Systems Analyst

I. Nature of work

A. Systems Analysts (Electronic Data Processing) decide what the

computer system will do in the first place, and how the

computer will carry out its tasks.

B. They are referred to as problem solvers for computer users.

C. They plan efficient methods of processing data.

D. Another aspect of the job is that their designs must match the

existing computer systems.

E. Analysts observe the current system and modify it to make the

data collection and retrieval more efficient.

II. Skills Needed

A. One of the main traits needed for someone in this field is

creativity.

B. The ability to pay close attention to detail is important.

C. Some of the analysis skills used in the Data Processing field

are helpful.

D. They must be flexible with computer hardware, and have some

know-how on the current PCs and mainframes.

E. The ability to communicate with fellow employees and to learn

what their needs are is required in this field.

F. They should have an agreeable, pleasant personality to talk

and communicate with others.

G. An analyst should be able to take in large amounts of data

and organize it.

III. Education/training for career

 A. High school

1. A college prep program should be taken.

2. In high school, emphasis should be on math and English.

B. College

1. A four-year college course with a computer science or

engineering major is recommended.

2. Two-year colleges offer computer courses with a special

hands-on program.

3. Many companies are hiring business majors for this

position.
C. Vocational/other

1. Vocational training is availiable in a five-year

program, of which at the end a five-part test is given.

2. In vo-ed programs, students strive to achieve their CDP,

or Certificate in Data Processing, which shows

professional competence.

3. Computer language courses would be useful to take.

4. The Armed Forces offers training in this field with

2 - 25 week programs.

IV. Day-to-day work

A. The end product of an analyst's work is a collection of

flowcharts which describe the computer system.

B. An analyst's work is begun by first meeting with the people

involved with the current functioning system.

C. Cost accounting, sampling and mathematical model building

are some of the techniques used in problem solving.

 D. After a system is implemented, analysts translate the

logical code into program form.

E. Some do research, called Advanced Systems Design, to devise

new analysis methods.

V. Job Positions

A. Systems Analysis Trainees are entry level trainees, working

under direct supervision.

B. Systems Analysts usually have 1-2 years of experience, and

are under general supervision.

C. Senior Systems Analysts have 3-4 years of experience, and

can design systems alone.

D. Managers of Systems Analysis (Project Managers) manage the

analysis work, and are very experienced.

E. Lead Systems Analysts are assigned the most difficult and

challenging projects.

VI. Employment Outlook

A. 1985 Employment -- 11,476

B. 1995 Employment (projected) -- 18,332

C. 1985-95 Growth -- 59.7%

VII. Projection of earnings

A. The national average starting salary is $29,3OO.

B. Under 2 years of experience, the salaries are around

$19,OOO - $3O,OOO.

C. Senior Analysts earn around $28,OOO - $4O,OOO.

D. The top salary expected is around $51,OOO and up.