If you’re great with technology and love problem solving, consider becoming a computer systems analyst. This field is the perfect opportunity for you to use your analytical and computer skills to optimize business systems.
This article covers how to get a job in computer systems analysis. You will get all the information on the necessary computer systems analysis skills and education requirements you need to become a computer systems analyst. We also touch on the highest-paying computer systems analysis jobs, career options, and where to look for a job.
What Is Computer System Analysis?
Computer systems analysis is the process of evaluating a current computer system and applying updates and solutions. Computer system analysts look for new technologies and software to complement or replace current systems to better meet the business requirements. Systems analysts are adept at finding technical solutions to help improve business systems and help meet business goals.
Computer System Analysis Job Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer systems analysis has a projected job growth of seven percent from 2020 to 2030, which is around the national average growth rate for all occupations. Each year, it is projected that 47,500 jobs will be available in this role.
What Education Do I Need to Become a Computer System Analyst?
Most systems analysts have a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field. A candidate holding a business or humanities degree with a solid background in tech can also apply for this role. There are no particular certifications required for you to become a computer systems analyst.
Can I Get a Computer System Analysis Job Without a Degree?
Yes. This is because there are no official requirements for this role. With the right experience, you can land a job in this field. While it’s possible to become a systems analyst without a degree, it is uncommon. Many employers require at least a bachelor’s degree, and some even have a preference for master’s degree holders in certain roles.
Can a Coding Bootcamp Help Me Get a Job in Computer System Analysis?
Yes. Attending an intensive coding bootcamp that specializes in software development can help your career growth in systems analysis. If you already have a background in business information systems, a bootcamp can help your professional development and progress in this field.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Job in Computer System Analysis?
It takes about five years to get a job in computer systems analysis. Most organizations expect candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field. It takes four years for candidates seeking to complete a bachelor’s degree program. A one to two-year Master’s Degree in Business Administration can be taken in addition for those seeking to upgrade their skills.
Common Computer System Analysis Education Paths
There are a number of options for you to consider in getting an education relating to computer systems analysis. These options include bootcamps, community colleges, and four-year colleges. They are briefly discussed below.
Computer Systems Analysis Bootcamps
Bootcamps are a good option for you to get specialist training in software development. Advantages include being able to attend in person or online and learning the specific skills required of the job in a relatively short amount of time. Cons of bootcamps include the fast-paced learning style which may not be comfortable for everyone.
Community College
Community colleges mainly offer associate degrees and are a great stepping stone to achieving success, as you can transfer from there to a four-year college to complete your bachelor’s degree. The average cost of a community college is $16,445, which is a fraction of most four-year degrees.
Bachelor’s Degrees
Most systems analyst jobs require a bachelor’s degree, which is the main advantage of pursuing a degree in computer science or a related field. A disadvantage of earning a bachelor’s degree is the fact that it takes at least four years to complete and costs more than bootcamps or associate degrees.
Key Computer Systems Analysis Skills to List on Your Resume
Listing your software and computer skills on your resume is important in landing a role as a computer systems analyst. For a prospective employer to consider your resume, however, it must be neatly arranged and contain all the relevant information they need to see. The skills you list in your resume are very important. Check a few key skills you should not miss out on below.
Communication Skills
Verbal communication skills are an important requirement for system analysts as they will have to regularly meet with supervisors, staff, colleagues, and clients. There is also a need to communicate technical information in a way that clients can easily understand.
Technology Skills
Computer systems analysts require technical skills such as competency in software development and programming languages. They understand how operating systems and software systems work, how to implement them, and how to fix bugs.
Business Skills
Computer systems analysts are also business analysts because they have to come up with technology systems that respond to the needs of the business. They have an understanding of business models and are able to conduct cost-benefit analyses to decide if implementing new computer systems is worth it for the business.
Where to Find Computer System Analysis Jobs
You’ve decided you’re ready to start working in the field of computer systems analysis and are searching for the perfect role. Check out some of the best places to look for available jobs below.
Company Websites
Many companies have a careers page where you can find the latest information about any job openings that may be available. You can also get information on what the work culture of the company looks like and what to expect if you do get a job there.
Job Boards
Job boards are search engines that are strictly for job openings. Systems analyst job postings can easily be found on job boards. Companies and recruiters use these boards to post job openings and to search databases of resumes. Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor are all popular job search platforms.
Job Forums
Joining a job forum can alert you to the job opportunities that may be available to you. You will be able to connect with other people who are job hunting and will get information on something that could work for you.
How to Prepare for Your Computer Systems Analysis Interview
You will need a unique approach for a computer systems analysis role during an interview because the job involves both soft skills and technical skills. You will have to demonstrate the key technical qualifications required for the job. You must also show that you have general skills such as communication, time management, and writing. Some of the questions that you can expect in an interview are below.
Computer Systems Analysis Interview Questions
- Tell me about a time when your technology solutions had a significant impact on the business.
- How do you react when user requirements are frequently changing?
- How do you assess client needs to provide the right design solutions?
- How do you describe technological solutions to someone who doesn’t have a technical background? Provide examples.
The Five Highest-Paying Computer Systems Analysis Jobs
| Computer Systems Analysis Jobs | Average Salary | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $151,150 | 11% |
| Computer Network Architect | $116,780 | 5% |
| Actuary | $111,030 | 24% |
| Software Developer | $110,140 | 22% |
| Systems Analyst | $93,730 | 7% |
Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Salary: $151,150
Computer and information systems managers deal with the technological needs of the organization they work for. They plan and implement new technology and provide technological solutions. Having a bachelor’s degree can suffice although some employers prefer master’s degree holders.
Computer Network Architect
- Salary: $116,780
Computer network architects maintain and create hardware that supports network data communication. They hold a bachelor’s degree generally but some employers have a preference for a master’s degree.
Actuary
- Salary: $111,030
Actuaries are specialists in risk management and usually work in the insurance or health care sectors. Their job is to analyze data and then make policy recommendations to help reduce risks for companies. Actuaries must have a bachelor’s degree. This is one of the best jobs for math majors.
Software Developer
- Salary: $110,140
Software developers create computer systems and applications. Many software developers work with computer systems design firms. To become a software developer you will need a bachelor’s degree along with well-rounded programming skills. Some employers now hire software developers who have completed bootcamp programs.
System Analyst
- Salary: $93,730
System analysts evaluate technology-related solutions to improve business processes. This process involves researching new technologies and implementing them within the company to increase efficiency. Usually, the minimum educational requirement for this role is a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related degree.
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Computer System Analysis Career Path
As you gain more experience in your systems analyst position, you can advance into project management where you get to lead a team of analysts. You can also progress to becoming an IT director or become a chief technology officer. As you make headway in your computer science career, your earnings will also improve.
Entry-Level Computer Systems Analysis Jobs
- User Support Analyst – User support analysts give users guidance and advice on using the computer systems they implemented. These professionals either work for a large company and support customers, or they work on an in-house IT team for an organization.
- Junior Business Analyst – Junior business analysts work with senior team members to analyze market data and ensure that a business’s products are meeting the needs of the consumers.
- Entry-Level Cyber Security Analyst – Cyber security analysts evaluate a company or organization’s information security systems and suggest solutions to any issues the systems might have. Entry-level analysts work under the supervision of higher-level information and cyber security professionals.
Mid-Level Computer Systems Analysis Jobs
- Software Quality Assurance Analyst – Quality assurance analysts test software and try to predict issues that may arise so these problems can be solved before the software product enters the market.
- Business Systems Analyst – Business systems analysts are computer systems analysts who work specifically in the business sector. These professionals collect and analyze businesses’ data and suggest improvements.
- Computer Systems Analyst – Computer system analysts, sometimes referred to as systems architects, evaluate the current computer systems used within an organization and find ways to optimize these systems to help the organization operate more efficiently.
Senior-Level Computer Systems Analysis Jobs
- Information Systems Consultant – Information systems consultants perform the same duties as computer systems analysts, but they usually work for IT consultancy companies and get paid higher salaries. Their average salary is $110,260, according to ZipRecruiter.
- IT Director – IT directors oversee the entire information technology system within a company or organization. They are in charge of a large team of tech professionals and work on large-scale technical projects.
- Chief Technology Officer – Chief technology officer is the highest tech position at most companies. These executives work on big-picture policies and projects.
Computer System Analysis Certifications
There are certifications you can get to improve your resume and increase your chances of getting a job or gaining a promotion. You can check out a few of these below.
IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL)
This certification course is for staff workers in the IT service department and IT support staff members. In this course, you will gain a basic understanding of how to align business needs with IT service and support. You will also learn how to reduce long-term costs and how to improve your quality of service.
Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP)
Completing a Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) exam gives you an additional credential in the use of technology to support business goals.
Professional Engineering Software Masters Certificate
To successfully get this certification, you must complete a three-hour online exam covering areas such as software engineering design, software engineering maintenance, and software testing. There are 160 questions in total.
Tips on How to Get a Job in Computer System Analysis
In the pursuit of a job in computer system analysis, you can make things easier for yourself by following certain steps. We have listed and briefly explained some of these steps below to help you increase your chances of getting your dream job.
Consider if You Can Do the Job
You must truthfully consider if you can do this job. Computer systems analysts work with business and information technology. This means you must have sound knowledge in both fields. You must be able to explain business needs to people in tech and explain technology to business gurus who lack a strong tech background.
Get an Education
A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field is the clearest pathway to finding a position in this field. People who majored in liberal arts or humanities can also take a job in this role because the job requires strong interpersonal skills. Such people should consider attending a coding bootcamp or getting certified to apply for computer systems analysis positions.
Get Certified
This is especially necessary for those with a humanities degree. If you feel you need to boost your career, consider getting a certification in the IT space. Also, if you decide to add coding to your skills, learning Python will be a great choice. If you come from a tech background, you can take business courses to boost your profile.
Get Experience
Most companies expect candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree in a computer or information technology-related field. Some jobs require one to four years of prior professional experience in IT service or analysis. Other companies, particularly those in finance or business, often require candidates to have an MBA.
Attend Graduate School if Possible
Although this step is optional, it will serve you well to take additional education in this field. A candidate with a master’s degree may have certain advantages during the hiring process or when it’s time for a promotion. After gaining experience for a few years in an entry-level position, you may choose to pursue a postgraduate program that aligns with your career goals.
Should You Get a Job in Computer System Analysis in 2022?
Yes. If you have an interest in information technology, computer science, and management, becoming a systems analyst is a good choice for you. This career can be characterized by working long hours and being in high-stress positions. However, it is a well-paying job where your salary increases as you gain more experience.
Computer System Analysis FAQ
Yes, you can. Experience goes a long way in this role, but the chances are not so high as many employers ask for a bachelor’s degree.
Yes, a knowledge of programming languages and the ability to improve business function using technology are required. If you have a tech background, this will not be as difficult of a field to enter.
Yes, if they’re willing to get some form of relevant education. A systems analyst in most cases holds a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Many employers also seek systems analysts who are specialists in information systems.
Entry-level systems analysts will likely start with IT support or software development. They can focus on the administration of databases or work to implement designs by supervisors.
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