What Is a Computer Systems Analyst?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) defines a computer systems analyst as an expert responsible for studying an organization’s computer systems and designing efficient solutions, improvements, and strategies for them. This position combines technical expertise with a robust knowledge of business goals and brings various opportunities for professional growth.

What can aspiring systems analysts expect from this role now and in the future? Join Avery Kellam, adjunct faculty member at Purdue Global, to explore the main duties, necessary skills, the career outlook, and more.

Defining a Computer Systems Analyst

A computer systems analyst’s job description includes research, analysis, design, and implementation.

• Research and Analysis. This involves taking an in-depth look at how a company’s information technology (IT) systems work. It may include reviewing the interplay between hardware and software, identifying potential inefficiencies, and noting limitations in existing technologies.
• Design and Implementation. This requires identifying solutions and overseeing installations and configurations, including integrating and customizing new systems. It can also involve expanding or improving the functionality of existing technology.

Ultimately, computer systems analysts bridge the gap between business and information technology by understanding the needs and limitations of both.

“Systems analysts have a variety of responsibilities, but their main job is to ensure that the computer systems used have the highest level of availability and reliability,” Kellam says. “You’re looking for the most common problems so you can find a resolution very quickly.”

The BLS reports that the day-to-day duties for this role include:

• Analyzing, designing, and implementing new software and systems
• Consulting with managers to determine the role of IT systems
• Devising ways to add new functionality to existing computer systems
• Researching emerging technologies
• Testing systems to ensure they work as expected
• Training the systems’ users and writing instruction manuals

Most systems analysts specialize in computer systems specific to their organizations, such as in the financial or engineering fields. According to Kellam, “Systems analysts have a major role to play in organizations. They are key to security as well as a company’s reputation and financial posture.”

Naturally, this level of responsibility and complexity can come with new challenges. “Every day is different,” Kellam says. “You can always count on the day to be adventurous. You’re never going to walk into the same thing. It’s very fast-paced.”

Computer Systems Analyst: Education and Skills

Computer systems analysis involves a high level of expertise and an analytical and creative mindset.

Education

While there are many paths to a career in tech, the BLS reports that the typical educational requirement for an entry-level role in computer systems analysis is a bachelor’s degree. Aspiring systems analysts could consider pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology,

Skills

If you want to be a systems analyst, you should have a variety of professional and technical skills. According to Kellam, they include:

Analytical Skills

Analysts are expected to take information from various sources, interpret it, and decide next steps. They also must determine the effect of changes on the project at hand.

Documentation Skills

Analysts should be able to follow and document specific processes. “Computer systems analysts also have to be able to understand proper procedures,” Kellam says. “These standard operating procedures are required to remediate any kind of incident.”

Communication Skills

Analysts connect management with the IT department, so they should be able to explain complex issues at various levels.

“You should be able to communicate issues to your peers and management at all times,” Kellam says.

Creativity

Analysts are expected to find innovative solutions to computer systems problems, so the ability to bring new ideas to tasks is important — Kellam calls this process improvement.

“Process improvement is [crucial],” Kellam says. “Not everything is set in stone, and there are always ways to make improvements.”

What to Expect as a Computer Systems Analyst

Computer systems analyst jobs will keep you involved in the fast-moving worlds of technology and business, constantly presenting new opportunities to use and expand your skills in ways that benefit a company’s overall efficiency. But what else can you expect from a career in this field?

Job Outlook

As with many computer-based careers, employment of computer systems analysts is growing. According to the BLS, computer systems analyst jobs are projected to grow 11% nationally from 2023 to 2033.

“What’s really driving this growth is the fact that more companies are relying on computer systems,” Kellam says. “As you bring in more computer systems, you have a need for people to monitor them.”

Employers of Computer Systems Analysts

The BLS says most computer systems analysts are employed in the following fields:

“This is a good career for people who are starting out,” Kellam says. “Once you master a systems analyst role, you can grow into other roles, such as team lead or manager.”

Achieve Your Goals With Purdue Global

Interested in a career in computer systems analysis? With Purdue Global, you have the resources, support, and opportunities you need to achieve your goals and develop all the right skills for your target roles.

Our online bachelor’s program in IT prepares you for the demands of a career in tech, both now and in the future. If you're looking to pursue a more advanced course of study, check out Purdue Global’s online master's degree in information technology. A Purdue Global + Google Data Analytics certificate is also available.

Find out more by reaching out to us today.