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Computer Systems Analyst: Career Information

By , About.com Guide

Job Description - Computer Systems Analyst:

A computer systems analyst helps a company or other organization use computer technology effectively and efficiently. He or she incorporates new technology into a company's current system.

Employment Facts - Computer Systems Analyst:

There were 532,000 computer systems analysts employed in 2008.

Educational Requirements - Computer Systems Analyst:

A bachelor's degree is required for many jobs, while more technically complex jobs require a master's degree.

Other Requirements - Computer Systems Analyst:

To work as a computer systems analyst one must have strong problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills. He or she must be able to think logically and have the ability to concentrate and pay attention to detail.

Advancement Opportunities - Computer Systems Analyst:

A computer systems analyst, after getting experience, may be promoted to senior or lead systems analyst. If one has leadership ability and good business skills, he or she may have a future as a computer and information systems manager or may end up in another management position.

Job Outlook - Computer Systems Analyst:

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts much faster than average job growth for this field through 2018. It is one of the Top 10 Fastest Growing Jobs for which a bachelor's degree is required.

Earnings - Computer Systems Analyst:

Median annual earnings of computer systems analyst were $77,080 in 2009.

Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much a computer systems analyst currently earns in your city.

A Day in a Computer Systems Analyst's Life:

On a typical day a computer systems analyst's tasks might include:

  • Providing staff and users with assistance solving computer related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
  • Testing, maintaining, and monitoring computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
  • Using object-oriented programming languages, as well as client and server applications development processes and multimedia and Internet technology.
  • Conferring with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address.
  • Coordinating and linking the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility and so information can be shared.

Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Computer Systems Analysts, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos287.htm (visited November 2, 2010).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Computer Systems Analysts, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/15-1051.00 (visited November 2, 2010).

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