Computer Systems Analyst
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.
Annual openings
834
BLS median wage
$127,750
Typical education
Bachelor's Degree
10-year growth
+13%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
Typical education
Bachelor's Degree
Credential requirement
A systems analysis-related certification is often viewed positively by Employers. However, it is important to understand which certifications are valued by Employers by looking at current job posting information.
Credential detail
Certifications that are valued by some employers include: • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) • Project Management Certification (e.g., PMP) • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) • Epic Certification
Work experience
No previous experience is required in some instances and sometimes this is a transition role from an entry-level position (such as a Software Quality Assurance Tester). An internship in a similar role is preferred, but often not required. Full or part-time work experience of any kind developing the listed knowledge and abilities is also preferred. A portfolio demonstrating your systems analysis experience or training (in a class or own your own) is also valued.
Training
Training in the appropriate or similar systems analysis environment or toolset is often required. For some jobs, a bachelor's degree or graduation from a respected software developer program or bootcamp will be required.
Work-based learning
This job has been identified by employers as a key feeder role into a cybersecurity career.
Remote work
Some companies (information technology companies for example) and jobs (such as call center support) offer the opportunity for staff to work remotely, including from rural locations. To see if a job offers this opportunity, please review job postings from job banks such as ZipRecruiter, Indeed or ConnectingColorado, and look for key words such as "location independent", "remote", "virtual", "telecommute", "flex" or for companies posting the same job in many locations.
Employer competency information
- Problem Solving & Decision Making — Able to frame and then solve complex problems by reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions; synthesizing needs and insights from both business and IT in a collaborative way and then socializing proposed solution to refine and get agreement. Determining how a business process should work and how various changes (e.g., conditions, operations) will affect the process and outcomes; identifying and considering a decision’s repercussions for the system as a whole; ideally, able to act as a bridge between IT and the business to make optimal decisions; some ability to think across systems when needed.
- Critical & Analytical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to systems or process problems; ideally able to effectively decompose problems into a logical set of smaller, related subproblems; able to judge the relative strengths and weaknesses of the set of possible options to inform decisions.
- Lifelong Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problems and decisions; embracing change and understanding new concepts; breaking systems down their key underlying elements; asking appropriate questions; talking with others to gain answers and insights, particularly business needs and IT capabilities.
Is this work a fit?
What the work actually feels like
How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.
Work style
- With kids/peopleOccasionally
- On a computerOccasionally
- Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
- With your handsOccasionally
Interests it draws on
- Technology
- Networking
Automation exposure
Low exposure
Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.
A typical day
- Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
- Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer-related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
- Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
- Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
- Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility so that information can be shared.
- Analyze information processing or computation needs and plan and design computer systems, using techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, and information engineering.