Systems Analyst I. Nature of work A. Systems Analysts (Electronic Data Processing) decide what the computer system will do in the first place, and how the computer will carry out its tasks. B. They are referred to as problem solvers for computer users. C. They plan efficient methods of processing data. D. Another aspect of the job is that their designs must match the existing computer systems. E. Analysts observe the current system and modify it to make the data collection and retrieval more efficient. II. Skills Needed A. One of the main traits needed for someone in this field is creativity. B. The ability to pay close attention to detail is important. C. Some of the analysis skills used in the Data Processing field are helpful. D. They must be flexible with computer hardware, and have some know-how on the current PCs and mainframes. E. The ability to communicate with fellow employees and to learn what their needs are is required in this field. F. They should have an agreeable, pleasant personality to talk and communicate with others. G. An analyst should be able to take in large amounts of data and organize it. III. Education/training for career A. High school 1. A college prep program should be taken. 2. In high school, emphasis should be on math and English. B. College 1. A four-year college course with a computer science or engineering major is recommended. 2. Two-year colleges offer computer courses with a special hands-on program. 3. Many companies are hiring business majors for this position. C. Vocational/other 1. Vocational training is availiable in a five-year program, of which at the end a five-part test is given. 2. In vo-ed programs, students strive to achieve their CDP, or Certificate in Data Processing, which shows professional competence. 3. Computer language courses would be useful to take. 4. The Armed Forces offers training in this field with 2 - 25 week programs. IV. Day-to-day work A. The end product of an analyst's work is a collection of flowcharts which describe the computer system. B. An analyst's work is begun by first meeting with the people involved with the current functioning system. C. Cost accounting, sampling and mathematical model building are some of the techniques used in problem solving. D. After a system is implemented, analysts translate the logical code into program form. E. Some do research, called Advanced Systems Design, to devise new analysis methods. V. Job Positions A. Systems Analysis Trainees are entry level trainees, working under direct supervision. B. Systems Analysts usually have 1-2 years of experience, and are under general supervision. C. Senior Systems Analysts have 3-4 years of experience, and can design systems alone. D. Managers of Systems Analysis (Project Managers) manage the analysis work, and are very experienced. E. Lead Systems Analysts are assigned the most difficult and challenging projects. VI. Employment Outlook A. 1985 Employment -- 11,476 B. 1995 Employment (projected) -- 18,332 C. 1985-95 Growth -- 59.7% VII. Projection of earnings A. The national average starting salary is $29,3OO. B. Under 2 years of experience, the salaries are around $19,OOO - $3O,OOO. C. Senior Analysts earn around $28,OOO - $4O,OOO. D. The top salary expected is around $51,OOO and up.