Systems Analyst Training: Education and Career Training Requirements for Becoming a Systems Analyst

Published Sep 09, 2009

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The demand for Systems Analysts is increasing in organizations ranging from insurance companies to technical consulting firms. If you are technically inclined, but are also able to see the big picture, you might be well-suited for a Systems Analyst career. Read on to find out the career training and education requirements needed to become a Systems Analyst.

Systems Analyst Career Summary

Systems Analysts solve an organization's specific computer needs by developing new computer systems or integrating existing systems in more effective ways. The System Analyst starts by determining the organizations goal, such as processing orders and tracking inventories. Then, the analyst will design the system and determine what hardware and software is needed to implement the system. Analysts are sometimes called systems architects, who specialize in selecting software, or systems designers, who develop the systems.

Education Required to Become a Systems Analyst

Systems Analyst positions usually have a minimum requirement of a bachelor's degree. A variety of degrees prepare individuals for positions as analysts in various areas. Degrees in computer science, information technology or software engineering prepare students for more technical careers. A degree in information systems might be more suited for analyst positions in a business environment.

Typical coursework includes system organization and design, data structures, mathematics, software engineering and programming languages. For more complex jobs, employers prefer candidate with some graduate studies.

Job Training and Certifications Required to Become a Systems Analyst

Employers prefer candidates who have experience relevant to their industry in addition to computer technology skills. For example, a hospital might prefer a candidate who has some knowledge of healthcare management systems. Certification is not necessarily required, but it might provide a competitive advantage in the job market. Businesses, such as Microsoft, www.microsoft.com, offer certification to individuals who have gained experience in a specific area and who pass a series of exams.

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