Computer System Analyst Career
A computer system analyst has the responsibility of studying an organization’s current computer systems and procedures, designing information systems solutions to help increase efficient, effective operation of the organization. Their work is a hybrid of business and information technology.
In bringing business and IT together, computer system analysis requires the understanding of the needs and limitations of both. Part of the job entails helping other IT team members understand how computer systems can best serve an organization by having a close working connection with the organization’s business leaders.
Computer System Analysts Career Snapshot
Most computer system analysts work on a full-time schedule. They use a variety of technologies and techniques to complete their work duties, often communicating through E-mail, face-to-face, and telephone.
Further details on a career as a computer system analyst are listed below (statistics from the May 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):
is the average pay for computer system analysts per year.
increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.
have an Associate’s degree while 26% have a Bachelor’s degree.
Computer System Analyst Education
A computer systems analyst typically has a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field. Because of the heavy association with the business side of an organization, it may be beneficial to take business courses or even major in management information systems. As technology advances with innovation and new trends emerge, many systems analysts continue to take classes throughout their career to keep up and remain competitive.
Computer System Analyst Job Duties
There are a number of common duties for computer system analysts. One is to consult with managers to determine the role of IT systems in the organization. Also, analysts often have to prepare an analysis costs and benefits to help management decide if IT systems and computing infrastructure upgrades are worth the time and resources.
Computer System Analyst Salaries
The median annual salary for computer systems analysts was $85,800 in May 2015, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $51,910 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $135,450 (according to BLS.gov statistics). Median annual salaries were highest in the computer systems design and related services industry.
Computer System Analyst Job Outlook
From 2014 to 2024, there is a projected growth of 21 percent in employment of computer systems analysts. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. The increase in hiring of analysts will primarily result from organizations across the economy increasing their reliance on IT.
Computer System Analysts Skills & Traits
| Computer System Analyst Skill Set: | Required Abilities: | Tools Used by Computer System Analysts: | Typical Work Activities: |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Critical Thinking • Active Listening • Reading Comprehension • Speaking • Systems Analysis | • Information Ordering • Oral Comprehension • Problem Sensitivity • Category Flexibility • Deductive Reasoning | • Desktop/notebook computers • Mainframe computers • Configuration management software • Development environment software | • Interacting With Computers • Problem solving • Decision making • Information processing • Getting information |
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