What Do Computer Systems Analysts Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Computer Systems Analysts analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to implement and improve computer systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software. They also test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.

Other tasks include:

• Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
• Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.
• Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
• Use object-oriented programming languages, as well as client and server applications development processes and multimedia and Internet technology.
• Consult with management to ensure agreement on system principles.
• Review and analyze computer printouts and performance indicators to locate code problems, and correct errors by correcting codes.

We asked Computer Systems Analysts how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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69% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 46% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Computer Systems Analysts use object-oriented programming languages, as well as client and server applications development processes and multimedia and Internet technology. They review and analyze computer printouts and performance indicators to locate code problems, and correct errors by correcting codes.

A typical day for a Computer Systems Analyst will also include:

• Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
• Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
• Specify inputs accessed by the system and plan the distribution and use of the results.
• Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
• Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.

We asked some Computer Systems Analysts a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	71% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	42% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	74% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	20% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	1% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	17% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Computer Systems Analysts also read manuals, periodicals, and technical reports to learn how to develop programs that meet staff and user requirements. They may also interview or survey workers, observe job performance or perform the job to determine what information is processed and how it is processed.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Computer Systems Analysts Consult with management to ensure agreement on system principles. They might also Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.

In addition, they Train staff and users to work with computer systems and programs.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Analyze information processing or computation needs and plan and design computer systems, using techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling and information engineering.

To some Computer Systems Analysts, it is also their responsibility to Develop, document and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards.

Working life

More than 40 hours per week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Computer Systems Analyst, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm

http://www.comptia.org/

http://www.iccp.org/

http://www.computer.org/