Steps to Becoming a Systems Analyst
Computer systems analysts are a well-paid, highly valued part of any business operation. If you aspire to work in this field, there are a few steps to take before you achieve your goal. First, computer systems analysts should have an aptitude for and desire to work with computers. The career doesn't require high level programming skills, but it will be helpful to know a few things about the Linux command line interface, the difference between various operating systems, and other items that will indicate technological proficiency beyond installing apps on a phone.
Once you know this is the career for you, you'll need an education. Computer systems analysts come from a range of educational backgrounds but try to focus on majors that enhance critical thinking. A minor in Information Technology or Computer Science will also be helpful. If Philosophy is for you, take as many Formal Logic and Philosophy of Mind courses as you can.
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Step 1: Is this for me?
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Step 2: Education
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Step 3: Certifications
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Step 4: Graduate School and CEU
Step 1: Is this for me?
Computer systems analysts sit at the nexus of Business and Information Technology. As such, computer systems analysts need to have a strong understanding of both fields. That means that you need to be conversant in the two worlds. You should be able to articulate business needs to tech people then explain the technology to managers who might not have a strong background in IT.
Computer systems analysts should thus have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Computer systems analysts will also need to have an affinity for both business and technology. If you love reading the latest business and economic news, but then act as informal tech support for your friends, this could be the right field for you.
Step 2: Education
There is no specific academic background required for computer systems analysts, but it will certainly help when your resume reflects an undergraduate degree in computer information systems. Since computer systems analysts are somewhere between IT and business, you could major in one or both fields. However, if you have a humanities degree and some verifiable credentials with IT, you could find yourself working as a computer systems analyst.
Since the position is rather interdisciplinary, your communication skills will be put to the test. In your coursework, try to take as many technical writing and business communication courses as you can. You might also consider courses such as Introduction to Information Technology, Computer Programming, and Introduction to Management.
Step 3: Certifications
If you graduate with a humanities degree and feel your career needs a boost, look into achieving a certification in the IT field. CompTIA, Linux Academy, Microsoft, and Cisco are all great outlets for continuing education in the IT field. There are other online resources that will also give you a great introduction to IT but might not offer bona fide credentials. You can even find free online courses at universities such as MIT, though they don't offer college credit, only knowledge.
For many of these certifications you won't need much, if any, programming experience. However, if you do decide to add coding to your resume, many top professionals recommend Python. Python is relatively easy to learn, popular, and is great for handling Big Data. Plus, there are many free or very affordable resources to help get you up to speed.
Step 4: Graduate School and CEU
If you opt for any professional certifications, you will need to keep them current by taking additional courses from time to time. Each certifying body will have its own rules for this, but the additional knowledge will surely benefit you in the workplace. In fact, you should strive to be a lifelong learner who perpetually updates their knowledge base.
After you've been working as a Systems Analyst for a number of years, you will want to consider a graduate degree. Your experience will surely lead you towards the best program for you, but you can consider a masters degree in business administration (MBA) or even better, an information systems and technology MBA can be a great option. Alternately, if you enjoy the communications aspect of your work, there are graduate programs that focus on technical writing. All of the above programs can be found in online, on-campus, and in a hybrid degree form.
Systems Analyst Career & Salary
Where Might You Work?
All sorts of organizations need computer systems analysts. computer systems analysts could work for city, state, or federal government agencies, private corporations of all sizes, or scrappy non-profit organizations. One popular way to get into the field is through consulting.
When you work for a consulting firm, your learning will kick into high gear. Computer systems analysts will need to analyze a new company's systems, arrive at one or more possible solutions, and make a presentation to upper management. If they approve your proposals, you will then need to oversee the rollout of new technology or upgrades. When you work as a consultant, you will probably do a lot of traveling since clients will want to see you on-site.
This is also a profession that is adaptable to any number of lifestyles or needs. Computer systems analysts could work in a large skyscraper downtown or consult remotely for global corporations. Other computer systems analysts scale down and work on a much smaller scale to help small businesses and even individuals solve IT and business problems.
Generally speaking, however, computer systems analysts typically work in office environments on a standard workday schedule. During special times, such as during a new tech roll-out, you might need to work overtime, or even log-in to the system remotely on your weekend time.