COMPUTER SYSTEMS ANALYSTS California Occupational Guide Number 541 Interest Area 11 1995
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 in to 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 applicants should 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
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.
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