Are you the kind of person who everyone turns to when they’re in trouble or have a challenge they’re not sure how to face? Do you find yourself consulting your friends on which dress to wear on a first date or whether a black pencil skirt is right for a job interview? If so, you might want to find a career in a realm that allows you to help others.

Of course, there are plenty of careers you could take on that would allow you to be of service. You could become a healthcare provider, or a career consultant, or a customer support agent—the sky’s the limit. If, however, you have a knack for information technology alongside a penchant for helping others, you may already know that the job market you’re looking at encompasses the world of computer support.

How do you get started on your journey towards being the best computer support specialist there is? That’s the mystery we’re here to solve. If you’re interested in some ways to tackle this quandary, read on for a few tips.

Decide if you want to be an online learner or not.

These days, eLearning is almost always an option for various degree and certificate programs. This is why you need to think about whether you’re more of an online or in-person learner. A great computer support specialist program will undoubtedly offer both options, but which one is best for you? Are you the type of learner whose pathway to education is better served by speaking with instructors during class, or do you have a part-time job that means you need to be studying online from home? As you’re considering these questions, take the time to look at your prerequisite requirements as well and to decide whether you’ll be doing those online or in person.

Look into solutions for tuition payments.

Most folks aren’t able to just hand over a check for tuition the same day they get an admissions letter, and it’s worthwhile to start thinking about a financial plan sooner rather than later. If you need to apply for financial aid or scholarships they will have deadlines. If you miss these, you’ll have to get in line behind those who did make the deadline. If you’re serious about getting an IT support certificate, ask about financial aid options and get ready to sign up for any potential financial help. Money shouldn’t stand in your way, but it is something to figure out as you apply for a certificate program, bachelor’s degree, or associate degree program.

Review the academic calendar and take note of exam dates.

Before you pick out the high waist skirt with the perfect hem and fabric for your first day at school, read the academic calendar in depth. This is especially important if you have other commitments. Your employers will want to know as far in advance as possible before you take time off for exams, and the same is true if you have personal things to attend to. Apply your innate problem-solving skills to this as well—just take note of the details of your academic calendar and make sure you have plenty of time to study for every single college credit you’ll be earning.

Working in the ranks of support services specialists is a highly rewarding job. Just the ability to solve a person’s query or offer IT support to a lost and bewildered layperson is enough to make anyone grin. If you have problem-solving skills and want to be one of the great technical support specialists out there, nothing should stand in your way. Make yourself a staple of your industry by enrolling in a great program and figuring out the necessary details to ensure your success.