How to Have a Career in Systems Analysis

Introduction

Many systems analysts consult within a large corporation or for other companies. Their job is to figure out how to accomplish things with programming. Usually a systems analyst is presented with a problem to solve for a company or an organization, then he figures out a plan of attack via interviews, a design and computer language. Have a career in systems analysis if you enjoy programming and creativity.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Steps

1 Step One

Get the right education. Start by obtaining a degree in information systems or computer science. Take basic college courses, such as algebra, and take introductory programming courses to start off with.

2 Step Two

Note that many colleges and universities have a combined program involving both computer science and business management courses. This is important because a lot of what a systems analyst does involves programming and managing. Some people even opt for getting a master's degree in management information systems, computer science or business administration.

3 Step Three

Realize, however, that you don't need any of these types of degrees to have a career in systems analysis. Obtain a degree in anything to help you get your foot in the door in most companies, but learn programming and project management on your own. Take courses online, at a traditional campus or buy books and learn independently.

4 Step Four

You need a knack for planning and design. Be able to see the overall picture as well as its parts to have a career in systems analysis. Good communication skills are crucial as well so that you can interview people about their issues and then communicate your plans to others.

5 Step Five

Make sure you are competent with math and computers. Appreciate that it helps to be just as much of a logical thinker as you are a creative thinker. Often times systems analysts end up spending hours programming. Overtime is often required, especially on project-driven jobs.

6 Step Six

Earn plenty of money as a systems analyst. It's a growing but competitive field flooded with smart and highly skilled people who have moved up in companies from programming or management jobs. Quite a few systems analysts are self-employed.

7 Step Seven

Systems analysts work for other organizations, such as universities, governments and other non-profit organizations where they may earn less than system analysts in the private sector but gain valuable experience.

8 Step Eight

Look forward to promising job possibilities for the future if you choose to have a career in systems analysis. Career growth is predicted to be strong. Get the right education and training to compete and become a systems analyst.