, as employers usually require these professionals to have a certification that verifies they're able to complete various types of repairs. Many certifications for mobile technicians involve completing courses in person or online and engaging in hands-on practice in disassembling, reassembling and repairing devices. Two of the most common certifications for mobile technicians to pursue are the Device Repair Professional credential from the Cell Phone Repair School and the iFixit MasterTech Certification from iFixit.
4. Apply for jobs as a mobile technician
Once you have certification in device repair, you can start applying for jobs as a mobile technician. These professionals most often work at technology companies and retailers that sell mobile devices, such as electronics stores and phone retailers. Some locations also have specific businesses that specialize in device repair, often operating in brick-and-mortar stores or kiosks in larger shopping centers or malls.If you already have work experience in IT, you might reach out to professionals you know in the industry to ask about open positions for mobile technicians. You can look online for openings as well, using job search websites or general search engines.
Skills for a mobile technician
Here are a few essential skills for a mobile technician:
- Technical computer skills
- Troubleshooting
- Computer programming
- Manual dexterity
- Customer service
- Time management
- Problem-solving
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