Become a System Analyst

Systems analysts analyze and improve the efficiency and productivity of businesses' IT systems and networks. In order to be able to do the job, a systems analyst needs a strong background in computer and business-related fields. Teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking are the key skills all prospective systems analysts require. Employers look for candidates with strong educational backgrounds and plenty of hands-on experience.

Steps

Laying the Groundwork

1. Schedule a meeting with a systems analyst to learn about the job. It's always a good idea to speak with somebody in the field you want to enter to find out what their day to day life is like and how they feel about the job. Contact a local business and ask if you could speak with their systems analyst in order to set up a meeting. Ask them questions like:
   • “What do you enjoy the most about the job?”
   • “Do you wish you studied anything else in school that would've helped with the job?”
   • “How do you keep up with constantly changing technology?”
2. Get a high grade in mathematics and physics. Problem-solving is a key trait required in systems analysis. Mathematics and physics are two school subjects focused on solving problems.
   • A high grade in these subjects will not only be an asset for getting into college, but will also help you going forward in your career in systems analysis.
3. Study business in high school. A knowledge of computers and IT won't be enough to work as a systems analyst. An in-depth knowledge of business is also required and it's best to get a head start by studying the subject in high school.
4. Learn how to code. The more experienced you are with computers the better if you are looking for a job in systems analysis. Knowing code is essentially knowing the language of computers, and will be a vital asset in working as a systems analyst.
   • Free websites like Code Academy and FreeCodeCamp can teach you how to code. Code Academy can be found at https://www.codecademy.com/ and FreeCodeCamp at https://www.freecodecamp.org/.
5. Apply to colleges so you can get a computer science degree. While there are other ways to get into systems analysis such as conversion courses, a bachelor's degree in computer science is by far the best and most direct path to take. You can also take courses online in computer science, but an undergraduate degree will look much better on your resumé.
   • Harvard offers the ability to take an introductory computer science course for free on their website. Find out more here: https://www.extension.harvard.edu/open-learning-initiative/intensive-introduction-computer-science.

Getting Your Degree

1. Take some business classes. Much the same as in high school where you would've learned the basics of business, take some business classes in college to increase your knowledge of the subject.
   • The best business-related classes to take if you're looking for a career in systems analysis are management and marketing classes.
2. Take computer classes related to systems analysis. During the course of your computer science degree, you should try and take the classes that will be most relevant to employers looking to hire systems analysts. Classes such as database design or business information systems will stand out to prospective employers.
3. Take a minor in a field you'd like to work as a systems analyst in. If you'd like to work in a specific field as a systems analyst, it's a great idea to take a minor in that area to improve your knowledge of the basics of that field. A minor will look great as a complement to your major on your resumé.
   • For example, if you'd like to work as a systems analyst in finance, take a minor in accounting or a similar subject.
4. Intern in a systems analysis related position. As great as a college education is, employers like nothing more on a resumé than hands-on, workplace experience. The majority of computer science programs offer students a chance to go on internships. Send your resumé to companies in your area asking about interning as a systems analyst for them.
   • You might struggle to find a systems analyst position but you can also try and find intern work in I.T.
   • An internship in a job closely related to systems analysis will look great on your resumé but will also provide you the opportunity to network with people in the field, which could be huge in finding a job after college.
5. Finish your bachelor's degree. After 4 years or so, you should be finished earning your bachelor's degree in computer science. Of course, the higher your grades are, the better your prospects of easily finding a job in the near future.

Getting a Job

1. Complete a master's degree to improve your employability. While the bachelor's degree may be enough for securing a job as a systems analyst, the better your education and training, the more you'll be paid and you'll get promoted faster. A master's will help you stand out against the competition.
   • The best master's degrees to take are master's in business administration, master's in systems analysis, or a master's in computer systems.
2. Create a resumé tailored for systems analysis. A well-crafted resumé which emphasizes your background will be a massive asset in finding a job as a systems analyst. While you should tailor your resumé to each position, there are a few key things to include.
   • Include a skills section where you emphasize your talents in critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. List an example of when you used each skill in the past.
   • For example, you could say teamwork was important in getting a group project finished or you used problem-solving to fix a big problem during your internship.
   • Your education and work experience should be front and center on your resumé. Employers spend a very short amount of time on each CV and your education and experience will ensure you stand out.
   • Don't forget to include your minors and any other certifications you earned in your education. It might make the difference in you being hired over someone else.
3. Apply for jobs as a systems analyst. Once you've earned your degree and prepared a stellar resume, you're now ready to apply for jobs as a systems analyst. Between your bachelor's degree, internships, and possibly master's degree, you should have no problem finding a well-paying job in the field.
   • All types of companies require systems analysts. From local government to airlines to offices. Any company that needs to improve their efficiency and productivity in their computing and I.T. networks.
   • Use websites like Indeed (http://www.indeed.com), Monster (https://www.monster.com/), Zip Recruiter (https://www.ziprecruiter.com/), or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/) to find systems analyst positions.

Tips

• Use elective classes in college to make yourself more well rounded. Classes which improve your communication skills and critical thinking are fantastic assets.

References

See also

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