Computer Systems Analysts

Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to implement and improve computer systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

Median Annual Wage: $82,710

Education: Associate's degree (41%); Bachelor's degree (26%); Post-baccalaureate certificate (10%)

Projected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)

Related Job Titles: Systems Engineer; Business Analyst; Programmer Analyst; Business Systems Analyst; Systems Analyst; Computer Systems Analyst; Computer Systems Consultant; Computer Analyst; Information Systems Analyst (ISA); Applications Analyst

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Computer Systems Analysts.

More Computer and Mathematical Careers

  • Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
  • Develop, document and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards.
  • Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
  • Review and analyze computer printouts and performance indicators to locate code problems, and correct errors by correcting codes.
  • Consult with management to ensure agreement on system principles.
  • Confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address.
  • Read manuals, periodicals, and technical reports to learn how to develop programs that meet staff and user requirements.
  • Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility and so information can be shared.
  • Determine computer software or hardware needed to set up or alter system.
  • Supervise computer programmers or other systems analysts or serve as project leaders for particular systems projects.
  • Assess the usefulness of pre-developed application packages and adapt them to a user environment.
  • Analyze information processing or computation needs and plan and design computer systems, using techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling and information engineering.
  • Define the goals of the system and devise flow charts and diagrams describing logical operational steps of programs.
  • Train staff and users to work with computer systems and programs.
  • Recommend new equipment or software packages.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Computer Systems Analysts.

  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
  • Programming - Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Computer Systems Analysts.

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