Computer Systems AnalystI push the button, I hear a noise, the screen comes alive. My computerloads up and starts to process. I see the start screen for Windows 95, and Itype in my password. Even though this takes time, I know that I will be able todo whatever I want to do without any trouble, without any glitches, without anyquestions. My computer is now easier to use and more user friendly becausecomputer systems analysts have worked out the problems that many computersystems still have.
It appears to me that a career choice needs to contain a number ofdifferent features. The first being: Will this area of interest mentallystimulate me as well as challenge me? The second being: Is there a way ofmaking a living in these areas of interest? And finally: Do I enjoy thedifferent activities within this area of interest? From the first day that Istarted 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 myselfto all topics of word processing to surfing the web. After reviewing a numberof resources, I have noticed a relatively high demand for technologicallyintegrated hardware and software positions available with companies that wish tocompete with the demand for networking. (Computer Scientists 95) This leadsme to believe that future employment prospects will be high and of high qualitypay within the next eight to ten years. The past, present, and future have andwill see the computer. Since I have seen the computer, I have enjoyed thechallenges and countless opportunities to gain in life from this machine.Fromschool projects to games; from the Internet to programming languages; I have andalways will feel like that little kid in the candy store.
Job DescriptionA Computer Systems Analyst decides how data are collected, prepared forcomputers, processed, stored, and made available for users. (Computer SystemsCOIN 1) The main achievement as a systems analyst is to improve the efficiencyor create a whole new computer system that proves to be more efficient for acontracting company. When on an assignment, the analyst must meet a deadline.
While striving for a deadline, he must create and comprehend many sources ofinformation for the presentation. He must review the systems capabilities,workflow, and scheduling limitations (Systems Analyst 44), to determine ifcertain parts of the system must be modified for a new program.
First, a computer programmer writes a program that he thinks will bebeneficial for a certain system. He incorporates all of what he thinks isnecessary. But the hard part is when the programmer runs the program. 99% ofthe 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 ofthe glitches that are present. He must go over every strand of the programuntil the program is perfect.
When the analyst is finished chopping up the program, he must thenfollow a technical procedure of data collecting, much like that of a science lab.
The Dictionary of Occupational Titles says he must plan and prepare technicalreports, memoranda, and instructional manuals as documentation of programdevelopment. (44)When the presentation day is near, the analyst submits the proof. Hemust organize and relate the data to a workflow chart and many diagrams. Moreoften 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 belaid out for the presentation. Yet, when the system hits the market, theprogram must be as simple as possible. A computer systems analyst must alwayslook for the most minute points whenever a program is be reviewed. Education andTrainingMany people think that this is the type of a job where you must reallylike the concept. This is true. Many people thing that you need a great priorexperience to ever make it somewhere. This is true. Many people think that youneed 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 toever make it. In this particular field, a college education would be helpful toimpress the employer, but for a basic analyst job, the only proof really neededto go somewhere is the Quality Assurance Institute. This awards the designationCertified Quality Analyst (CQA) to those who meet education and experiencerequirements, pass an exam, and endorse a code of ethics. (Computer Scientists95) Linda Williams found a technical analyst at the Toledo Hospital, who wentto 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 tohave after achieving the CQA. Employers almost always seek college graduatesfor analyst positions. Many however, have some prior experience. Many rookiesare found in the small temporary agencies that need small help. The one whohave really made it are in the business for at least 15 years.
When in a secure professional position, an analyst will always need anupgrading just a quickly as the systems themselves do. Continuous study isnecessary to keep the skills up to date. Continuing education is usuallyoffered by employers in the form of paid time in night classes. Hardware andsoftware vendors might also sponsor a seminar where analysts will go to gatherideas and new products. Even colleges and universities will sponsor some ofthese types of events. (Computer Systems America’s 36) Environment, Hours, andEarningsSystems analysts work in offices in comfortable surroundings. Theyusually work about 40 hours a week – the same as other professionals and officeworkers. Occasionally, however, evening or weekend work may be necessary tomeet deadlines according to America’s 50 fastest Growing Jobs. (36) Most of thetime, 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 mightdecrease, 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 everydaysetting. In bed, at home, in the car and at the diner might all be places wherean analyst might perform his work thanks to the technology available today.
Even technical support can be done from a remote location largely in part tomodems, laptops, electronic mail and even the Internet. (Computer Scientists94)So as the hours per week is starting to vary because of where the workcan be done, so are the earnings. The industry is growing and according to theOccupational Outlook Quarterly Chart, the industry will be the fastest growingfrom 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 thisis the only job that will practically double by the year 2005 is to think thatthe earnings would go up too. According to the same chart, the average weeklyearning 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 wasabout $44,000. The middle 50% earned between $34,100 and $55,000. The highesttenth of all analysts earned $69,400 where those with degrees generally earnmore. (Computer Scientists 95) It is also stated in America’s 50 FastestGrowing Jobs that systems analysts working in the Northeast had the highestearnings and those working in the Midwest had the lowest earnings. (37)Works Cited”America’s Fastest Growing Job Opportunities.” Hispanic Times. 1996 “ComputerScientists and Systems Analysts.” Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Indianapolis: JIST Works Inc. pp. 93-95. “Computer Systems Analyst.” COINEducational Products. CD-ROM, 1995-96:1-6 Farr, J. Michael. (1994). America’s 50 Fasted Growing Jobs.
Indianapolis: JISTWorks Inc. Emch, Brian. Job Shadowing. Dana Corporation. 1996 OccupationalOutlook 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’sGuides. 1992.
