Systems Analyst Careers

A systems analyst is responsible for a company’s computer software and hardware requirements. Job tasks can range from designing a system from scratch to applying existing systems to handle additional tasks and workload. As a systems analyst, part of the job involves choosing and configuring computer hardware and software for the company to use.

How to Become a Systems Analyst

Because a huge part of the job entails interacting with so many different people: clients, designers, coders and developers, vendors, and users of the system themselves, systems analysts must have excellent interpersonal and management skills. Because of this, some employers prefer management and business graduates who have had training in computer programming, information technology, and/or systems analysis. Those who have had practical experience in related fields would also have an advantage over new graduates.

Types, Description, Information

Systems analysts’ main job is to design a computer system that is tailor made for a specific company. This involves consulting managers and the end users who will use the system and ask them what their requirements and needs are in a computing system. Analysts then design a system to meet those goals specified. Part of the work may also involve conducting feasibility studies in order to determine if the proposed system or technology would actually be cost-effective and will have a return of investment.

Once the system is approved, the systems analysts’ job changes from system design and architecture to one of procurement, implementation, and maintenance. They are responsible for both programming and systems analysis, and must therefore be proficient in both areas. The job requires systems analysts to work with databases, client-server applications, object-oriented programming languages, multimedia, and internet technology.

Qualifications: Courses, Training, Certification

A degree in computing is normally expected. Possible courses for those interested are: computer science, information science, computer engineering, management information systems, and MBA with focus on information systems or computing. A systems analyst must also have extensive knowledge of various programming languages, computer hardware platforms, and operating software.

Schools, Colleges and Universities

Here are some schools offering training and courses which are suited for the job:

• Branford Hall Career Institute
• Dover Business College
• Champlain College
• Heald College
• Southwestern College
• Vatterot College
• Lincoln Technical Institute
• Colorado Technical University
• Collins College
• Gibbs College
• National American University
• Missouri College
• International Academy of Design and Technology

Job Opportunities, Salaries and Recruitment

Systems analyst can earn around $50,000 to $70,000 a year, and those with years of experience and lots of qualification can earn as much as $100,000. Systems analysts usually work in offices or laboratories, and may work for about 40 hours per week but can have extended work hours when meeting deadlines or working on an extremely difficult problem.

Systems analyst can find work in every sector of the economy; the government, financial institutions, universities, hospitals, management companies and enterprises. While tenured positions are given to most systems analysts, a growing number of analysts are being employed on a contractual or temporary basis. Many analysts also choose to work as an independent contractor or consultant.