Individuals who pursue careers as systems analysts often find that they’re part of career that is rewarding, challenging and in great demand in the business world. Do you enjoy working with computers and find information technology interesting? If so, a career as a systems analyst might be the perfect fit for you.
What Is A Systems Analyst?
A systems analyst is a trained professional who researches a business’s computer systems and, using his or her knowledge of both business and information systems, designs an information systems computer system to meet the needs and limitations of the company. The systems analysts oversees the computers systems, researches each department and creates an information systems network that ensures the organization will run as efficiently and cost-effective as possible.
They bring information technology and business together to create a computer system database that can handle different security levels, while still staying within the company’s budget. Top Ten Reviews rates this career as one of the top in career choices. The simplest way to describe what a systems analyst does is that they determine what the company needs in terms of computers, networking equipment, databases and security, and they design that particular system to match the company’s needs, which will help the company operate at maximum efficiency and minimum cost.
How Do I Become A Systems Analyst?
To become a systems analyst, you usually have to have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer or information science field. Although you may be hired with less training, most employers prefer at least a bachelor’s degree, and some actually like their computer systems analysts to have a master’s degree. One feature about this career is that systems analysts usually are required to take courses throughout their careers just to remain competitive in the field and to keep up with the constantly changing technology.
You may also have to take courses that correlate with your place of employment. For instance, a systems analyst working in a hospital may need some knowledge in healthcare, whereas a systems analyst working in a financial institution may need courses in finance. Once systems analysts have obtained some work experience, they may advance to higher careers such as information systems managers, project managers or chief technology officers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Related Resource: Combining Business and IT
What Is The Career Outlook For A Systems Analyst?
The increase in wireless networks, mobile networks and cloud computing contribute towards a growing need for systems analysts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that computer systems analysts should see an employment growth of up to 25% between 2012 and 2022. Certain industries, such as healthcare and IT consulting firms, could experience an even higher job growth. As of May 2012, computer systems analysts earned an average annual wage of $81,190, with lowest 10% earning $50,290 and the highest 90% earning $125,460.
The states with the highest level of employment in this occupation are California, Texas, New York and Virginia. The states that paid the highest wages for systems analysts are District of Columbia, Virginia, Washington and Colorado. When Top Ten Reviews compared a systems analyst career with the top two computer careers, which were software engineer and telecommunication, systems analysts were consistent in terms of annual wages.