Computer Systems Analysts
Additional Information
Duties
Some of the most typical tasks of computer systems analysts include:
- Consult management to determine an organization's IT systems' role.
- Examine new technology to see if they can help the company.
- IT systems and changes should be evaluated by management before being implemented.
- Consider new ways to improve present computer systems' capabilities.
- You can construct new systems by changing hardware and software.
- Monitoring and configuring new systems, as well as modifying them for the company.
- To ensure the system works as expected.
- Produce user guides that guide system end users.
Expertise in a restricted subset of computer systems is common among computer analysts. An analyst may work with financial systems or engineering systems, depending on their skills. IT analysts help business leaders understand how computers can better serve their firms.
A data model is one of the methodologies employed by computer system analysts. Data modelers can observe how processes and data flow. Analysts undertake thorough tests and analyze enormous amounts of data to improve system efficiency.
Analysts estimate computer memory, storage, and processing power needs. Engineers and programmers use these diagrams to build systems. Analysts also assist these workers with any post-installation concerns.
Analysts that specialize in coding can be called "programmer analysts" in addition to their other duties. They may also create and upgrade the operating system, as well as develop business-specific software. See the profiles of computer programmers and software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers for more information.
Analysts who oversee the installation or upgrade of IT systems may be called "IT project managers." Project managers must ensure that timeframes, standards, and budgets are met. Computer and information systems managers establish and oversee an organization's IT department or policy.
Education
Systems analysts frequently have bachelor's degrees in IT or a closely related field (e.g., mathematics). You might attend business classes or specialize in information systems management to gain an edge over your competitors. Applicants with a liberal arts degree who have gained programming or technological abilities may be hired.
Some companies favor MBA students with an IT specialization. A master's degree in computer science may be better suited for technical jobs.
Systems analysts can participate in continuing education classes at any time during their careers to keep up with evolving technology. In the computer sector, ongoing research is essential to stay competitive.
Also, systems analysts must be familiar with their sector. An analyst at a hospital must be familiar with Medicare and Medicaid, but an analyst at a bank must be familiar with finance. With industry understanding, systems analysts may effectively connect with management to develop an organization's IT stance.
Advancement
Systems analysts can become project managers and lead a team of analysts with expertise. Some become corporate IT directors or CTOs. For further information, see the profile on IT managers.
Important traits
Analysis skills Analysts must evaluate a wide range of data to determine the best course of action. They must also examine the project's influence on any changes.
Capacity to perform at work. Analysts design, develop, and deploy computer systems to meet a company's business objectives. To meet their needs, analysts must be well-versed in their organization's business goals.
Communication ability Analysts are entrusted with communicating complex issues to management and IT in a way that everyone understands.
Creativity. Analysts must be clever and ingenious to come up with creative computer solutions.
Particularized. An analyst's job is to find inefficiencies and flaws in a company's computer systems.
A sense of order. An analyst's job is to ensure projects are finished on schedule and within budget.
Pay
The median annual wage for computer systems analysts was $103,790 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $63,160, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $166,030.
Job Projections
Employment of computer systems analysts is projected to grow 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.