Computer Systems Analyst Job Facts
Are you good at finding technical solutions to business situations? Do you like to figure out the most efficient way to make technology work for a company? You might excel as a computer systems analyst. Read on to find out about this job, what you need to enter the field and what you could potentially earn. Schools offering Computer Forensics degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
What Do Computer Systems Analysts Do?
Computer systems analysts provide foundational technology assessments for businesses or organizations to determine necessary hardware and software for projects, commerce and day-to-day tasks. Your job as a computer systems analyst could include technical planning for general and specific projects, research of available technology, testing your solutions with existing systems and implementation. You'll be responsible for access and management of employee, company and consumer data.
You might need to find ways to integrate new applications into existing software and business practices. Alternately, you could work with a programmer to develop software to meet a particular need. You would use a variety of methods and principles to be sure that your plan is thorough, efficient and cost-effective. In large environments, you might work on a single part of a large project, coordinating with other analysts to ensure each part accommodates the others to efficiently meet a goal.
What Education Do I Need to Be a Computer Systems Analyst?
Since significant knowledge in both business and technology is necessary, a bachelor's degree in computer science or business administration might provide you with an advantage in the job market. You can select business electives within a technical degree program to provide you with management, budgetary and marketing knowledge to help with business-side integration. Likewise, many non-technical degree programs offer some coursework or a concentration in information technology.
If your bachelor's degree is in neither of these disciplines, you can enroll in a 2-year master's degree program in business administration or information management. In many cases, you can complete your studies online if you have scheduling conflicts. Many Master of Business Administration programs include a specialization in technology project management.
What Salary Could I Earn?
In February, 2011, PayScale.com reported that the middle half of computer systems analysts earned an average salary range of $45,061-$69,095 per year. In this assessment, the highest paid industries included software development and healthcare. According to these salary statistics, you could earn up to 77% more than your starting salary with five years in the field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipated that your employment prospects would be good, with a 20% job increase between 2008-2018 (www.bls.gov).
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
Subscribe to RSS feed for
Technology Management FAQs
