Systems Analyst - An Overview

For modern professionals the challenges that exist when it comes to career management are numerous. According to Lamotta and James (2002) most professionals are so busy pursuing financial goals that they often forget to look at the long-term picture. As a result, many professionals find that they do not develop long-term career strategies, making it difficult if not impossible for them to move forward in their field of expertise. Other scholars considering the issue of long-term career strategies note that, "While no one can predict the future, setting a course for your career is crucial to avoid making hasty and possibly damaging career decisions" (Career strategy..., 2004, p. 22). As such, it is quite evident that long-term career planning is important for the professional.

With the realization that long-term career planning is essential for the young professional, this investigation considers a personal career path that begins with the position of a systems analyst with Miami Dade County. In an effort to chart a course for long-term career growth, this investigation examines the current position along with two future positions that could be achieved be a professional. Through a careful consideration of all of these positions, their assets liabilities and the skills needed for success, it will be possible to provide a clear long-term career strategy for professionals considering systems analysis as a starting point for professional career development.

Systems Analyst-An Overview

In an effort to provide a clear understanding of the specific nature of the work performed by the system analyst, it is helpful to consider both the working conditions and context of this specific job. Currently, the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (2006) provides a broad overview of this position, including information about salary and the drawbacks to this profession. In effort to provide a clear understanding of the systems analyst position, the BLS notes the following:

Because networks are configured in many ways, network system analysts are needed to design, test, and evaluate systems such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), the Internet, intranets, and other data communications systems. Systems can range from a connection between two offices in the same building to globally distributed networks, voice mail, and e-mail systems of a multinational organization (Computer scientists...).

The BLS goes on to note that professionals in these positions are also responsible for developing and testing new systems for implementation in the organization. When changes in the organization take place, these professionals must determine the best ways to keep the organization connected. The development and implementation of new systems may be required to ensure organizational effectiveness.

Overall, professionals working in this field command significant salaries. The BLS notes that the middle 50 percent of professionals working in this field make between $64,860 and $108,440 per year. As noted by the Miami Dade County Website (2001) systems analysts with the organization make between $47,503 and $78,027 per year. In addition, the Miami Dade County Website also goes on to note the specific education that is required to hold this position. Specifically, the organization notes that the following minimum is necessary to fill this position, "Completion of 60 semester credits to include 15 semester credits in a computer related field or completion of an information technology certification program (Novel, UNIX, Microsoft, or Oracle). One year of programming and systems analysis experience is required" (Systems Analyst).

Career Advancement

While the systems analyst position provides a formidable starting point for the professional, long-term career planning shows that the senior systems analyst and the computer operations manager are the most logical career choices for advancement. In order to provide a clear understanding of these positions, this investigation now considers the duties, assets, liabilities and skills needed for these positions. A timeline for reaching these positions is also included.

Senior Systems Analyst

The senior systems analyst position is one that represents a step above the systems analyst. According to the Miami Dade County Website, professionals working in this area can make between $59,327 and $94,527 per year. The senior systems analyst typically performs his or her job function in the context of the technical development and implementation of information technology. Although these professionals act in a managerial role, they are still focused on the specific context of information technology. These individuals are often responsible for spearheading projects and ensuring the overall quality of the work put out by the IT department. Professionals are required to oversee IT projects and ensure their completion in a timely manner (Kavanagh, 2006).

For the senior systems analyst position with Miami Dade County the requirements for this position include the following: "Completion of 60 semester credits to include 15 semester credits in a computer-related field or completion of an information technology certification program (Novel, UNIX, Microsoft, or Oracle). Three years of programming and systems analysis experience are required" (Senior systems analyst). What this effectively suggests is that no further education would be needed to obtain this job. Rather experience is essential for advancement. With this in mind, it seems reasonable to argue that a timeline for achieving this position would be 3 years. After serving with Miami Dade County for three years as a systems analyst, a professional could realistically apply for this position.

Computer Operations Manager

The computer operations manager position is one that represents a step above the systems analyst. According to the Miami Dade County Website, professionals working in this area can make between $54,025 and $90,412 per year. Hage and Bly (1991) in their examination of the duties of the computer operations manager note that these professionals are responsible for management of the IT operations of the firm. Although these professionals must posses the technical knowledge required for system development, they must also be able to effectively work with management in the organization to address administrative and cost issues. Individuals in this position assume a considerable as they must rely on the competence of the IT team for decision making.

For the computer operations manager position with Miami Dade County the requirements for this position include the following: "Bachelor's degree. Three years of experience in a computer operations environment to include supervisory experience are required" (Computer operations manager). In order to reach this career goal, further education will be needed. As such, while working toward the senior systems analyst position, the professional should consider taking course toward achieving a Bachelor's degree. By the time the professional qualifies for the senior systems analyst position, he or she should be well on the way to completing this degree. After remaining in the senior systems analyst position for three years, the professional could apply for this position, provided that he or she has completed a Bachelor's Degree. As such, the minimum time needed to reach this position from the systems analysts level would be six years.

Assets and Liabilities

With a rudimentary overview of each of the positions provided, it is now possible to consider the assets and liabilities that are associated with each position. In addition to providing a list of the assets and liabilities, a review of why the specific liabilities were chosen will be presented. Further, a consideration of what can be done to mitigate the liabilities will also be considered.

Systems Analyst-Final List

Assets Liabilities

Good Pay Weekend/Evening Work

Professional Job Considerable Responsibility

Pleasant Work Atmosphere Isolating Work Environment

The assets selected for this job are representative of the overall working conditions and environment in which most systems analysts will work. For the most part, professionals in these positions command comfortable salaries and professional work environments. These issues are critical for individuals seeking a professional job that does not require a significant amount of manual labor. Clearly, those trained to perform these jobs are well regarded by the organizations for which they work.

Although the systems analyst job carries with it a notable professional status, it also carries with it a high burden of responsibility. In order to mitigate this liability, professionals need to ensure that they have the technical skills necessary for performing their jobs well. Further, professionals need to ensure that when they need assistance or advice, they seek the help that the need. In addition, the work performed by these professionals can be socially isolating-i.e. professionals work more with computers than people. For this reason, professionals need to ensure that they have an active social life outside of work. This will keep them energized and up-to-date about what is going on in the world and in their professions.

Senior Systems Analyst-Final List

Assets Liabilities

Good Pay Weekend/Evening Work

Highly Professional/Respect Considerable Responsibility

Pleasant Work Atmosphere Isolating Work Environment

More Education Needed For Advancement

Health Issues Related to Work

The senior systems analyst position is clearly a step up from the systems analyst position. However, these careers are notably similar. As such, similar assets are noted for each profession. Here again, it is evident that professionals working in this field are well compensated for their work. Further, professionals are often highly regarded and respected in the organization. For senior systems analysts, organizational prominent is quite notable as the individual carries considerable responsibility for the overall development of information technology in the organization.

Much like the systems analyst position, the senior systems analyst position carries with it a number of notable liabilities. While some of these liabilities are the same for both positions, there are some differences. In particular, the senior systems analyst is limited in career options unless more education is required. As such professionals must consider whether or not they want to advance in their careers or remain in this position for the long-term. Further, health problems such as eyestrain, back fatigue and repetitive stress injuries may result because of constant use of computers. To protect against these risks, professionals need to consider taking frequent breaks while on the job and remaining active outside of work.

Computer Operations Manager-Final List

Assets Liabilities

Good Pay More Education Needed

Highly Professional Considerable Organizational Responsibility

More Interpersonal Interaction Reliance on IT Department

Problem Solving Skills Needed Team Building Necessary

The most notable change in the assets for the computer operations manager is that this position allows the professional to engage in a wider range of skills and activities. Individuals in this position must have a more complete view of the organization, its needs and the specific methods that can be used to meet organizational needs. Professionals working in this area will more than likely find that they are challenged to do more and must be leaders and innovators for the organization. These issues are assets because they enable the individual to grow in new directions as a professional.

The liabilities for this position are also quite notable. In order for professionals to be successful in these positions, they must rely on the IT department. Teams are necessary as the manager will have to delegate responsibility and will not be able to oversee all aspects of IT development. In order to mitigate these liabilities, professionals must work on team building and must also work to built trust and reliability in the team. Manager must secure the team before undertaking a project of considerable significance to the organization. This will help ensure that problems can be mitigated should they arise.

Skills Needed

The most two most important skills needed to ensure successes in this career track are education and technical competence. Professionals working in these fields provide the organization with the cutting edge technology that is necessary for growth and development. As such, these individuals must have the knowledge and education needed to successfully help move the organization forward. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2006) notes, "Rapidly changing technology requires an increasing level of skill and education on the part of employees" (Computer scientists...). Without technical competence and education, professionals would not have the basic rudiments to fill these positions.

Even though it is evident that education and technical expertise are critical for this particular career path, it is also evident that interpersonal communication skills are also important. The BLS goes on to note that, "Companies look for professionals with an ever-broader background and range of skills, including not only technical knowledge, but also communication and other interpersonal skills" (Computer scientists...). This is because professionals must be able to work with one another to effectively coordinate IT plans and activities in the organization. Without interpersonal communication skills, professionals would not be able to effectively cohesively coordinate activities in this field. In most instances, IT projects in the organization require considerable manpower.

Conclusion

The career path selected in this investigation allows for the technical and managerial growth of the professional. As greater understanding of the profession and its technical expertise are garnered, it will be possible for the professional to move into management. Because each step in the career ladder allows for growth and development, the professional should continuously feel challenged. Clearly, planning will be needed if career advancement is to take place.

References

Career strategy: Managing your career before it manages you. (2004). Public Relations Tactics, 11(4), 22.

Computer operations manager. (2001). Miami Dade County. Accessed June 25, 2006 at: http://www.miamidade.gov/emprel/pay_plan/job_001822.htm.

Computer scientists and database administrators. (2006). Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed June 25, 2006 at: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos042.htm.

Hage, C., & Bly, M. (1991). Position descriptions for computer technicians. American Libraries, 22(5), 402-403.

Kavanagh, J. (2006, March 7). IT transfer can provide a timely nudge for professionals to consider the next move. Computer Weekly, 75.

Lamotta, C., & James, V. (2002). New career strategy tools are in your hands. Direct, 14(13), 45.

Senior systems analyst. (2001). Miami Dade County. Accessed June 25, 2006 at: http://www.miamidade.gov/emprel/pay_plan/job_001845A.htm.

Systems analyst. (2001). Miami Dade County. Accessed June 25, 2006 at: http://www.miamidade.gov/emprel/pay_plan/job_001843A.htm.