Occupation Details
Computer Systems Analysts
Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$72,150.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$105,960.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$137,160.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
39,640
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
45,830
+619 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
3,555
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Systems Analysis
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Desktop computers
- Mainframe computers
- Notebook computers
Technology
- 3M Post-it App
- ADP Workforce Now
- AJAX
- Access management software
- AcmeStudio
- Active directory software
- Ada
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Systems Adobe ActionScript
- Adobe Systems Adobe ColdFusion
- Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
- Adobe Systems Adobe Fireworks
- Adobe Systems Adobe Flex
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Advanced business application programming ABAP
- Amazon DynamoDB
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- write documentation for computer programming
- write technical specifications for computer systems, software or applications
- maintain or repair computers or related equipment
- supervise programming personnel
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- develop records management system
- communicate technical information
- make presentations
- confer with management or users
- design systems in cooperation with colleagues
- provide technical computer training
- conduct training for personnel
- train workers in use of equipment
- write business project or bid proposals
- provide technical support to computer users
- recommend software or hardware purchases
- consult with customers concerning needs
- consult with staff or users to identify operating procedure problems
- monitor computer operation
- prepare workflow chart
- design computer hardware or software interface
- design computer programs or programming tools
- design control systems
- design data processing systems
- design data security systems
- create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
- develop mathematical simulation models
- use computer networking technology
- use cost benefit analysis techniques
- follow data security procedures
- follow data storage procedures
- use interpersonal communication techniques
- use interviewing procedures
- use knowledge of mainframe computers
- use object-oriented computer programming techniques
- use structural analysis techniques to analyze computer systems
- use project management techniques
- evaluate computer system user requests or requirements
- evaluate prototype computer software systems
- analyze workflow
- analyze business, scientific, or technical problems in electronic data processing systems
- analyze programs using workflow chart or diagram
- select business applications for computers
- develop tables depicting data
- encode equations for processing
- implement computer system changes
- maintain client-server database
- operate computer networks
- program computers for electronic engineering applications
- program computers for management analysis applications
- program computers for medical applications
- program computers for social science applications
- program computers using existing software
- program mainframe computer
- resolve symbolic formulations in data processing applications
- test computer programs or systems
- use computer programming language
- use computer application flow charts
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- write computer software, programs, or code
- resolve computer program operational problems
- revise or correct errors in computer programs, software, or systems
- use geographical information system (GIS) software
- develop or maintain databases
- adjust computer operation system
- install computer programs
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
- Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
- Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.
- Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
- Use object-oriented programming languages, as well as client and server applications development processes and multimedia and Internet technology.
- Consult with management to ensure agreement on system principles.
- Review and analyze computer printouts and performance indicators to locate code problems, and correct errors by correcting codes.
- Confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address.
- Supervise computer programmers or other systems analysts or serve as project leaders for particular systems projects.
- Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility so that information can be shared.
- Train staff and users to work with computer systems and programs.
- Develop, document, and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards.
- Assess the usefulness of pre-developed application packages and adapt them to a user environment.
- Define the goals of the system and devise flow charts and diagrams describing logical operational steps of programs.
- Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer-related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
- Read manuals, periodicals, and technical reports to learn how to develop programs that meet staff and user requirements.
- Determine computer software or hardware needed to set up or alter system.
- Analyze information processing or computation needs and plan and design computer systems, using techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, and information engineering.
- Interview or survey workers, observe job performance, or perform the job to determine what information is processed and how it is processed.
- Prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses to aid in decisions on system implementation.
- Specify inputs accessed by the system and plan the distribution and use of the results.
- Recommend new equipment or software packages.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Alliance of Technology and Women (ATW)
Alliance of Technology and Women (ATW) supports women and men worldwide who share the common interests of empowering women in technology, increasing the number of women in executive roles and encouraging women and girls to enter technology fields.
Learn MoreAlliance of Technology and Women (ATW): ATW Tech Valley Albany, NY Chapter
The ATW supports women and men worldwide who share the common interests of empowering women in technology, increasing the number of women in executive roles and encouraging women and girls to enter technology fields. The NY Tech Valley Chapter provides programs for women and girls that enrich, educate and inform.
Learn MoreAmerican Electronics Association (AeA) Advancing the Business of Technology
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Learn MoreCisco Academy at Schenectady High
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Learn MoreComputer Game Development Academy
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Learn MoreComputer Systems Officers
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Learn MoreComputer Systems Specialists
Visit this link for information on this career in the military.
Learn MoreDigiGirlz High Technology Camps
DigiGirlz High Tech Camp, sponsored by Microsoft, is a technology camp for girls.The goal is to educate and inspire girls by introducing them to the considerable opportunities and career choices available in the high-tech industry. Stony Brook, NY , one of several sites, is this years local llocation.
Learn MoreDigiPen Institute of Technology Project Fun
DigiPen Institute of Technology, the leader in video game development education, presents a summer workshop series designed to introduce participants of all experience levels to the fundamentals of game programming, 3D computer animation and robotics. These workshops are designed to give high school and middle school students an opportunity to explore the possibility of having a career either in game programming, 3D computer animation or computer engineering. Video Game Programming Level One is offered in New York City.
Learn MoreDiscovery Channel School's Curriculum Center
Here you will find classroom science activities, puzzles and project ideas to boost the study and support core curriculum topics like bacteria, chemistry, genetics, the universe and more. The correlated Discovery School videos and CD-ROMs provide a wealth of knowledge. The popular science topics are those taught in upper elementary and middle school.
Learn MoreDistributed Mentor Project (DMP):Mentoring Undergraduate Women in Computing Research
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Learn MoreEXCITE, EXploring Interests in Technology and Engineering Camp
Inspiring middle school girls to make a difference in the world through math, science and technology is behind IBM's commitment this year for conducting more than 50 EXITE Camps. More than 1,700 girls, ages 11 to13 take part in a variety of engineering and science related projects at the week long EXITE camps across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
Learn MoreGetTech
Planning for your future will involve technology: you must be aware of all the choices and options for tomorrow's great jobs. Site merged with GetSmarter.org, testing math & science skills with students around the world.
Learn MoreGetTech
Math and Science are the cornerstones you need for an exciting and rewarding career in the technology-driven future. GetTech will show you careers where you can put those skills to work creating the future.
Learn MoreIBM EXITE (EXploring Interests in Technology and Engineering) Camp
Inspiring middle?school girls to make a difference in the world through math, science and technology is behind IBM's commitment this year for conducting more than 50 EXITE Camps. More than 1,700 girls, ages 11?13 will take part in a variety of engineering and science?related projects at the week?long EXITE camps across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific, sponsored for the eighth year by IBM.
Learn MoreInDemand Magazine
Check out InDemand. It connects today's students with the careers of tomorrow. Each issue explores careers in a different high growth industry. It provides students as well as guidance counselors, parents and teachers with interesting and relevant information about career opportunities, education, the skills needed for various jobs and resources to explore careers and tips about how to help students build successful futures.
Learn MoreIntel Education Initiative K12
Education is critical to each citizen's ability to thrive in the knowledge economy. Today's students must develop key 21st century skills such as familiarity with information and communication technology (ICT), problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration so they are able to function in, and shape, the world ahead. Intel Education Initiative links to innovative ways to use technology and promote critical 21st century skills - in the classroom or in the community.
Learn MoreInternational Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
ISTE provides leadership and service to improve teaching, learning, and school leadership by advancing the effective use of technology in PK to 12 and teacher education.
Learn MoreInternet Science and Technology Fair (ISTF)
ISTF is a web based science and technology competition. Teams of students from across the U.S. compete for certificates awarded by the National Medal of Technology Program at the U.S. Department of Commerce .Students are challenged to use information and communication tools as they work as a team to complete a four-month research project, master email to request technical information from scientists and engineers, search, analyze and synthesize electronic information sources from the Internet and present their final research findings in a website format.
Learn MoreJourney Inside: Engaging Technology to Explain Technology
The Journey Inside is a collection of 35 interactive, online lessons for students to complete. The curriculum is divided into six sections: Introduction to Computers, Circuits and Switches, Digital Information, Microprocessors, The Internet, and Technology and Society. Many of the lessons include interactive Flash activities, virtual field trips, and videos demonstrating the ideas discussed.
Learn MoreKidSmart - A Guide to Early Learning and Technology for Home
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Learn MoreKidSmart - A Guide to Early Learning and Technology for School
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Learn MoreMCC College for Kids
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Learn MoreMCC for Kids: The Riedman Summer Technology Camp at Brighton Campus
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Learn MoreMathBits.com
MathBits is devoted to offering fun, yet challenging, lessons and activities in high school/college level mathematics and computer programming to students and teachers.
Learn MoreMathBits.com
MathBits is devoted to offering fun, yet challenging, lessons and activities in high school and college level mathematics and computer programming to students and teachers.
Learn MoreMentorPlace
A structured online program connecting IBM employee volunteers with students and teachers. You and your IBM mentor will talk online, working together on activities and discussing issues that you care about. Your teacher will give you direction on the activities that you and your IBM mentor will work on together.
Learn MoreMildred Elley: Video Game Design Camp
If you're entering grade six through eleven, you can explore the world of video game production at a summer camp unlike any other. Learn how to make your video game ideas come to life. Design the sights, sounds and activities of your game. Learn the techniques used to create the kind of 3D world that makes a video game worth playing. Summer Programs July 9-August 22, 2007 If you?re entering grade six through eleven, you can explore the world of video game production at a summer camp unlike any other.
Learn MoreMultimedia Math Mania
An opportunity to explore math and technology firsthand, to apply math skills and use problem solving while conducting experiments, designing and constructing projects, working on state-of-the-art computer programs and exploring the Internet
Learn MoreMultimedia Math Mania
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Learn MoreNational Computer Camp: Manhattan College, Riverdale, New York
National Computer Camp aims to provide campers with life long computer skills. As its primary focus, NCC provides a solid foundation in programming, focusing on languages and applications, hardware, video game and web page design.
Learn MoreNew York Academy of Sciences New York City Science and Engineering Fair (NYCSEF)
NYCSEF is the New York City Department of Education's annual science and technology research competition, coordinated by the New York Academy of Sciences in partnership with Polytechnic University. All students in grades 9 to 12 attending schools within the five boroughs are eligible to apply.
Learn MoreNew York Academy of Sciences: Academy Programs- New York City Science and Engineering Fair
Annual science research and technology competition for NYC high school students. Applications are due in late November.
Learn MorePutting DNA to Work
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Learn MoreRochester Institute of Technology National Technical Institute for the Deaf TechGirlz Camp
Science or technology minded girls who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and entering 8th grade build their own computers, investigate crime scenes and use high tech lab equipment to solve problems and more at TechGirlz Camp.
Learn MoreSUNY New Paltz Summer Camp: Mad Science Secret Agent Lab
Mad Science has sparked imaginative learning with their unique brand of engaging and educational live programs and activities. Secret Agent Lab - delve into the mysteries of forensic science! Discover different methods of secret writing and break coded messages in a quest for treasure. Explore the world of optics and make your own camera obscura and kaleidoscope. Use chemistry to identify mysterious substances, and mix your own chemical reactions.
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at New York Institute of Technology - Manhattan NY
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at Solomon Schechter School Westchester, NY
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at The New School Manhattan, New York
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer Cybersecurity Camp for High School Students
This week long program includes instruction in such cybersecurity topics as computer security, network security, digital forensics, cryptography, legal issues, security policy, identity theft, worms and viruses, steganography and wireless security.
Learn MoreSummer at RIT:Kids on Campus
Choose Your Workshop! Animation with a Twist, Interactive Music Madness, Web Magic, Flash Puzzle Quest, Draw, Shoot, Animate, and Ultimate Web Comics are just a few fun topics available!
Learn MoreSummer at RPI: Computer Game Development Academy
Intended to teach high school students who will enter their senior year in the Fall the fundamentals of the video game creation and design process, artists and programmers will take separate classes that speak to their particular skill sets, and then interdisciplinary teams will be formed and then construct their game from start to finish.
Learn MoreSystems analysts, computer scientists, and database administrators
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreTech Prep, A National Secondary Program for High School Students
Tech Prep provides students with contextual hands on learning in a nonduplicative course of study focused on career and technical education.Tech Prep also creates a seamless course of study that aligns high school and college coursework.
Learn MoreTech Prep: National Program Secondary Programs for High School Students
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Learn MoreTech Savvy,Educating Girls in the New Computer Age
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Learn MoreTechGirlz Camp
Science or technology-minded girls who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and entering 8th grade will build their own computers, investigate ?crime scenes,? use high-tech lab equipment to solve problems and more.
Learn MoreU.S. Geological Survey(USGS): Science for a Changing World
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