What Does a Computer Systems Analyst Do?
Computer Systems Analysts evaluate a company’s current technology programs and implement new systems that enhance the organization’s operations and productivity levels. They carefully research each potential software system’s features to determine its costs and if it provides significant value to the company’s operational processes. Computer Systems Analysts often meet with organization leaders to establish their long-term goals to find existing customized programs geared toward their specific needs.
Some Computer Systems Analysts perform quality assurance duties of testing and diagnosing the issues with a company’s current computer systems. They may also develop and write code for current software applications targeted toward the organization’s goals and budget.
Computer Systems Analyst Skills and Qualifications
A Computer Systems Analyst calculates how much computer power, memory and storage an organization’s computer systems require. They often work with other team members to resolve issues that may arise after the initial system is set up. Having the following skills and qualifications is helpful:
- Analytical skills for interpreting complex information received from several sources, deciding the best way to move forward with a project and anticipating how changes may affect projects
- Communication skills for working with the IT department and management, explaining complex issues in ways each will understand
- Creativity to find innovative solutions to computer issues when necessary
Computer Systems Analyst Salary Expectations
The average salary a Computer Systems Analyst can expect to make is $78,924 per year. This information is based on 2,692 anonymously submitted salaries along with information collected from Indeed users and past and present Indeed job postings from within the last 36 months.
Computer Systems Analyst Education and Training Requirements
Usually, a Computer Systems Analyst holds a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field along with coursework in business and management information systems. Sometimes employers look for applicants with master’s degrees in business administration with an information system concentration, or for more technically complex jobs a master’s degree in computer science. Computer Systems Analysts often continue taking classes so they can stay informed on new and innovative technologies.
Computer Systems Analyst Experience Requirements
Many times a Computer Systems Analyst is considered a general-purpose analyst, developing new systems or fine-tuning existing ones. However, Computer Systems Analysts can specialize in specific areas. A Software Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst does in-depth testing to diagnose issues on the systems they design. By completing tests and diagnosing issues, they can make sure critical requirements have been met. A QA Analyst also writes reports for management that recommend ways to improve systems.
A Programmer Analyst designs and updates systems software while creating applications customized to meet the needs of their organization. While there is more coding and debugging associated with a Programmer Analyst Position than other types of analysts, they still work closely with management and other business analysts to decide what the company needs and what applications can be developed to meet those needs.
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