OPT IT Support Specialist Jobs
IT Support Specialist roles are among the more OPT-accessible positions in tech. Many employers hire for these roles on a rolling basis, and STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on whether your degree is in a qualifying field like computer science, information systems, or a related discipline.
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We are a Firm where people truly believe in what they do and strive to achieve the highest standards of performance and success.
This position is based in our Birmingham office.
Description:
We are seeking an IT Support Specialist to join our team. The IT Support Specialist will be responsible for providing technical support to attorneys and staff. This is an on-site position that supports all PCs, phones, AV equipment, IT peripherals and IT Infrastructure in the office. The position reports to an IT Support Manager.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Support all PCs, phones, IT peripherals and IT infrastructure in the office
- Document work in IT incident ticketing system thoroughly
- Provide support to incidents that are escalated from IT Technicians or the Service Desk
- Provide technical support during events, conferences and meetings, on site and off site as needed
- Support office administration activities, projects and priorities as assigned
- Participate with internal IT groups during projects and activities
- Respond to power, HVAC, network and other outages, planned and unplanned in the office
- Special projects and duties as assigned
Qualifications
- 3+ years Corporate Environment
- 3+ years Technical Support Experience
- Experience using and supporting Microsoft Windows 10, Microsoft Office Suite, especially Outlook and Word
- Experience supporting and troubleshooting Cisco VoIP phone and voicemail system
- Experience supporting and troubleshooting web conferencing - especially Zoom and Microsoft Teams
- Experience using and supporting Apple and Android mobile devices and OSes
- Experience configuring and supporting printers and multifunction devices
- Experience using ServiceNow to log IT Incidents
- Network troubleshooting knowledge
- General experience with server/network rooms (patching network equipment, racking servers, evaluating power and cooling issues.)
- Experience supporting and troubleshooting audio-visual equipment
- Strong customer service orientation, with a can-do attitude and follow-through skills
- Possess analytical and problem solving skills
- Work well with others in a team environment requiring minimal supervision
- Strong overall written and oral communication skills
- Ability to effectively contribute to project documentation
- Ability to contribute and positively impact internal specialty support team or a major project
- Capable of traveling for business and working in different H&K sites independently
- Capable of lifting and moving equipment weighing as much as 50 lbs.
- Ability to work onsite at H&K offices
Minimum Education:
- Bachelor’s degree
- IT Certifications (ITIL Foundations, A+, etc….) or demonstrated equivalent experience
Benefits: Our goal is to promote a work environment in which individuals have access to the resources they need to be their best both professionally and personally, which includes resources that encourage individuals to focus on their health and well-being.
Below are the benefits we offer: comprehensive medical (PPO and HDHPs), dental and vision plans including coverage for domestic partners; life and AD&D insurance; short and long term disability insurance; tax-advantaged accounts for health care expenses, including FSAs and HSAs; FSAs for dependent care; health advocacy services; behavioral health and counseling resources for all family members; 401(k); profit sharing; backup dependent care; senior care planning support; resources for individuals with development disabilities and their caregivers; and paid holidays and other paid time off, including paid leave for new parents.
Holland & Knight is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other factor prohibited by law.
Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require an accommodation during the process should contact ApplicantAccommodations@hklaw.com.
Personal Information collected from applicants will be used for the purpose of processing the application throughout any recruitment or employment process, as well as inclusion in a personnel file. Categories of data collected may include name, address, phone numbers, email, Social Security Number, and signature. Holland & Knight may collect further information if you consent to a background check. This includes criminal background, employment, and certifications. Please visit Legal Information Portal for Holland & Knight LLP’s privacy policies.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an IT Support Specialist
Lead with your authorization status upfront
Include 'Authorized to work on OPT' in your resume header or summary. IT hiring managers review dozens of applications and will screen you out if your status is unclear. Being direct saves time for both sides.
Target companies with established IT support teams
Larger organizations with dedicated IT departments are more familiar with OPT work authorization than small businesses. Companies with 200 or more employees are more likely to have HR processes already in place for international hires.
Highlight certifications to stand out immediately
CompTIA A+, Network+, or Microsoft certifications signal job-readiness to hiring managers who may be unfamiliar with OPT. Credentials reduce perceived risk and shift focus from your visa status to your technical qualifications.
Know your OPT end date before every interview
Employers will ask about your work authorization timeline. Know your OPT expiration date, whether you qualify for a 24-month STEM extension, and whether the employer would need to sponsor an H-1B visa. Confident answers build trust.
Emphasize your ticketing and troubleshooting experience
Practical experience with helpdesk tools like ServiceNow or Jira, remote support, and hardware troubleshooting directly maps to what IT support teams need. Quantify your impact where possible, such as average ticket resolution time.
Apply early in the OPT period, not at the end
Hiring managers are more willing to hire OPT workers with at least 12 months remaining. Applying with only two or three months left makes sponsorship conversations feel urgent and increases the chance of rejection before interviews.
IT Support Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does IT Support Specialist qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not your job title. If your undergraduate or graduate degree is in a STEM-designated field such as computer science, information technology, information systems, or computer and information science, you likely qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, provided your employer meets the E-Verify requirement and signs your I-983 training plan.
Do IT support roles typically lead to H-1B sponsorship?
Some do, but it varies by employer. IT Support Specialist roles can qualify as specialty occupations if the position requires a bachelor's degree in a specific technical field and the job duties are sufficiently complex. Entry-level helpdesk roles with broad, generalist duties are harder to sponsor under H-1B than roles with specialized systems administration or infrastructure responsibilities. Ask employers about their sponsorship history before accepting an offer.
How do I find IT Support Specialist jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for candidates on OPT and other work authorization statuses, so you're not wasting time applying to roles that won't consider international students. Browsing IT support listings on Migrate Mate lets you focus on employers who have already indicated openness to sponsorship or OPT authorization, which significantly improves your response rate.
Can I work as an IT Support Specialist on OPT if my degree is not in computer science?
Yes, as long as the job is directly related to your degree field. USCIS requires that OPT employment be related to the degree program you completed. A degree in information systems, management information systems, electrical engineering, or a related technical field can support IT support work. A degree in an unrelated field like English or history would not qualify. Confirm the connection with your DSO before accepting an offer.
What should I tell an employer who has never hired an OPT worker before?
Explain that OPT is federally issued work authorization included on your Employment Authorization Document, and that the employer has no filing obligation during the initial OPT period. You do the work with your DSO. If they want to extend your employment through a STEM extension, they'll need to register with E-Verify and sign a training plan. Keeping the explanation simple and reassuring helps move the conversation forward.