Computer systems analysts learn an organization’s computer systems, and design improvements and fixes to help them run more efficiently. They focus on understanding the specific needs of the business so that their information technology, or IT, solutions expand the business’ capacity, while keeping computer systems running. Computer systems analysts research emerging technologies, analyze the costs and potential benefits of changes, devise ways to improve existing computer systems, and introduce new hardware and software to the organization. They also train end users to use new systems, and may even write the instruction manuals for them. Computer systems analysts may work directly for an organization or as consultants—typically for IT firms. They work in many organizations, including systems design companies, finance and insurance, and government. Their projects usually require collaboration with other employees and groups. Most systems analysts work full time, and overtime can be expected when projects require it. Consultants may need to travel to meet with clients. While most computer systems analysts have a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field, a liberal arts degree may be acceptable if a candidate has programming or technical expertise. Some employers prefer applicants with a master's degree in business administration with a concentration in information systems.
What they do:
Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
On the job, you would:
Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Business
customer service
management
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
reading work related information
People and Technology Systems
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
read and understand what is written
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
use rules to solve problems
Math
add, subtract, multiply, or divide
choose the right type of math to solve a problem
Visual Understanding
quickly know what you are looking at
People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
Analytical Thinking
Attention to Detail
Adaptability/Flexibility
Dependability
Integrity
Cooperation
You might use software like this on the job:
Development environment software
Eclipse IDE
Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript
Web platform development software
Apache Tomcat
JavaScript
Program testing software
JUnit
Selenium
bachelor's degree or associate's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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