System Analyst Training and Career Info

Systems Analyst Job Description

Career tips, salaries, and lists of schools.

Every computer in every company has to be set up properly and maintained in order to support its users. Operating systems and application software must be installed according to the roles of a computer's users, and hardware may need to be swapped out or upgraded appropriately. In addition, computers must be configured properly in order to communicate with each other over networks, including the Internet, intranets and wireless. Systems analysts are responsible for deciding what software, hardware and settings are needed for each computer, and the steps needed to maintain them. They plan, implement and manage multi-computer systems within an organization.

Additional duties include:

• Assessing the needs of individual departments within an organization and documenting them.
• Planning for the computers and software they will need in order to interact and meet organizational goals.
• Providing analysis of costs versus benefits and potential return on investments for proposed computer systems.
• Establishing and documenting procedures for related tasks.
• Installing and configuring software according to procedures.
• Testing individual computers for proper function; repairing and upgrading software and hardware.
• Working with computer programmers to set up, troubleshoot and maintain computer systems.
• Conducting assessments on the quality and efficiency of computer systems, and making recommendations.

Systems analysts work with both technical and business customers, facilitating communication between the two. Many systems analysts focus on specific computing areas, such as for business, accounting, financial systems or scientific and engineering. Analysts that specialize in selection of system software and infrastructure are sometimes referred to as system architects while those that are specialized in developing and evolving systems are frequently known as systems designers. System analysts typically work in offices or computer labs, and may be either employees or self-employed consultants.

Degrees and Schools

A bachelor's degree in a technical field from a college or university is usually considered a minimum requirement by employers. However, some will hire graduates with an associate's degree from a vocational or technical school. A combination of relevant work experience with a non-technical four-year degree is also commonly accepted.

Having education in both computer science/information systems and business is highly regarded among employers, who look for Management Information Systems (MIS) degrees, or for higher level positions, MBA degrees with a concentration in information technology.

Classes

Coursework for two-year or four-year degree information systems or computer science programs is usually a combination of classes and computer lab work. Group projects allow students to apply what they've learned through hands-on experience with computer systems. Students also study:

• Installation and configuration of specific computer operating systems, software and hardware
• Theory and design of computer systems
• Data modeling
• Structured analysis
• Mathematical model building
• Sampling
• Information engineering
• Cost accounting
• Security and testing

Additional courses in a particular industry, such as aerospace or telecommunications, can provide leverage for job candidates.

Knowledge of emerging technologies is essential for systems analysts. As part of their job, they may frequently attend conferences, take courses and join user groups.

Online Classes and Programs

There are many online degree programs in computer science or information systems. Aspiring system analysts should consider selecting programs that have been accredited by organizations such as ABET to ensure that credits will be accepted at other schools.

Employment Requirements

Many employers consider a bachelor's degree to be a minimum requirement for systems analysts, and they prefer a degree that includes both business and technical education. Combined work experience and demonstrated knowledge of emerging in-demand technologies, or a two-year associate's degree in computer science, may be sufficient for some employers.

Three attributes employers look for in preferred candidates are:

• Possession of skills that are in high demand
• Being up-to-speed on emerging technologies
• Having specific education or experience in the company's industry (e.g. healthcare or finance)

How to Evaluate Schools

Prospective systems analyst students should consider asking the following questions when comparing two- and four-year degree programs:

• Tuition and financial assistance - Does the school offer financial assistance? If so, what resources are available to help students take advantage of scholarships, loans and work study programs? What expenses, in addition to textbooks and fees, should be anticipated (e.g. purchases of expensive software programs and manuals, or lab time)?
• School and class size - What facilities and options does the school offer and are they appealing? What about online studies – is this an option for the school and if so can it be combined with on-campus studies if so desired? Is the student-faculty ratio comparable to other programs?
• Career assistance - Is there a well-organized career assistance program at the school, including career fairs and job placement? What is the success rate for graduates seeking jobs?
• Accreditation - Has a governing body in computer science / information technology accredited the school? If the program is offered online, has it been accredited by a direct-learning oversight organization?
• Relevant courses - Does the program offer a good balance of both technical and business courses? Do the courses provide training in high-demand technologies? Are there courses relevant to specific industries that are of interest, such as the finance industry?
• Advanced degrees - For those that may seek more advanced degrees, such as a Master's, does the school offer such degree programs that can build on previous studies?
• Practical experience - Is substantial time dedicated to work in the computer lab? Are internships offered?

• Computer And Information Scientists
• Computer Programmers
• Computer Support Specialists
• Computer Systems Managers
• Database Administrators
• Network And Communications Analysts
• Network And Systems Administrators
• Operations Research Analysts
• Software Engineers For Applications
• Software Engineers For Systems
• (All Careers)

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