I either work from home (telecommute) or I travel to our client sites. Both are great, one allows me the independence to make my own decisions about when my workday starts and ends (home) and the other gives me the opportunity to travel to great cities (Honolulu, Hi was my last trip). I generally spend my day in front of my laptop, writing and running SQL scripts to make sure the data has been input properly. I also get the chance to interact with the clients, training them on our system.
CAREER
Computer Systems Analysts
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$99,270
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+9.4% (as fast as the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Computer Systems Analysts Do
Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
Other Job Titles Computer Systems Analysts May Have
Business Systems Analyst, Computer Systems Analyst, Computer Systems Consultant, Systems Analyst
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
A great day in my shoes involves client calls that all go very well. Going very well means that we have strategic calls that allow us to continue moving along with their implementation. If any roadblocks are hit I know exactly where I need to go to get answers or advice.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
- Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
- Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.
- Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
- Consult with management to ensure agreement on system principles.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Computer Systems Analysts
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (33%)
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Business Statistics
Graduate
Business Statistics
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Business/Commerce, General
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
As I mentioned before, definitely get comfortable around new people and situations. Being able to present yourself well and instill confidence in those you are consulting with is huge. Most of the other skills are typical hard skills, such as knowing how to use various software applications. If you have a particular area where you would like to consult (eg, accounting firms), it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with that subject matter as well.
The ability to build and maintain relationships is very important in my position. You have to be able to establish trust with clients so when you are consulting them and giving them advice they truly believe in what you are presenting as a solution.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
Focus on keeping up with technology and your people skills. Work at being comfortable talking to total strangers and able to present to a group. This is a big part of being any type of consultant. Train your mind by solving problems (games, puzzles, etc). This is a career where what kind of degree you get is not as important as being naturally curious, a problem solver and having an outgoing personality.
Take all of the elective classes that you can - technology, web design, HTML, marketing, public speaking, etc. Don't slack off and take the easy classes just for credit. Try to keep pushing yourself more. Join in as many clubs and activities as possible to get you used to interacting with all sorts of new people with different personalities and approaches.
Appreciate the idea that learning never ends.
Implementation Specialist
Go to college! You will not only learn skills specific to the job, but you will also pick up/improve upon those self-learned skills that are needed for success, such as problem solving and time management.
College Students
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
