Computer Systems Analyst Career Video

CareerOneStop

5 Mar 201801:38

Summary

TLDRComputer systems analysts are experts who enhance an organization's IT infrastructure by understanding its specific needs and implementing efficient solutions. They research new technologies, analyze costs, improve existing systems, and introduce new hardware and software. They also train users and create manuals. Typically working full time, they may be employed directly or as consultants, often collaborating with teams and sometimes traveling for client meetings. A bachelor's degree in computer-related fields is common, though a liberal arts degree with technical expertise is also acceptable.

Takeaways

💡 Computer systems analysts learn about an organization's computer systems to design improvements.
🔍 They focus on understanding business needs to expand IT capacity and maintain system efficiency.
🌐 Analysts research new technologies and assess the costs and benefits of IT changes.
🛠️ They devise ways to enhance existing systems and introduce new hardware and software.
📚 They train users and may write manuals for new systems.
🏢 Analysts may work in-house or as consultants, often for IT firms.
🌟 They work across various sectors including design, finance, insurance, and government.
🤝 Collaboration with other employees and groups is a key part of their projects.
⏰ Full-time work is standard, with overtime possible during project peaks.
🧳 Consultants may need to travel to meet clients.
🎓 Most have a bachelor's degree in computer-related fields, but liberal arts with technical skills may suffice.
📈 Some employers prefer a master's degree in business administration with an IS concentration.

Q & A

What is the primary role of a computer systems analyst?
-A computer systems analyst's primary role is to learn an organization's computer systems and design improvements and fixes to help them run more efficiently.
How do computer systems analysts help businesses expand their capacity?
-They help businesses expand their capacity by understanding the specific needs of the business and providing IT solutions that enhance the business while keeping computer systems running.
What types of tasks do computer systems analysts perform?
-Computer systems analysts research emerging technologies, analyze costs and benefits of changes, devise ways to improve existing systems, introduce new hardware and software, and train end users on new systems.
Do computer systems analysts write instruction manuals?
-Yes, computer systems analysts may write instruction manuals for new systems they introduce to an organization.
Can computer systems analysts work as consultants?
-Yes, computer systems analysts can work as consultants, typically for IT firms.
In which industries might computer systems analysts work?
-Computer systems analysts can work in various industries including systems design companies, finance and insurance, and government.
What is the typical work arrangement for computer systems analysts?
-Most computer systems analysts work full time, and they may be expected to work overtime when projects require it.
Do consultants need to travel in this field?
-Yes, consultants may need to travel to meet with clients.
What educational background is typically required for computer systems analysts?
-Most computer systems analysts have a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field, but a liberal arts degree with programming or technical expertise may also be acceptable.
Are there any preferences among employers for higher degrees?
-Some employers prefer applicants with a master's degree in business administration with a concentration in information systems.
What kind of collaboration is expected in a computer systems analyst's role?
-Computer systems analysts usually collaborate with other employees and groups on projects.

Outlines

00:00

💻 Computer Systems Analysts Overview

Computer systems analysts are professionals who study an organization's computer systems to identify areas for improvement and efficiency. They understand the specific IT needs of businesses to enhance their capacity while ensuring system reliability. Their responsibilities include researching new technologies, analyzing costs and benefits of system changes, devising improvements, and introducing new hardware and software. They also train users on new systems and create manuals. These analysts may work in-house or as consultants, often collaborating with other employees and groups. Full-time work is common, with potential overtime and travel for consultants. Educational requirements typically include a bachelor's degree in computer-related fields, though liberal arts degrees with technical expertise may suffice. Some employers prefer a master's degree in business administration with an information systems focus.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Computer systems analysts

Computer systems analysts are professionals who study an organization's computer systems to identify areas for improvement and efficiency. They are integral to the IT infrastructure of a business, ensuring that technology aligns with the company's goals. In the script, these analysts are described as focusing on understanding specific business needs to expand capacity and maintain system operations, which highlights their role in both strategic planning and technical execution.

💡Information Technology (IT)

Information Technology, or IT, refers to the use of computers to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data. IT encompasses various aspects of computing and includes both software and hardware. In the context of the video, IT solutions are designed by computer systems analysts to meet the specific needs of a business, indicating the critical role IT plays in facilitating business operations and enhancing productivity.

💡Emerging technologies

Emerging technologies are new or developing technologies that have the potential to cause significant changes in the way we live and work. In the script, computer systems analysts are tasked with researching these technologies to stay ahead of the curve. This involves evaluating how new tech can be leveraged to improve existing systems or introduce innovative solutions within an organization.

💡Costs and benefits

When referring to 'costs and benefits' in the script, it pertains to the financial and operational analysis that computer systems analysts conduct. They assess the potential monetary and efficiency gains or losses associated with implementing changes to computer systems. This analysis is crucial for making informed decisions about IT investments within a company.

💡Hardware

Hardware in the context of the video refers to the physical components of a computer system, such as servers, routers, and workstations. Analysts introduce new hardware to an organization to enhance its technological capabilities or to replace outdated equipment, ensuring that the infrastructure supports the business's current and future needs.

💡Software

Software consists of the programs and applications that run on computer hardware. In the video script, computer systems analysts are responsible for introducing new software to an organization, which could involve custom applications or off-the-shelf products. The introduction of software is aimed at improving business processes or enabling new functionalities.

💡End users

End users are the individuals who interact with a computer system or software application. The script mentions that computer systems analysts train end users to use new systems, emphasizing their role in not only developing IT solutions but also in ensuring that these solutions are user-friendly and accessible to those who rely on them.

💡Consultants

Consultants are external experts who provide professional advice or services. In the context of the video, computer systems analysts may work as consultants, typically for IT firms, to offer their expertise to organizations that require external guidance on improving their IT systems. This role may involve traveling to meet with clients, indicating the dynamic and client-facing aspect of the job.

💡Collaboration

Collaboration is the process of working together to achieve a common goal. The script highlights that computer systems analysts often collaborate with other employees and groups on projects. This teamwork is essential for the successful implementation of IT solutions, as it ensures that a variety of perspectives and expertise are considered.

💡Full time

The term 'full time' refers to a standard work schedule that typically involves working a set number of hours per week. Most computer systems analysts work full time, as mentioned in the script, which implies a commitment to their role and the organization they serve. Overtime may be expected, especially during critical project phases, indicating the potential for fluctuating workloads in this profession.

💡Bachelor’s degree

A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate academic degree that typically requires four years of study at a university or college. The script notes that most computer systems analysts have a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field, which provides them with the foundational knowledge needed to analyze and improve computer systems. A liberal arts degree with technical expertise may also be acceptable, showing the flexibility in educational backgrounds that can lead to this career.

💡Master's degree in business administration (MBA)

An MBA is a graduate degree that focuses on business and management principles. Some employers prefer candidates with an MBA, particularly with a concentration in information systems, as indicated in the script. This advanced degree can provide computer systems analysts with a deeper understanding of business operations and strategies, which can be invaluable when designing IT solutions that align with organizational goals.

Highlights

Computer systems analysts learn an organization’s computer systems and design improvements.

They focus on understanding the specific needs of the business.

IT solutions expand business capacity while keeping systems running.

Analysts research emerging technologies.

They analyze costs and potential benefits of changes.

Devise ways to improve existing computer systems.

Introduce new hardware and software to the organization.

Train end users to use new systems.

May write instruction manuals for new systems.

Work directly for an organization or as consultants.

Work in various organizations including systems design, finance, and government.

Projects require collaboration with other employees and groups.

Most systems analysts work full time.

Overtime is expected when projects require it.

Consultants may need to travel to meet with clients.

Most computer systems analysts have a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field.

A liberal arts degree may be acceptable with programming or technical expertise.

Some employers prefer a master's degree in business administration with an IS concentration.