How to Get Started
as a Systems Analyst

Tech careers are always a good option. Becoming a tech worker means that you join a thriving industry, with one of the best job outlooks in the world. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in computer and information technology careers will grow at a rate of 11 percent over the next ten years.

If you are looking for a career in this field, consider becoming a systems analyst. In this article, you will learn how to become a systems analyst in 2021, including salary expectations, career paths, benefits, and job duties.

A computer systems analyst is a computer scientist in charge of designing and working with information technology systems to solve problems for an organization.

These professionals use marketing, management, and the latest technology to help clients work more efficiently. A systems analyst may have expertise in different fields of computer science, software design, and data processing.

Systems analysis and data science are intrinsically related. Systems analysts must know data science to carry out their work. They collect and analyze information, and create service and management strategies based on what they find. Systems analysts work with database platforms to manage tasks, present results, and evaluate figures.

Traditionally, to work as a systems analyst you need a bachelor’s degree, which takes four to five years to complete. The field of systems analysis is a complex one; as such, it requires higher education, advanced training, a substantial amount of experience, and certification.

However, these days more and more companies are hiring people without a college degree. A growing number of companies are recruiting graduates from computer science courses like coding bootcamps. Bootcamp graduates usually get entry-level positions and work their way up to high-level jobs.

Where to study to become a systems analyst depends on your career goals. If you are content with an entry-level position, an associate degree is enough. Higher positions demand higher education and certification.

Below, we present you with the different pathways you can take to become a systems analyst, and discuss their requirements, costs, and benefits.

A computer systems analyst’s job requires understanding the fundamentals of computer science. This can be learned in an associate or bachelor’s degree program.

Most employers look to junior systems analysts to evaluate, recommend, and manage hardware and software systems. These professionals may also assist IT staff and direct small technology projects.

The job outlook is a factor that you should always keep in mind when charting your professional path. Job outlook figures tell you your chances of finding a job in a given industry and location.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for computer systems analysts will grow seven percent by 2029. Computer occupations, in general, are predicted to grow 11 percent in the same period. Systems analysts earn an average salary of $93,730. These figures vary according to the employer, years of experience, and location.

As a systems analyst, your responsibilities revolve around evaluating computer systems, managing IT teams, and ensuring computer systems are running smoothly. Let’s take a closer look at each responsibility.

A common task is to verify, test, and examine the operation of computer systems in a company. Typically, companies hire these workers to evaluate systems and suggest any changes that might improve performance.

Systems analysts work with computer programmers, project managers, and finance professionals to transform ideas into concrete plans. Part of a systems analyst’s job is also to help to train and evaluate members of the IT team.

In addition to designing the company’s systems, these professionals monitor their operation, report and repair bugs, and carry out updates. They are also in charge of storing data and sending problem reports to managers.

To succeed as a systems analyst, you’ll need strong technical and soft skills. The skills listed below are what companies are looking for. While certification isn’t mandatory for this career, it can improve your job prospects.

Salary and job outlook are two compelling reasons to consider a career as a systems analyst. In addition, you can study and improve your professional prospects with online courses and coding bootcamps. The time to become a systems analyst is now.

In addition, the systems analyst profession is part of a thriving industry that you want to be a part of. Job openings in the technology sector are skyrocketing and will continue on this path for years to come.