A computer systems analyst helps to plan, set up, implement, configure and test computer systems for companies and organizations.
In different organizations, these professionals may have different titles. Some of these titles could be an IT specialist, IT consultant, programmer analyst, system architect, or business systems analyst.
But no matter what their technical job title is, their primary responsibilities include evaluating computer network needs; installing, testing and maintaining networks; testing and troubleshooting computer issues; and training company personnel. Systems analysts identify current weaknesses and solutions for company software, hardware and systems. They analyze issues, their problems, potential solutions and risks, and then recommend and implement upgrades or solutions.
The systems analyst position is a more technical position than a business analyst is. Systems analysts need to be able to understand, improve and modify the actual code inside a software program. They are responsible for the computer operating systems, products, maintenance, software upgrades, and user assistance.
The systems analyst position is usually not an entry level job. A good IT analyst must have good communication and interpersonal skills, and be able to work with both technical and non-technical people in the workplace. They must have a solid understanding of computer systems and programming, but also understand the overall work that the business does. An analyst often works as a liaison between departments and needs to be able to put systems into place that improve efficiency and productivity in the workplace.
EDUCATION
The minimum educational requirement to break into this field is almost always a four year bachelor’s degree. Most students major in computer science, management information systems (MIS), information technology (IT), or information science, but some computer systems analysts now working in science-based companies earned degrees in applied mathematics, physical science or engineering.
Employers often look for graduates that complemented their IT or computer degree with business and/or science or engineering classes. Only a few colleges actually offer a bachelor’s degree in systems analysis.
While a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information systems may be enough for an entry-level analyst job, most employers want to also see actual work experience in a programming or analysis environment, or some advanced education and training past the undergraduate degree level.
A growing number of employers are seeking candidates who have a graduate degree. While it varies by industry and from employer to employer, a master’s in business administration (MBA) degree with a concentration in information technology, or a master’s degree in MIS are two of the most desirable degrees.
Some companies that have very complex technical positions, or are in an engineering or a scientific research and development area also may prefer job-seekers with graduate degrees.
Besides education, it’s also helpful if a job candidate for a systems analyst job has some practical experience in that organization’s core business. A hospital or healthcare organization would prefer a candidate with knowledge of how a healthcare facility works. A hotel would like a candidate that understands the hospitality industry. Many businesses would prefer that a candidate at least have some work experience in the business world.
Analysts should also be able to speak, write, communicate and present well in English. They will need to communicate regularly with many different departments and levels of the organization, including peers and managers.
JOBS
Most beginning analysts start by being an assistant to another analyst. And as they gain knowledge and experience, they take on more responsibility and more challenging assignments. They may get promoted to a full analyst and eventually to a senior analyst. Some experienced individuals will move up to a information systems manager position. Large companies usually have a department with many in-house analysts.
Another road many employees take is to land a job as a programmer, software engineer, or other type of software developer at a company. By applying themselves and working hard, they can often be promoted to an actual analyst position.
Often computer science professionals leave to become consultants, either with a group of other consultants or just by themselves at their own new firm. Computer systems design firms are groups of otherwise independent consultants who work on specific projects for companies. These independent consultants are brought on to usually oversee one large project that the company doesn’t want to hire or assign an employee or employees to do.
OUTLOOK
This is a wide-open career field with no lack of job opportunities anywhere in the future.