Most systems analysts work with specific types of computer systems—for example, business, accounting, and financial systems or scientific and engineering systems—that vary with the kind of organization. Analysts who specialize in helping an organization select the proper system hardware and software are often called system architects or system designers. Analysts who specialize in developing and fine-tuning systems often have the more general title of systems analysts.
Related job titles are: Network Analyst, Network Engineer, Systems Engineer, Systems Administrator, Systems Analyst, Network Specialist, Network Technician, System Programmer, Telecommunications Manager, or Systems Specialist.
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Important Systems Analyst Degree Information -Top of Page-
- Employment is expected to increase much faster than average.
- Excellent job prospects are expected as organizations continue to adopt increasingly sophisticated technologies.
- Employers generally prefer applicants who have at least a bachelor's degree; relevant work experience also is very important.
How much does a Systems Analyst make in Salary? || Systems Analyst Pay -Top of Page-
Median annual wages of wage and salary computer systems analysts were $75,500 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned a salary of between $58,460 and $95,810 a year. The lowest 10 percent earned a salary of less than $45,390, and the highest 10 percent earned a salary of more than $118,440.
What is a Systems Analyst? || What does a Systems Analyst do? || Job Descriptions -Top of Page-
Computer systems analysts use IT tools to help enterprises of all sizes achieve their goals. They may design and develop new computer systems by choosing and configuring hardware and software, or they may devise ways to apply existing systems' resources to additional tasks.
Systems analysts consult with an organization’s managers and users to define the goals of the system and then design a system to meet those goals. They specify the inputs that the system will access, decide how the inputs will be processed, and format the output to meet users' needs. Analysts use techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, information engineering, mathematical model building, sampling, and a variety of accounting principles to ensure their plans are efficient and complete.
When a system is approved, systems analysts oversee the implementation of the required hardware and software components. They coordinate tests and observe the initial use of the system to ensure that it performs as planned. They prepare specifications, flow charts, and process diagrams for computer programmers to follow.
One challenge created by expanding computer use is the need for different computer systems to communicate with each other. Many systems analysts are involved with “networking,” connecting all the computers within an organization or across organizations, as when setting up e-commerce networks to facilitate business between companies.
Working Conditions for Systems Analysts -Top of Page-
Computer systems analysts work in offices or laboratories in comfortable surroundings. Many work about 40 hours a week, but some work more than 50 hours a week. Some analysts telecommute, using computers to work from remote locations.
How to become a Systems Analyst || Systems Analyst Classes and Degree Programs -Top of Page-
Training requirements for computer systems analysts vary depending on the job, but many employers prefer applicants who have a bachelor's degree. Relevant work experience also is very important. Advancement opportunities are good for those with the necessary skills and experience.
When hiring computer systems analysts, employers usually prefer applicants who have at least a bachelor's degree. For more technically complex jobs, people with graduate degrees are preferred. For jobs in a technical or scientific environment, employers often seek applicants who have at least a bachelor's degree in a technical field, such as computer science, information science, applied mathematics, engineering, or the physical sciences. For jobs in a business environment, employers often seek applicants with at least a bachelor's degree in a business-related field such as management information systems (MIS). Increasingly, employers are seeking individuals who have a master's degree in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in information systems.
Despite the preference for technical degrees, however, people who have degrees in other areas may find employment as systems analysts if they also have technical skills. Classes in computer science or related subjects combined with practical experience can qualify people for some jobs in the occupation.
Employers usually look for people who have broad knowledge and experience related to computer systems and technologies, strong problem-solving and analytical skills, and the ability to think logically.
Where are the Systems Analyst Jobs? -Top of Page-
Computer systems analysts held about 532,200 jobs in 2008. Although they are employed in many industries, 24 percent of these workers were in the computer systems design and related services industry. Computer systems analysts also were employed by governments; insurance companies; financial institutions; and business management firms. About 30,300 computer systems analysts were self-employed in 2008.
Systems Analyst Job Opportunities and Outlook -Top of Page-
Employment is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, and job prospects should be excellent. Employment of computer systems analysts is expected to grow by 20 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for these workers will increase as organizations continue to adopt and integrate increasingly sophisticated technologies and as the need for information security grows.