{"id":43795,"date":"2023-05-31T02:09:07","date_gmt":"2023-05-31T09:09:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/?p=43795"},"modified":"2023-08-18T08:58:58","modified_gmt":"2023-08-18T15:58:58","slug":"become-computer-systems-analyst","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/software-engineering\/become-computer-systems-analyst\/","title":{"rendered":"Cracking the Code: How To Become a Computer Systems Analyst"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Say that you\u2019re a business, and you\u2019re looking to set up your computer systems across multiple departments and divisions. Who do you call for the job? That would be a computer systems analyst\u2014professionals who combine their skills in technology and business to help companies set up, operate, and maintain their computer systems. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an employment growth rate of 9% for computer systems analyst jobs in the next decade, a rate that\u2019s about double the national average. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the positive career outlook, aspiring tech professionals often overlook computer systems analyst roles in their job hunt. This is primarily because there is a general lack of understanding of exactly what the role involves, and how it fits into a larger organizational context, as computer systems entail facets of IT and cybersecurity, but is also a field unto itself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, we\u2019ll tell you exactly what the job entails, the skills that you need to pick up, and where you can find vacancies in this field. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does a Computer Systems Analyst Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Computer system analysts conceive and architect computer systems from the ground up. They carry out maintenance on those systems and train employees on how to use them. Their work also involves working with network architects, database administrators<\/a>, and project management leads to gather requirements for new systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Become a Computer Systems Analyst: A 6-Step Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Being a computer systems analyst means getting to contribute significantly to the functioning of digital organizations. It\u2019s also a lucrative career with an excellent job outlook. If that sounds like what you\u2019re looking for, here\u2019s how you can plan your career trajectory in this field step by step.<\/p>\n\n\n

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  1. \n

    Meet the Educational Requirements (and Keep On Learning)<\/p>\n

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    Hone the Requisite Skills<\/p>\n

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    Get Practical, Real-World Experience<\/p>\n

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    Your Network Is Your Net Worth (and Can Also Help You Land a Job)<\/p>\n

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    Pursue an Internship<\/p>\n

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    Start Applying for Jobs<\/p>\n

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    Meet the Educational Requirements (and Keep On Learning)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Computer systems analysis is a field where you need to have strong technical skills. There are a few different kinds of education courses that you can take to acquire those skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A degree program is the conventional path to a career in this field. Computer science degrees give you a broad understanding of areas like business systems<\/a>, network engineering<\/a>, and systems management. All of those skills are relevant to computer systems analysis. An educational background in IT or software engineering will also give you similar skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    While college degrees are a common choice, you don\u2019t necessarily need one to find work as a computer systems analyst. Nowadays, you can use online courses and bootcamps to gain deep knowledge in this area. Even bootcamps in related areas such as software engineering<\/a> can give you a broad understanding of topics relevant to computer systems analysis, and without the high cost of a college degree program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Regardless of which education path you choose, it is imperative that you continue picking up new skills once you\u2019re on the job. Computer systems analysis is a field that demands a broad skill set in areas like hardware systems, software systems, database design, and operating systems. The only way to gain a deeper knowledge of those topics is by continuing your learning journey after you\u2019ve completed a basic degree. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are a few ways you can go about doing that. Professional certifications look great on your resume and teach you more advanced skills. You can find a list of systems analyst certifications here<\/a>. You can also turn to good old books<\/a> to learn more about things like malware analysis, systems engineering, and agile systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hone the Requisite Skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Let\u2019s take a look at the mix of skills you need to enhance your job prospects in the field of computer systems analysis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Technical Skills<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    The following technical skills are essential in the work of a computer systems analyst. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Systems Analysis and Design<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

    Professionals in computer systems are required to analyze existing systems and assess their ability to serve the needs of digital organizations. They also need to be able to conceive computing systems from the ground up and realize their critical requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cost-Benefit Analyses<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

    Computer systems analysts spend a lot of their time conducting cost-benefit analyses. Each enhancement or new system component that\u2019s recommended is analyzed to determine its cost. Systems analysts then assess the benefits of that enhancement and produce cost analysis reports with their recommendations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Project Management<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

    A computer systems analyst needs to be a good project manager. They are required to make informed decisions when it comes to assessing resources, prioritizing tasks, and coordinating between different team members. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Networking Skills<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

    In the age of the Internet, computer systems analysts are required to have a strong background in networking technology. They often find themselves assisting in the work of a network administrator by studying the networking protocols of different devices and setting up security measures for the network. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Soft Skills<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Here are a few soft skills that you will need to acquire if you want to work as a computer systems analyst. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Analytical Skills<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

    Computer analysts need to have strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Your ability to analyze project requirements and any proposed solutions to issues will help you make good decisions and explain them to stakeholders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Communication Skills<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

    Effective communication skills are important in this field because it requires a significant amount of collaboration. You will often find yourself working within a large team and it\u2019s essential that you\u2019re able to communicate in a concise and clear manner each time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Get Practical, Real-World Experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Here are a few ways that you can put your theoretical knowledge to the test. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Consider Volunteer Work<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Volunteering is an option that a lot of tech professionals don\u2019t consider, but it is one that can give you the practical experience that you need. You can hit up nonprofits and small businesses in your area to check if they need help with their computer systems. It\u2019s easy for computer systems analysts to find such opportunities because most organizations can use help with their IT infrastructure from a systems perspective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pursue Freelance Work<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Freelancing allows you to work on live projects without the pressure of working under the rigors of large-scale corporations. Make sure to pursue freelance roles that allow you to work on small parts of systems projects since you\u2019re still early in your career at this point. All the better if you can shadow an experienced professional for a while and run your work through them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Find A Mentor<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Mentors allow you to learn from their vast real-world experience and apply those learnings to your own career. So make sure to stay on the lookout for senior systems professionals in your company or personal circles who you can approach with a request for mentorship. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your Network Is Your Net Worth (and Can Also Help You Land a Job)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Networking can help you find job opportunities that aren\u2019t out there on job boards. Let\u2019s take a look at a few ways that you can grow your network. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    LinkedIn<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    LinkedIn allows you to easily find professionals across industries; in this case, you would connect with fellow computer systems analysts, as well as recruiters and managers in the field. Take some time to observe how members post content and interact with others in the community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Online Communities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Here are a few other online communities that you can participate in to make connections and keep up with the goings-on in the world of systems analysis: <\/p>\n\n\n\n