Computer System Analyst : Career Overview, Education & Job Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, the system analysts' career is among the fastest growing. Also sometimes referred to as the systems architect or systems designer, computer system analysts' work to plan and develop different useful methods for the computerizing of a business as well as scientific tasks. These professionals work to improve the usability of a computer system which is already in use, depending on the specific requirement of the organization or establishment. A system analyst's career brings a number of job and employment opportunities. On the one hand, computer system analysts can work for an organization that wants to install computer systems. On the other, they can also join a consulting firm that handles contractual computer system development work.

Various companies from time to time keep on upgrading their installed computer systems to increase employee accessibility. System architects or analysts, therefore, are hired to upgrade and develop the systems already in use. During the whole upgrade procedure, system analysts interview the users or the employees to find out their exact computer system work requirements. They also make sure that the employees do not only want it but need it to. Next, the analysts prepare a list for shopping. After a step-by-step planning is done, the system implementation is done along with testing and troubleshooting processes.

While developing or upgrading a system, computer architects have a number of plans in place. They experiment with each of these plans and try to come up with a plan which does not only work fastest but also proves to be cost-effective to the company. According to the requirement, analysts may work in close contact with computer programmers telling them about the required software programs in a specific project. Not only, computer analysts explain to programmers on how to develop the new software program, but they can help them develop the software as well.

Education/ Training Required to Become a System Analyst
Candidates who aspire to become computer system analysts need to obtain a bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, management information systems or computer engineering. Candidates who have acquired computer expertise through real world experience can also land analysts jobs. Computer analysts are required to have a strong knowledge of computers and mathematics to be able to analyze and solve problems.

There are many students who have a bachelor's degree in some other subjects and then they go for some special computer training or course to become analysts. Employers also hire these candidates who have excellent computer expertise and years of real world experience. Many system architects or analysts also obtain a master's degree in business for the advancement of their career. Other skills that computer analysts require include expert analytical skills, logical thinking skills, communication skills and instruction capabilities.

Employment/ Job Opportunities
There are plenty of career opportunities for system analysts. They can choose to work either with organizations or consulting firms. Job stability is higher in government agencies, colleges and universities, where computer analysts are in regular demand. A lot of employment opportunities are available for candidates in the private sector as well. While joining a private organization, analysts may need to work on a specific project. Considering the excellent employment growth rate in this field, the job prospect for computer system analysts is really good.

While candidates land a job, they may either work in offices or computer labs. There are many analysts who perform the task from home as well. Depending on the set deadlines, analysts may be required to work for long and extra hours. Usually, computer analysts work on a project in a team.

Annual Salary
Experienced (8 years or more) computer system analysts earn a median annual salary of around $83,900. Professionals can earn an annual salary ranging between $76,300 and $117,000. The salary increases as computer analysts grow in their skills and expertise.