How to become A Field Service Technician

They may not be high on one’s list of glamorous professionals. Still, it is next to impossible to lead a comfortable life without Field Service Technicians. A company dispatches a Field Service Technician to take care of all customer support tickets. It generally includes helping clients install, repair, and maintain equipment.

• Field Technician
• Service Technician
• Installation Technician

What do Field Service Technicians do?

A Field Service Technician would typically need to:

• Provide customer service and assistance on-site in relation to the installation, configuration, fitting, repair, maintenance, servicing and testing of technical equipment
• Schedule and conduct timely field visits; tie workflow to schedule; follow the company’s procedures and protocols
• Allow customers to explain their requirements and expectations so that you can understand the problem and recommend solutions
• Identify technical faults and find optimal solutions
• Safely operate automobiles; maintain, update and operate field automation systems 
• Build positive client relationships by addressing their queries during site visits, using improved protocols and explaining equipment use
• Cooperate with and support the team, share information across the organisation and provide aid when needed
• Document equipment use; deliver detailed service reports for the field visit
• Liaise with the technical crew; review technical protocols and operations and suggest improvements
• Stay up to date with the latest developments in the field

Field Service Technicians spend part of their day in workshops equipped with benches and specialist machines and tools. 

As a Field Service Technician, you may frequently travel for work to business premises or clients’ homes. You would also need to carry your tools, equipment and materials.

The majority of Field Service Technicians work full time, and many work more than 40 hours per week, continuously meeting deadlines. While you may need to work shift hours, there may not be a fixed shift, resulting in considerable overtime. You may also have to attend calls for longer durations in case of emergencies and remain on call. Depending on the location, you may encounter severe weather conditions.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Field Service Technicians can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. You may also consider signing up for career fairs to meet with recruiters face-to-face, have them get to know you and make an impression.

Field Service Technicians are generally employed by: 

• Construction Companies
• Wireless Telecommunications Carriers
• The Electric Power Industry
• Utilities
• Government Services
• Educational Services

Professional associations and organisations are crucial for Field Service Technicians interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Meeting with the expectations of your organisation and abiding by assigned schedules
• Working at hazardous locations, such as on top of radio towers, and at odd hours to address emergencies quickly
• The need for the central office to maintain constant contact with the crew and have an established emergency protocol
• The need to communicate with customers to keep them informed of delays, cancellations, or rescheduling of appointments

Any academic program undertaken by a potential Field Service Technician typically requires a period of supervised experience, such as an internship. Postsecondary training programs commonly introduce you to the latest technologies and increase your employability.

Sign up for internships during summer breaks under the supervision of an experienced senior Field Service Technician. An internship may help you network with potential future colleagues. 

Completing engineering technician advanced apprenticeships with construction companies is also an avenue to acquire experience to become a Field Service Technician, provided you fulfil the age requirements. Depending on the company, you may need to dedicate a minimum number of hours per week as an employee. Your learning will typically occur on the job and through a college or training provider.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in field service technology to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

A high school diploma is the minimum academic qualification for aspiring Field Service Technicians, although some employers may be more concerned with your experience and skills.

Aspirants possessing customer-centric skills and the ability to analyse and solve problems from non-technical descriptions are preferred by most employers. Proficiency in different computing and operating systems would give you a competitive edge in the job market.

Some employers may prefer candidates with an associate or bachelor’s degree in electronics, computer science, IT, network technologies or a related field, depending on the industry in which you wish to work. For instance, Field Service Technicians wanting to specialise in electronic repairs may take classes in programming, networking and routing. Aspirants interested in the computer industry may take courses in microcomputer systems, electronic circuits and computer analysis. 

Certification demonstrates a Field Service Technician’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. When acquired from an objective and reputed organisation, it can help you stand out in a competitive job market, carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics. Employers value master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) and other ETA certifications.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high performance levels may be eligible for promotion every two to three years. Advancement typically depends on how large the organisation is. 

With experience, Field Service Technicians may progress to Maintenance Management roles. Your skills are likely to be transferable to becoming a technical Sales Manager or Contract Manager. You may apply for the positions of Senior Technician, Supervisor or Service Manager within the firm or pursue a master’s degree. Advancement will likely result in new challenges and responsibilities accompanied by greater repute and sizable paychecks.

Candidates with the necessary skills, experience, and education, particularly those with an associate degree or certification in electronics, have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Field Service Technician build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to continually upskill, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Acquiring an associate degree or certifications in your relevant field or expanding your portfolio of capabilities through appropriate training will help you do your work more efficiently and skillfully and facilitate your career progression.

You could even pursue a degree in mechanical, electrical or electronics engineering to further your career prospects.

Why Can Artificial Intelligence Never Substitute Field Service Technicians?

Artificial intelligence (AI) can smoothen the workflow of a Field Service Technician but not eat up the job. AI expertly reduces redundancies in service workflows. For example, field service management systems can reroute trucks when required and track inventory to save fuel costs and time. AI also helps in making the organisation more customer-centric.

Field Service Technicians possess exceptional problem-solving skills.

Moreover, clients in B2C industries prefer interaction with humans rather than AI bots.

Your Toolkit 

Among the various tools and instruments in their kits, Field Service Technicians typically depend on the nut & screwdriver set, combination pliers, cordless drill, work flashlight, claw hammer, wire cutters, tape measure, and the utility knife.

Physical Requirements for a Field Service Technician

A Field Service Technician’s job has physical demands that you must fulfil. It includes single-handedly lifting equipment that can weigh as much as 50 pounds and the ability to kneel, sit, stand and crawl. 

Field Service Technicians mostly travel to sites for work and dedicate a minimum of 40 hours per week. They must be mentally and physically equipped to face weather extremes based on the geographic region. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Field Service Technicians have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Field Service Technician has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Although it is estimated that Artificial Intelligence will kill 6% of jobs by 2021, it continues to aid Field Service Technicians in working more efficiently.

If you have exceptional problem-solving skills and relish working with hardware and software, a career as a Field Service Technician might be an excellent choice. You can also grow to work in field service management and beyond.

Don’t be afraid to take advantage of opportunities that might seem stressful at first. Even if you lack professional experience, you may still be a good fit for a specific job because you have the knowledge to handle the responsibilities. In this case, you should still apply for the position.