Computer Systems Analysts
What is a Computer Systems Analyst?
A Computer Systems Analyst is a professional who specializes in designing, implementing, and optimizing information systems for organizations. They serve as a bridge between the business needs and the technical solutions, ensuring that the systems meet the requirements of the users while efficiently utilizing resources. Their work involves assessing current systems, identifying areas for improvement, and recommending technological solutions to enhance productivity and effectiveness. Computer Systems Analysts often work with stakeholders to gather requirements, analyze data, and create specifications for system modifications or new applications. They play a crucial role in project management, guiding teams through the stages of system development, testing, and deployment. With a strong understanding of both business processes and IT infrastructure, Computer Systems Analysts contribute significantly to the strategic planning of technology initiatives within an organization, ensuring that technological investments align with the overall business goals.
Tasks
- Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
- Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer-related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
- Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
- Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
- Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility so that information can be shared.
Technology Skills
- Development environment software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Web platform development software
- Program testing software
- Object or component oriented development software
Tools Used
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Mainframe computers
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Notebook computers
- Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers
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Desktop computers
Knowledge
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Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Skills
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Systems Analysis
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Abilities
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Associate's degree
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Bachelor's degree
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Detailed Work Activities
- Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems.
- Provide technical support for software maintenance or use.
- Coordinate software or hardware installation.
- Monitor computer system performance to ensure proper operation.
- Test software performance.
Work Interests
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$63230.0 - $165700.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.