Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analyst


I push the button, I hear a noise, the screen comes alive. My computer
loads up and starts to process. I see the start screen for Windows 95, and I type
in my password. Even though this takes time, I know that I will be able to do
whatever I want to do without any trouble, without any glitches, without any
questions. My computer is now easier to use and more user friendly because
computer systems analysts have worked out the problems that many computer
systems still have.
It appears to me that a career choice needs to contain a number of
different features. The first being: Will this area of interest mentally stimulate me
as well as challenge me? The second being: Is there a way of making a living
in these areas of interest? And finally: Do I enjoy the different activities within
this area of interest? From the first day that I started my first computer, I have
grasped the concepts quickly and with ease. But the computer as well as I will
never stop growing. I have introduced myself to all topics of word processing to
surfing the web. After reviewing a number of resources, I have noticed a
relatively high demand for technologically integrated hardware and software
positions available with companies that wish to compete with the demand for
"networking". ("Computer Scientists" 95) This leads me to believe that future
employment prospects will be high and of high quality pay within the next eight
to ten years. The past, present, and future have and will see the computer.
Since I have seen the computer, I have enjoyed the challenges and countless
opportunities to gain in life from this machine. From school projects to games;
from the Internet to programming languages; I have and always will feel like that
little kid in the candy store.
Job Description
A Computer Systems Analyst decides how data are collected, prepared
for computers, processed, stored, and made available for users. ("Computer
Systems" COIN 1) The main achievement as a systems analyst is to improve
the efficiency or create a whole new computer system that proves to be more
efficient for a contracting company. When on an assignment, the analyst must
meet a deadline. While striving for a deadline, he must create and comprehend
many sources of information for the presentation. He must review the systems
capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations ("Systems Analyst" 44), to
determine if certain parts of the system must be modified for a new program.
First, a computer programmer writes a program that he thinks will be
beneficial for a certain system. He incorporates all of what he thinks is
necessary. But the hard part is when the programmer runs the program. 99% of
the time the program will not work, thus not creating a profit for the company.
Then the analyst looks at the program. It is now his job to get rid of all of the
glitches that are present. He must go over every strand of the program until the
program is perfect.
When the analyst is finished "chopping up" the program, he must then
follow a technical procedure of data collecting, much like that of a science lab.
The Dictionary of Occupational Titles says he must plan and prepare technical
reports, memoranda, and instructional manuals as documentation of program
development. (44)
When the presentation day is near, the analyst submits the proof. He
must organize and relate the data to a workflow chart and many diagrams. More
often than not, an idea is always to good to be true unless the proof is there. For
this new program that will go into the system, detailed operations must be laid
out for the presentation. Yet, when the system hits the market, the program must
be as simple as possible. A computer systems analyst must always look for the
most minute points whenever a program is be reviewed.
Education and Training
Many people think that this is the type of a job where you must really like
the concept. This is true. Many people thing that you need a great prior
experience to ever make it somewhere. This is true. Many people think that you
need a Bachelors degree to at least star out somewhere. This is not true.
Through research, it a known fact that you don't really have to go to college to
ever make it. In this particular field, a college education would be helpful to
impress the employer, but for a basic analyst job, the only proof really needed to
go somewhere is the Quality Assurance Institute. This awards the designation
Certified Quality Analyst (CQA) to those who meet education and experience
requirements, pass an exam, and endorse a code of ethics. ("Computer
Scientists" 95) Linda Williams found a technical analyst at the Toledo Hospital,
who went to the Total Technical Institute near Cleveland and earned his CQA.
(11 -13)
However, college is the best bet and a bachelors is the best reward to
have after achieving the CQA. Employers almost always seek college graduates
for analyst positions. Many however, have some prior experience. Many
rookies are found in the small temporary agencies that need small help. The
one who have really made it are in the business for at least 15 years.
When in a secure professional position, an analyst will always need an
upgrading just a quickly as the systems themselves do. Continuous study is
necessary to keep the skills up to date. Continuing education is usually offered
by employers in the form of paid time in night classes. Hardware and software
vendors might also sponsor a seminar where analysts will go to gather ideas and
new products. Even colleges and universities will sponsor some of these types
of events. ("Computer Systems" America's 36)
Environment, Hours, and Earnings
Systems analysts work in offices in comfortable surroundings. They
usually work about 40 hours a week - the same as other professionals and office
workers. Occasionally, however, evening or weekend work may be necessary to
meet deadlines according to America's 50 fastest Growing Jobs. (36) Most of
the time, an analyst will live a quite lifestyle, unlike that of a lawyer or doctor.
Even he has the freedoms that those occupations don't offer. The pay might
decrease, but the family time increases. Although this may sound pretty basic, it
is coming to the point where the common analyst will work from the everyday
setting. In bed, at home, in the car and at the diner might all be places where an
analyst might perform his work thanks to the technology available today. Even
technical support can be done from a remote location largely in part to modems,
laptops, electronic mail and even the Internet. ("Computer Scientists" 94)
So as the hours per week is starting to vary because of where the work
can be done, so are the earnings. The industry is growing and according to the
Occupational Outlook Quarterly Chart, the industry will be the fastest growing
from now until 2005. This occupation will grow so rapidly in fact, that in 2005,
the number of systems analysts will have increased by 92%. To imagine that
this is the only job that will practically double by the year 2005 is to think that the
earnings would go up too. According to the same chart, the average weekly
earning are $845. This is third only to the two obvious occupations of Lawyers,
and Physicians. (48)
In 1994, the median earning for a full time computer systems analyst was
about $44,000. The middle 50% earned between $34,100 and $55,000. The
highest tenth of all analysts earned $69,400 where those with degrees generally
earn more. ("Computer Scientists" 95) It is also stated in America's 50 Fastest
Growing Jobs that systems analysts working in the Northeast had the highest
earnings and those working in the Midwest had the lowest earnings. (37)



















Works Cited
"America's Fastest Growing Job Opportunities." Hispanic Times. 1996
"Computer Scientists and Systems Analysts." Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Indianapolis: JIST Works Inc. pp. 93-95.
"Computer Systems Analyst." COIN Educational Products. CD-ROM, 1995-96:
1-6
Farr, J. Michael. (1994). America's 50 Fasted Growing Jobs. Indianapolis: JIST
Works Inc.
Emch, Brian. Job Shadowing. Dana Corporation. 1996
Occupational Outlook Quarterly. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 1996.
"Systems Analyst." Dictionary of Occupational Titles. US Department of Labor.
1992: p.44
Williams, Linda. Careers Without College: Computers. Princeton: Peterson's
Guides. 1992.