How to Become a Computer Systems Analyst

Recently, we wrote about what management information systems is and what you can do after getting a Bachelor’s Degree in MIS, and here we’re going to explain how to use your degree to launch a career as a computer systems analyst.

This is an excellent job that’s worth pursuing, but it’s also a competitive role that’s not easy to acquire. If you’re serious about getting into the industry, you’ll need to plan in advance. 

In this post, we’ll explain why you’d want to become a computer systems analyst, what you’d do on a daily basis should you get the job, and how you can increase your odds of getting hired into the role.

After you’ve learned all you need to know about becoming a computer systems analyst, fill out our information request form to receive additional details about our online Bachelor’s Degree in MIS and Business Analytics, which is the perfect program for launching your career in this competitive field.

If you’re ready to get started, submit your application today.

Is Computer Systems Analysis a Good Career?

Yes, this is an excellent career opportunity for anyone interested in computers, computer systems, and IT in general, but especially for those who want to be at the forefront of computer technology.

Because computer systems analysts’ primary role is to improve the efficiency of computers and computer-based systems, it’s also a perfect role for anyone who enjoys solving puzzles, improving processes and systems, and performing optimization work.

This is also an excellent career opportunity for anyone who aims to secure a job that pays well, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that computer systems analysts earn a median annual salary of $93,730 per year.

It’s also a great time to work on developing the knowledge and skills you’ll need to become a computer systems analyst, as the BLS reports that employment for these professionals will rise by 7% between 2020 and 2030.

Finally, nearly every organization needs help with their computers, so another benefit to becoming a computer systems analyst is that you’ll have access to organizations in any industry and any geographic location.

What do Computer Systems Analysts Actually Do?

As a professional computer systems analyst, your job will revolve around finding ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of computers and computer-based systems.

Your primary tasks will require that you know how to diagnose the technical needs of organizations so that you can evaluate their computing requirements to recommend the ideal computers and computer systems based on their specific needs. 

To accomplish these ends, your typical daily responsibilities will include tasks like:

• Researching new computer technologies and evaluating them for a variety of potential applications.
• Consulting with clients about their technical needs, budgets, and current systems to determine optimization solutions.
• Analyzing the costs and potential benefits of potential upgrades, including both hardware and software solutions.
• Improving existing computers and computer-based systems to add new functionalities or improve efficiencies.
• Planning, purchasing, and overseeing computer and technical upgrades and installations.
• Testing new systems, hardware, and software, as well as training users on how to use them effectively.

As you might imagine, this is a highly complex role that requires a great deal of technical sophistication, so if you’re serious about breaking into the industry, it’s incredibly important that you first build the knowledge, experience, and skills required to be successful in this challenging role.

The best way to ensure that you’re ready to deliver real value on the job is to complete a degree in a technical subject, and perhaps the most perfect option is to get your Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics.

Do I Really Need a Degree to Get a Job as a Computer Systems Analyst?

Probably, as the BLS reports that computer systems analysts commonly hold bachelor’s degrees, but they do state that it’s not always a requirement to get a job in the industry.

However, keep in mind that your odds of getting hired for the good positions in the field are likely to improve when you have the educational credentials to prove that you’ve already developed the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to be successful in this role.

Work experience could help you get hired, so make sure to consider more entry-level positions like the roles of IT support specialist, systems administrator, or network engineer when attempting to break into this competitive industry.

Completing a degree in MIS and Business Analytics at CSU Global could help prepare you for working in this field, as our program focuses on developing the knowledge and skills you’ll need to complete the daily responsibilities of computer systems analysts, including:

• Projecting, evaluating, and managing technological budgets.
• Using information systems to develop sophisticated business strategies.
• Guiding decision-making processes, technology, and management strategies using sophisticated data solutions.
• Researching, planning, and making technology-related decisions at any organizational level.

Our program will also provide you with excellent training in specific decision-making processes to ensure that you’re capable of guiding technical strategies across core business units, including:

• Management
• Strategy
• Marketing
• Accounting
• Finance

As you can probably tell, the skills and abilities you develop in our MIS and business analytics program will ensure that you’re ready to serve as an effective computer systems analyst.

What Can I Do to Increase My Odds of Success?

The best way to increase your chances of becoming a computer systems analyst is to get your Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics, as this is a perfect subject for anyone looking to break into the industry.

Earning your B.S. will provide you with the academic credentials you need to catch the eye of potential hiring managers, while also ensuring that you’re prepared to deliver real value to their organization after you’ve been selected for the job.

After completing your bachelor’s program, you’ll also have options for continuing your education by earning an online Master’s Degree in Information Technology Management, as this program is the perfect way to prepare for a senior-level position.

Should I Get My Degree Online?

Yes, no matter which educational credentials you choose to pursue, we recommend studying online instead of in-person, as online programs typically provide much more flexibility and freedom than studying in person.

The most significant benefit to studying online is that you’ll be able to study whenever and wherever you like, but choosing to study with us at CSU Global also means you’ll get to enjoy:

• No requirements to show up at set times or in physical locations.
• Monthly class starts.
• Accelerated courses.

We’ve developed our courses to make them as efficient as possible, ensuring that even busy people with existing work or family responsibilities can still accomplish their educational goals.

If you have a busy schedule, but you’re determined to become a computer systems analyst, then you should consider studying online with us, as our B.S. in MIS and Business Analytics program was designed specifically to prepare you for this challenging and competitive role.

Why Should I Choose to Study at CSU Global?

Our online Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and designed to provide you with everything you need to become a successful computer systems analyst.

Whether you get hired into that role or another position, graduates from our program report excellent results from the job market, including an average salary of $72,181 just one year after earning their degree, and a salary that is 47% higher than the national average for all bachelor’s degree holders (BLS, 2019) three years after graduation.

Studying with us ensures that you’ll be able to approach potential jobs with confidence, as our program is widely regarded to provide excellent training, having recently earned an award for being the #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems Program from Best Colleges.

CSU Global itself is also widely recognized as an industry leader in higher education, having recently earned several top rankings, including:

• A Top 10 ranking for Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Top 7 ranking for Best Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans from U.S. News & World Report.
• A #3 ranking for Best Colleges in Colorado from Best Value Schools.

Finally, we also offer affordable tuition rates and a Tuition Guarantee that promises your low tuition rate won’t increase between enrollment and graduation.

For additional details about our fully-accredited online B.S. Degree in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics, please give us a call at (800) 462-7845, or fill out our Information Request Form.

Ready to get started today? Apply now!