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Computer Systems Analysts

THE JOB

COMPUTER SYSTEMS ANALYSTS are responsible for designing computer information 
systems, modifying systems to improve production or work flow, or expanding 
systems to serve new purposes.  The information they deal with relates to 
all aspects of an employer's operations planning, monitoring, testing, 
accounting, forecasting, coordination, scheduling, etc.  They must 
understand the capabilities of the firm's equipment and software, and may 
be asked to provide recommendations about selection of new equipment or 
software packages.  They may be responsible for a firm's entire system or 
part of it, or work from project to project.  They also may analyze systems 
for their employer or for client firms.

The first task of the Computer Systems Analyst is the evaluation of business 
procedures and problems.  Analysts begin an assignment by talking with 
managers or specialists to determine the precise nature of the problem and 
to break it down into its component parts.  This may involve interviews with 
staff to specifically identify what information is being processed, where it 
comes from, and where it goes.  In addition to the interview method of data 
collection, analysts also conduct written surveys and observe workers 
performing tasks.  On occasion an Analyst may assume the worker's role for a 
week or so in order to understand and document the processes being performed.

After sufficient information has been collected, the analyst prepares charts 
and diagrams that constitute a representation of the new system in terms 
which managers or non-data-processing personnel can understand.  Analysts 
consult with management throughout this phase in order to confirm that the 
analyst and the management agree on the principles of the system.  Analysts 
also prepare analyses which present cost versus benefit as a result of 
implementing the proposed new system.

Once the system is accepted, Systems Analysts prepare specifications for 
programmers to follow.  The specifications include detailed descriptions of 
the records, files, and documents used in processing, and data flow charts 
describing the interrelationship of the data elements to be considered by 
the programmers.  The analysts also coordinate the development of test 
problems to debug the system and participate in trial runs of the systems.  
They also may determine what computer hardware and software will be needed 
to set up the system.  Some analysts also prepare programs and may be known 
as Programmer Analysts.

In computer manufacturing firms, Systems Analysts design application 
software for the computers.  They also prepare technical documentation and 
instructional manuals relevant to the establishment and functioning of 
entire operational systems.

Because the possible uses for computers are so varied and complex, Computer 
Systems Analysts usually specialize in either business, scientific, or 
engineering applications.  Often, they have training or experience in the 
field in which they develop computer systems.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Systems Analysts usually work about 40 hours a week, the same as other 
professional and office workers.  Unlike many computer operators and 
programmers, Systems Analysts are not assigned to evening or night shifts.  
Occasionally, however, evening or weekend work may be necessary to complete 
emergency projects.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The following information is from the California Projections of Employment 
published by the Labor Market Information Division.

Estimated number of workers in 1990            53,110
Estimated number of workers in 2005            76,720
Projected Growth 1990 to 2005                     45%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005   8,330

(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)

Most Computer Systems Analysts in California work in manufacturing 
(particularly in the computer equipment field), computer software firms, 
data processing firms, banks, insurance companies, accounting firms, and 
government agencies.

Employment of Systems Analysts is expected to grow much faster than the 
average for all occupations into the twenty-first century, as computer 
usage expands.

The demand for Systems Analysts is expected to rise as advances in 
technology lead to new applications for computers.  Factory and office 
automation, advances in telecommunications technology, and scientific 
Research are just a few areas where use of computer systems will expand.  
As a consequence, there will be several differing effects on the employment 
demand of Systems Analysts.  Employment of Systems Analysts in data 
processing firms may not grow quite as rapidly as in recent years because 
more small businesses will install their own computers rather than rely on 
a data processing service.  This will be offset, however, by a rising demand 
in firms that produce specialized software, for the analysis and design of 
systems to be run on small computers for small firms.  The Computer Systems 
Analyst job is not usually the entry position in most firms.  Often, job 
openings are filled by experienced programmers moving up the promotional 
ladder in the same firm.  College graduates who have had courses in computer 
programming, systems analysis, and other data processing areas, as well as 
training or experience in an applied field, should enjoy the best prospects 
for employment.  Persons without a college degree and college graduates 
unfamiliar with data processing will face stiff competition from the large 
number of experienced workers seeking jobs as Systems Analysts.


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Recent salary surveys indicate that hourly wages for Computer Systems 
Analysts with less than two years of experience range from $9.20 to $22.75.  
Analysts with two years of experience earn $10.00 to $29.50 per hour.  
After considerable experience on the job, lead Analysts earn between $16.00 
and $38.75 an hour.

Systems Analysts usually work 40 hours a week, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday.  Most employers offer benefit packages that include health, 
dental, vision, holidays and vacation, and retirement plans.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

Employers generally seek college graduates for Systems Analyst jobs; and, 
for some of the more complex jobs, persons with graduate degrees are 
preferred.  Employers usually want analysts with a background in accounting, 
business management, or economics for work in a business environment, while 
a background in the physical sciences, mathematics, or engineering is 
preferred for work in scientifically oriented organizations.

A growing number of employers seek applicants who have a degree in computer 
science, information science, information systems, or data processing.  
Regardless of college major, employers look for people who are familiar with 
programming languages.  Courses in computer concepts, systems analysis, and 
data base management systems offer good preparation for a job in this 
field.  Systems Analysts must be able to think logically and should like 
working with ideas.  They often deal with a number of tasks simultaneously.  
The ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail also is 
important.

Although Systems Analysts often work independently, they also work in teams 
on large projects.  They must be able to communicate effectively with 
technical personnel, such as programmers, as well as with managers and 
clients who have no computer background.

Systems Analysts also need to keep up with the rapidly changing technology 
of the computer field, so continuous study is necessary to keep skills up to 
date.  Training averages about 1-2 weeks and is usually offered by the 
employers and software vendors.  Additional training may come from 
professional development seminars offered by professional computing societies. 


ADVANCEMENT

In large data processing departments, persons who begin as junior systems 
analysts may be promoted to senior or lead analysts after several years of 
experience.  Systems Analysts who show leadership ability also can advance 
to jobs as managers of systems analysis or data processing departments.  
Some Systems Analysts with several years of experience may start their own 
computer consulting firms.


FINDING THE JOB

Openings for experienced Systems Analysts may be advertised in local and 
national newspapers.  Information about non-advertised job opportunities can 
frequently be obtained from friends working in the industry or through 
contacts made at professional meetings and conferences.  Those interested in 
civil service jobs should contact the federal, State, county, and city 
personnel offices.  Further information on employment may be obtained from 
the nearest California Employment Development Department Job Service office.


ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Data Processing Management Association
505 Busse Highway
Park Ridge, IL 60068

Association for Systems Management
P.O. Box 38370
Cleveland, OH 44138
(216) 243-6900
http://asm.clubs.byu.edu/


RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Industrial Engineers           No.    3
Computer Programmers           No.   81
Computer Systems Engineers     No.  488


OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, Fourth ed.,Rev. 1);
Systems Analyst, Electronic Data Proc.       012.167.066

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Systems Analysts-Electronic Data Processing       251020


Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department, 
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group, 
         (916) 262-2162.