|
Computer Systems Analysts
Overview » Industry Pathways » Telecommunications Technologies 
Computer systems analysts solve computer problems and apply computer technology to meet the individual needs of an organization. They may design both hardware and software or add new software applications to harness more of the computer’s power. From a technology standpoint, they help an organization maximize their potential.
Most systems analysts work with specific types of systems—telecommunications, business, financial systems, or scientific and engineering systems—that vary with the kind of organization. Some systems analysts are also known as systems developers or systems architects.
One obstacle associated with expanding computer use is the need for different computer systems to communicate with each other. Because of the importance of maintaining up-to-date information, systems analysts work on making the computer systems within an organization, or among different organizations, compatible so that information can be shared among them.
Computer systems analysts held 504,000 jobs in 2006. Although they are increasingly employed in every sector of the economy, the greatest concentration of these workers is in the computer systems design and related services industry. Firms in this industry provide services related to the commercial use of computers on a contract basis, including custom computer programming services; computer systems integration design services; computer facilities management services; and other computer-related services, such as disaster recovery services and software installation.
Many computer systems analysts are employed by Internet service providers, Web search portals, and data-processing, hosting, and related services firms. Others work for government, manufacturers of computer and electronic products, insurance companies, financial institutions, and universities.
A growing number of systems analysts are employed on a temporary or contract basis. Many of these individuals are self-employed, working independently as contractors or consultants. For example, a company installing a new computer system may need the services of several systems analysts just to get the system running. Because not all of the analysts would be needed once the system is functioning, the company might contract for such employees with a temporary help agency or a consulting firm.
Such jobs may last from several months to more than two years. This growing practice allows companies to bring in people with the exact skills the firm needs to complete a particular project, rather than spending time or money training workers. Often, experienced consultants will train a company’s in-house staff as a project develops.
This exciting and challenging line of work has plenty of variety and lots of opportunity. Computer systems analysts are expected to be among the fastest growing occupations through 2016. Employment of these computer specialists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations as organizations continue to explore and use increasingly sophisticated technologies.
Job increases will be driven by very rapid growth in computer system design and related services, which is projected to be one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. economy. In addition, many job openings will arise annually from the need to replace workers who move into managerial positions or other occupations or who leave the labor force. Job growth will not be as rapid as during the previous decade, however, as the information technology sector begins to mature and as routine work is increasingly outsourced overseas.
Increasingly, more sophisticated and complex technology is being implemented across all organizations, which should fuel the demand for these computer occupations. There is a growing demand for system analysts to help firms maximize their efficiency with available technology. Also, the increasing importance being placed on “cybersecurity”—the protection of electronic information—will result in a need for workers skilled in information security.
The development of new technologies usually leads to demand for various kinds of workers. The expanding integration of Internet technologies into businesses, for example, has resulted in a growing need for specialists who can develop and support Internet and intranet applications.
Rapidly changing technology requires an increasing level of skill and education on the part of employees. Companies look for professionals with an increasingly broad background and range of skills, including not only technical knowledge, but also communication and other interpersonal skills. While there is no universal way to prepare for a job as a systems analyst, most employers look for some formal college education.
A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for many jobs, however, some jobs may require only a two-year degree. For more technically complex jobs, persons with graduate degrees are preferred. Individuals with the right experience and training can work in these computer occupations regardless of their college major or level of formal education
For systems analyst positions, many employers seek applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems (MIS). MIS programs usually are part of the business school or college and differ considerably from computer science programs, emphasizing business and management-oriented course work and business computing courses.
Employers are increasingly seeking individuals with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA), with a concentration in information systems, as more firms move their business to the Internet.
Despite employers’ preference for those with technical degrees, persons with degrees in a variety of majors find employment in these computer occupations. The level of education and type of training that employers require depends on their needs. One factor affecting these needs is changes in technology. Employers often scramble to find workers capable of implementing “hot” new technologies. Those workers with formal education or experience in information security, for example, are in demand because of the growing need for their skills and services.
Computer systems analysts must be able to think logically and have good communication skills. Because they often deal with a number of tasks simultaneously, the ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail is important. Although these computer specialists sometimes work independently, they frequently work in teams on large projects. They must be able to communicate effectively with computer personnel, such as programmers and managers, as well as with users or other staff who may have no technical computer background.
Technological advances come so rapidly in the computer field that continuous study is necessary to keep one’s skills up-to-date. Employers, hardware and software vendors, colleges and universities, and private training institutions offer continuing education. Additional training may come from professional development seminars offered by professional computing societies.
Typical annual earnings of computer systems analysts were $73,090 in 2007.
If you are interested in this occupation or are wondering about related occupations, use the links below to continue your exploration. Always remember, the more effort you put into exploring possible careers, the easier it will be for you to discover the best career choices for you!
For career information and links to employment resources contact:
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Occupational Information Network, O*NET Online: http://online.onetcenter.org/
More information about computer careers is available from any of the following organizations:
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM): http://www.acm.org
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society: http://www.computer.org
National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies: http://www.nwcet.org
For information about planning and paying for college, visit Junior Achievement’s Financial Aid Center .
|