Photo: Department of Labor, 1913 (photo dated 2005) (Public domain)
Job description
Analysts assess an organization's data processing needs, whether in business, science, or engineering, and design or improve computer systems using techniques like structured analysis and data modeling. Day to day, the job includes troubleshooting program and system malfunctions, helping staff work through computer-related problems, and testing and monitoring systems to make sure installations go smoothly. Analysts also coordinate and link different systems within an organization so information can actually be shared across departments, and may evaluate or recommend commercially available software rather than building something from scratch. The role is fast-paced with real deadlines, and demands precision, since a flawed system design can ripple into costly problems downstream.
Pros
- High upside earning potential, up to $168k
- Much faster than average projected growth (8.7%), with 34,200 jobs nationally
- Entry pathway open to candidates without a four-year degree
Cons
- Above-average hours, expect more than a standard 40-hour work week
- Fast-paced work with real deadline pressure and highly structured procedures
- Troubleshooting system malfunctions under pressure when things break down
A typical day
The warehouse team's complaint kicks off the morning: their inventory counts never match the system, and the analyst spends two hours watching how workers actually use the software — finding the workaround culture that explains the mismatch. Back at the desk, those observations become a requirements document and a proposed fix: a scanner integration, two report changes, and retraining. The afternoon is a testing cycle on last month's project — walking through cases, logging defects, coordinating with the vendor on a patch. The analyst's real skill is translation: business people describe pain, technical people describe systems, and someone has to speak both dialects fluently.
Tasks at the job
- Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
- Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer-related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
- Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
- Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
- Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility so that information can be shared.
- Analyze information processing or computation needs and plan and design computer systems, using techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, and information engineering.
Workplace & working conditions
Work happens indoors in a climate-controlled setting, and most of the day is spent sitting at a desk.
The pace is often fast, with real time pressure to meet deadlines, and you're expected to exercise significant independent judgment day to day. Precision and accuracy are essential to the work, and the work is highly structured, following set procedures.
Education necessary or common
Vocational training, apprenticeship, or associate's degree
Common college majors
Licenses & certifications
- CompTIA A+/Network+ (entry)
- CBAP (business analysis, later)
- ITIL Foundation
Career path
Related fields
Courses to take
- AP Computer Science Principles — systems thinking without needing deep code first
- AP Computer Science A — enough programming to talk to developers as a peer
- AP Statistics — analysis means data
- Business or Economics electives — the problems you solve are business problems
- English — requirements documents are precision writing
Clubs, activities & competitions
- FBLA — systems and business technology events
- Coding club
- Student government or club treasurer — see how organizations actually run
- Improve a real process: redesign how a club tracks members or money
First steps you can take now
- Map a process end-to-end: how does your school handle absences? Draw the flowchart
- Learn spreadsheet functions and pivot tables properly
- Take a free intro to business analysis or systems analysis course
- Interview someone who uses workplace software daily about what's broken in it
