Systems Analyst Job Description and Responsibilities

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:29:36 EST

Systems analysts plan and develop new computer systems.It is their job to make the most of a computer's power by making it performefficiently.

In order to be effective, systems analysts must befully knowledgeable about computers, programming, and applications. They musthave a full understanding of the capabilities and limitations of all thehardware and software they are dealing with.

In some cases, systems analysts will be required simplyto recommend a specific computer. In others, individuals may be asked to designnew computer systems or add additional hardware or new software applications.

Systems analysts meet with managers of businesses todetermine what they require the computer to accomplish. They must know exactlywhat types of problems the computer will be expected to handle so that they canbreak down each task into separate programmable procedures.

They will then design the system and determine therequired hardware and software. Systems analysts may also prepare an analysiscomparing the cost of the new system to its benefits, as well as the return onthe investment. With this information, management can evaluate whether theproposed system is financially feasible, useful, and cost efficient.

One of the major job description duties of a systems analyst is thedebugging of a computer system. The term debug, in computer jargon, means toeliminate errors from a system. It often takes a great deal of time and must bechecked and rechecked until it is error free. The analyst must determine thecause of the bug and eliminate it from the system.

Analysts usually work fairly normal schedules.Individuals may, however, be required to work overtime when a deadline must bemet.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Systems analysts can work for temporary agencies, on acontractual basis or in full-time employment settings. Some of these include:

Hardware manufacturers, Software manufacturers, Aerospaceindustry, High-tech companies, Banks, Data processing services, Governmentagencies, Insurance companies, Manufacturers in a variety of industries and Self-employment

ExpandingOpportunities for the 21st Century

The current automation of offices, telecommunications,and countless industries indicates that there will be a growing demand forsystems analysts in the future. In addition, many more homes and smallbusinesses are using computers as a result of a drop in prices. Therefore,systems analysts are needed to help these people increase their productivity.

Systems analysts will be required to network differentcomputers so that they can communicate with each other. This is important asmore businesses use multi-user systems. This includes businesses that use alarge number of personal computers or microcomputers in addition to mainframesystems.

EARNINGS

Systems analysts can earn approximately $25,000 to$70,000 or more. Factors affecting earnings include the particular industry theindividual is working in, the specific employment setting, and location. Otherfactors include experience, education, and responsibilities.

Generally, the more experience and education individualshave, the higher their earnings. Salaries will be higher for individualsworking in metropolitan areas than they are for their counterparts in lessurban areas.

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

One way systems analysts can advance is by obtainingadditional education. Individuals might also seek more complex projects orlocate similar positions in more prestigious employment settings that offerhigher earnings and responsibilities.

Individuals start out as junior systems analysts. Withmore experience they can become senior or lead systems analysts. Some individualsare promoted to manager of information systems. Others become chief informationofficers.

Another option is to open one's own consulting firm inthe computer field.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Some positions do not require a college degree.However, competition is stiff in this field. If an individual does obtain a jobwithout a degree, advancement may be difficult.

The minimum recommended education for systems analystsis a bachelor's degree. Some positions prefer postgraduate degrees. Requiredmajors for systems analysts differ from job to job. Systems analysts may havedegrees in computer science, computer information systems, data processing, orinformation science. Other individuals have degrees in business management,physical sciences, engineering, or applied mathematics with an emphasis incomputer science.

No matter what the degree, systems analysts must havecourses in programming languages, computer systems, database management, andcomputer sciences.

Continuing education in the field is necessary to keepup with new technology. Many employers sponsor classes and training programs.In addition, software vendors, professional societies, and trade associationsoffer a variety of classes, seminars, and workshops.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Computer experience is usually necessary to get a jobas a systems analyst. Individuals can obtain needed experience working ascomputer engineers or programmers.

While it is not a requirement, systems analysts can becertified by the Institute for Certification of Computer Professionals. Inorder to obtain this credential, they must have at least five years' experienceand pass a number of examinations. Individuals who hold the Certified SystemsProfessional (CSP) credential may be preferred for positions as it indicatesexperience and professional competency. Another voluntary certification isoffered by the Quality Assurance Institute. In order to hold the designationCertified Quality Analyst (CQA), individuals must complete certain educationand experience requirements, pass an examination, and endorse a code of ethics.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Individualsinterested in a systems analyst career can obtain additional information bycontacting the Association for Systems Management (ASM), the Association forComputing Machinery (ACM), the Quality Assurance Institute (QAI), or theInstitute for Certification of Computer Professionals (ICCP).

TIPS

Large cities often host employment agencies specializingin computer-related positions.

Newspapers regularly advertise job openings in thisfield. Look in the classified section of the paper under "Computers,""Systems Analyst," "Programmer Analyst," or specificindustry names.

Jobs are advertised in trade journals. In addition tocomputer-related trade journals, consider industry journals.

The placement offices of colleges and universitiesoffering degrees in computer related areas are usually notified of jobopenings.

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Systems Analyst Job Description and Responsibilities