Technical assistants can be found working in a variety of industries. These professionals are frequently found in fields such as engineering, media, and research science. Technical assistants are trained professionals who work alongside lead researchers, engineers, and developers to design solutions and improve operations. A technical assistant for a civil engineer, for example, might be in charge of gathering information on traffic congestion on specific roads. This type of assistant might input data into a program and create graphs or spreadsheets for lead engineers to use when designing transportation solutions like bridges.
The requirements for becoming a technical assistant vary greatly and are dependent on the industries in which they work as well as individual employers. For example, an assistant to a media specialist may only require some basic training in using media technology such as video recorders and players. These laboratory research assistants, on the other hand, are typically graduate students with advanced degrees in specific fields. Technical assistants are frequently interested in receiving training for more established positions and may be able to earn academic credit in the process.
The majority of the time, a technical assistant is not in charge of making decisions. Instead, a supervisor gives him or her instructions. An assistant’s shift usually begins with a meeting with a supervisor to learn what tasks he or she will be responsible for.
Many people in these positions are expected to have some technical knowledge. For example, a library assistant should be able to use digital library catalogs, enter data about checked in and checked out items, and make inventory adjustments as needed. Much of the assistant’s work entails performing computer functions that aid higher-level professionals in their work, such as data collection and report generation.
When working in the media, assistants are frequently tasked with setting up VHS and DVD players. They may also bring equipment to specific offices or rooms. These types of assistants are common in colleges and high schools. Students who work in these positions often receive academic credit or pay that can be applied to tuition or living expenses.
An assistant who works with scientists collects data from laboratory investigations, among other things. He or she could write reports to help researchers analyze data they’ve already gathered. Individuals in these positions may also be in charge of carrying out actual studies based on instructions from lead researchers.