How To Become A Systems Analyst

Written by gigmocha in Technology Professional

How To Become A Systems Analyst

Since you’re reading this post, it means you understand that a computer systems analyst position is a good one for anybody interested in building a career in the information technology and management space. However, if you don’t know, the US News ranking shows that Computer Systems Analysts occupy the fifth spot in Best Technology Jobs in the country. The rating was performed based on some factors, such as the average salary scale, job market, work-life balance, and a few others.

The primary function of a computer systems analyst is to examine a company’s current technology processes, ensuring that they are running pretty well and efficiently. That’s not all; the expert will also be in charge of recommending new or updated technology for the organization when needed.

If you’re interested in becoming a computer system analyst, there are four simple steps that you need to follow. First, you need to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Additionally, you need to build a strong résumé, get certified, and earn a master’s degree – this is optional.

The steps to becoming a computer systems analyst are pretty simple and straightforward. However, for you to be successful in this career path, you need to be focused and ready to give your best. In the rest of this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about the computer systems analyst position, including how you can become a successful one.

Computer Systems Analyst: Here’s What You Need to Know About it

What does a systems analyst do?

As a computer systems analyst, you can always work with independent clients, private companies, institutions, and public organizations. As earlier mentioned, the position will primarily require you to examine your company’s technology processes to know how well they’re running.

Furthermore, the work of an analyst also includes surveying and diagnosing database program issues. That’s not all; you’ll need to check and resolve user issues, as well as providing your company with updates on when to opt for new systems for improved productivity.

As a systems analyst, for you to perform your job effectively, the very first thing you need to do is get familiar with and understand the business of your client or company. Besides, you’ll also need to know all the technologies that the organization has and how it runs them.

Although the position of a systems analyst is pretty good, you need to understand that the career requires you to work long hours. That said, here are some of the functions you’ll likely perform as a computer systems analyst.

  • Diagnose and address database program issues, making sure that the solutions are viable and consistent.
  • Create cost analysis reports that include the cost of efficiency.
  • Know exactly what every user requires and understand how to improve systems based on their needs.
  • Communicate with stakeholders on how to better invest in innovative systems.
  • Provide users with formal training.
  • Research, assess, and evaluate various technologies in the organization.
  • Design new computer systems and frameworks.

How much does a systems analyst earn?

The amount of money a computer systems analyst earns can vary from country to country. Even in the US, the payslip varies from state to state. 

According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary of a Computer Systems Analyst in the United States is $82,901 yearly. Breaking that down, that’s about $39.86 an hour or approximately $1,594 weekly. 

Most top employers in the United States can pay up to $137,000 annually to bring the best systems analysts onboard. However, some companies can pay as low as $32,500 annually. 

4 Simple Steps to Becoming a Computer Systems Analyst

For you to become a successful computer systems analyst, here are some simple steps that you need to follow.

  1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field

The very first step to becoming a systems analyst is to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science, or a related field. However, before going ahead to do that, you need to ask yourself this question; do you have all it takes to become a systems analyst?

Why not start by scheduling a meeting with a systems analyst to understand the job clearly? This way, you’ll be able to know everything about the career, especially the challenges attached to it.

Furthermore, before going ahead to starting your career path, you need to understand that – as a systems analyst, you need a good grade in mathematics and physics. That’s so because most of the job functions require that you analyze and provide viable solutions to every problem that comes your way.

With a high grade in physics and mathematics, it’ll surely become easier for you to gain admission into college and pursue a degree in computer science, information science, or a related field.

That said, other related courses you can opt for include the following:

  • Computer programming
  • Database and business management
  • Management information systems
  1. Build your resume

No doubt, earning a bachelor’s degree in any of the undergraduate majors listed above is the first step to building a career as a systems analyst. However, you need to understand that only that isn’t enough. That’s so because there exist tons of people out there with the same credential you’re holding.

For you to stand out, you need to build a strong resume. Here’s where the need for you to get related job experience comes into the scene.

Of course, there are many jobs out there that you can apply for as an undergraduate to gain more experience. I’ll advise that you look for jobs in the Information Technology space that will provide you the much-needed experience with enterprise infrastructure and systems.

Furthermore, in addition to getting related job experience, you also need to enroll in various certifications to increase your chances of becoming a systems analyst.

Some of the certifications that’ll help you boost your chances include the following:

  • CompTIA A+ Certification
  • CompTIA Security+
  • CASP+
  • CompTIA CySA+
  1. Get a master’s degree in a relevant field

Although this step is optional, you can also boost your chances of becoming a computer systems analyst with a master’s degree in a relevant field.

Here are a few of the relevant fields you can enroll in to build your career as a systems analysts:

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