Computer Systems Analysts

Career summary

#review 3/21/19 lh

Systems analysts help organizations redesign their computer systems. Sometimes they add or design new software programs to make better use of computers. They often specialize in:

• Business systems
• Science systems
• Engineering systems

Systems analysts discuss an organization's needs with its managers and staff. Analysts clarify goals and determine if they need to design a new software system. They prepare charts and diagrams that show how the parts of the system will work together.

Analysts prepare budget reports that discuss the costs and benefits of a new computer system. Managers use these reports to help decide if the proposed system is worth the cost.

Systems analysts coordinate the upgrade or installation of the computer system. Some systems analysts write programming code. They test nearly completed systems on users. They observe staff as they use the system to make sure it performs as planned. They also review computer reports and programs relating to the system to find problems. They change the programs to correct those problems.

Analysts set up computer systems and train staff how to use them. They write manuals that describe how to use the system. They write documentation for the people who will maintain the system.

Some organizations do not employ programmers. A single worker called a programmer-analyst is responsible for both systems analysis and programming.

Change happens quickly in the computer field. Systems analysts read books, blogs, and websites to keep their knowledge up to date. They may also take classes.

Related careers

This career is part of the Information Technology cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Computer and Information Research Scientists
• Computer and Information Systems Managers
• Computer Engineers
• Computer Network Architects
• Computer Network Support Specialists
• Computer Operators
• Computer Programmers
• Computer Systems Administrators
• Computer User Support Specialists
• Database Administrators
• Industrial Electronics Repairers
• Information Security Analysts

Military careers

• Computer Systems Officers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to computer systems analysts.

• Help staff and users solve computer problems.
• Test and maintain computer programs and systems. Revise programming based on errors found during tests.
• Write computer programs.
• Talk with staff or clients to determine their computer needs.
• Link different computer systems so information can be shared.
• Train staff how to use computer systems.
• Coordinate installation of new computer programs or hardware.
• Create charts and diagrams that show how the programs interact.
• Create and review plans about developing new systems.
• Examine computer reports and test results to find problems.
• Write documentation about program and system procedures.
• Prepare reports for managers about programming costs and benefits for the organization.
• Read materials related to the job.

Common work activities

Computer systems analysts perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Use computers
• Get information needed to do the job
• Process information
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Analyze data or information
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Think creatively
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Develop goals and strategies
• Document and record information
• Develop and build teams
• Teach others
• Coach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, computer systems analysts:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium to high level of social contact. They work with staff, but also spend time alone while programming.
• Are responsible for the work outcomes of the people they supervise.
• Work as part of a team.
• Communicate with coworkers and clients daily by telephone, e-mail, and in person.
• Write letters and memos monthly.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Work somewhat close to other people, such as when sharing office space.
• Are sometimes exposed to distracting noise levels, such as from fans or computer servers.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Errors can slow progress on projects or cause users to lose information.
• Must repeat the same mental tasks over and over.
• Meet strict deadlines weekly.
• Rarely consult a supervisor before making decisions or setting tasks and goals.
• Make decisions weekly that affect other people or the reputation of their employer.

Hours/travel

• Usually work at least 40 hours a week.
• May work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines.
• May travel to trade shows, seminars, and trainings.

Physical demands

Computer systems analysts frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for computer systems analysts to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for computer systems analysts to be able to:

• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.

Skills and abilities

Computer systems analysts need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Make sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.

Use math and science

• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
• Use math skills to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Write computer programs.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Computer Science
• Computer Systems Analysis
• Computer Systems Networking and Administration
• Information Technology
• Management Information Systems

Other programs of study to consider

• Bioinformatics
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Engineering Technology
• Computer Programming
• Cyber-computer Forensics and Counterterrorism
• Informatics
• Information Science
• Medical Informatics
• Webmaster and Web Management

Training

To work as a computer systems analyst, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have a bachelor's degree.

Education after high school

Most new computer systems analysts have at least a bachelor's degree. In the past, formal training was not important and analysts learned on the job. Now, with increasingly complex computing systems and a growing number of college-trained applicants, a bachelor's degree is the usual way to prepare.

The most common areas of study are computer science, information science, and management information systems (MIS). However, you can have a bachelor's degree in any area as long as you take computer courses.

Work experience

Some people prepare through work experience. You can work your way up through computer jobs, learning new skills at each one. Eventually, you have enough knowledge to move into a systems analyst position. You can also develop advanced computer skills in other occupations and then transfer over to systems analysis. For example, an accountant may become a systems analyst who specializes in accounting systems.

You should consider participating in an internship while in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

On-the-job training

New analysts usually receive on-the-job training. It typically lasts up to one year. During training you work under the guidance of experienced analysts. You get more independence and responsibility as you gain knowledge and experience.

Because of the fast changing nature of this field, employers often offer training in the newest computer technologies, languages, and applications.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be computer systems specialists or officers. For specialists, training lasts from seven to 13 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job. Computer systems officers need a bachelor's degree to enter this military occupation. They receive most of their training on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements .

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Computer Programming
• Computer Science
• Network Technology

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer applicants who have at least a bachelor's degree. They generally prefer candidates with a computer-related degree. However, applicants with other majors and computer experience are also hired. Many employers promote programmers or other computer professionals within their company.

For more complex jobs, employers prefer to hire applicants who have a graduate degree. Sometimes a master's degree in computer science or engineering is enough. A PhD is required for jobs in research laboratories or universities. It is difficult to qualify for this type of position with only a bachelor's degree. However, requirements for computer jobs vary because employers' preferences depend upon the work to be done.

Experience on a specific model or type of computer used by the employer may be required. Familiarity with current programming languages is essential.

Experienced systems analysts are often recruited by other companies. Position openings are generally passed by word of mouth or through professional placement firms. Some employers may require applicants to pass a background check and/or drug screen.

#Jobs posted by w/ CIBER Inc in Bothell & Pacific Northwest National Lab 2/27/14 required background/drug screen, cj.

Tips

Those who wish to enter this field should contact employers directly. Some employers prefer to hire those who specialize in certain fields such as business administration or accounting. Basic accounting courses can be helpful. Knowledge of different operating systems and programming languages is helpful. Experience in diagnosis and correction of personal computer malfunctions is often of value. Know the mechanics of the Internet and web page publishing.

Costs to workers

Workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues. Workers may also pay for continuing education or additional certifications to keep up with changes in the field, but often this is paid for by the employer.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Computer Systems Analysts 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer. The federal government and computer systems design companies pay some of the highest wages.

An increasing number of computer systems analysts work on short-term contracts. This means they may work for several companies over the course of a year. If analysts do not have new jobs lined up, they may experience periods of unemployment. As a result, their wages may be lower than those given here.

Full-time computer systems analysts usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include health insurance, paid vacation, and sick leave. Some employers also pay tuition for computer training courses and offer a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Computer systems design companies
• Finance and insurance agencies
• Information services companies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be faster than average as companies seek to improve existing computer operations. Companies are also investing in newer, faster, and mobile technologies. Growth will be highest at companies that provide cloud-computing technology.

In addition, growth in this occupation is expected in the health care industry as it moves to electronic medical records and other updates in technology.

Growth in this occupation will be driven by very rapid growth in the computer and data processing services industry. This is expected to be one of the fastest growing industries in the US economy. Demand will also result from the need to replace employees who are promoted to other positions or who retire.

Other resources

American Medical Informatics Association 

Association for Computing Machinery 
1601 Broadway, 10th Floor1
New York, NY 10019-7434
800.342.6626
212.626.0500

Association for Women in Computing - Puget Sound Chapter 
3743 S. 170th Street
Sea-Tac, WA 98188

Computing Research Association 
1828 L Street, NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036-4632

Computing Technology Industry Association 
3500 Lacey Road, Suite 100
Downers Grove, IL 60515
630.678.8300

IEEE Computer Society 
2001 L Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
202.371.0101

Information Technology Industry Council 
1101 K Street NW, Suite 610
Washington, DC 20005
202.737.8888

Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) 
244 S Randall Road #116
Elgin, IL 60123
847.299.4227

International Association for Computer Information Systems 
405.744.8632

Mathematical Sciences Career Information 

NaSPA: the Network and System Professionals Association 

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

Washington Technology Industry Association 
2200 Alaskan Way, Suite 390
Seattle, WA 98121
206.448.3033

Women in Technology International 

References

Career cluster

• Information Technology

Career path

• Conventional (Business Operations)

O*Net  occupation

• Computer Systems Analysts (15-1121.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Programmer-analyst (030.162-014) 
• Quality Assurance Analyst (033.262-010) 
• Systems Analyst (030.167-014) 
• Systems Programmer (030.162-022) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Computer Systems Analyst

Holland occupational clusters

• Conventional/Investigative/Realistic
• Investigative/Conventional/Realistic

COPSystem

• Science Professional