Computer systems analysts consult with their clients to determine what
type of computer system would meet their needs. They come up with system requirements
and oversee the implementation of those systems. That could involve configuring
software or even writing code.
Systems analysts use computer technology to solve business problems. They
make sure that all software is up to date and that computer applications and
services are secure.
The exact duties will vary by company. "It is a role that bridges identifying
what the business wants or needs, reflecting those findings by defining requirements,
and then...implementing the solution," says Curtis Linton. He's a systems
analyst. Linton says analysts might upgrade software systems or develop new
custom applications.
Leah Spontaneo is a systems analyst and engineer for Riot Games. "I work
on anything from building front-end pages to creating API endpoints for the
front end to retrieve data to creating continuous integration build tasks
and being devOps on the team," she says.
All systems analysts need to be able to communicate with people as well
as with computers. "You need to be able to explain things to the business
users in a way that makes sense to them," says Sharon Hader. She's a senior
systems analyst.
"Business users often don't care about the technical details, but they
do care about the end results. You need to determine how much information
is necessary and to what level of detail."
The work generally runs Monday to Friday during regular office hours. However,
shift work, weekend work and overtime hours are common in larger companies
and consulting firms.
"I find that a lot of my work involves working outside of normal hours,
either getting something planned or set up for the next day so the rest of
my team can be productive, or working on a system after hours when I won't
be impacting anyone else if I have to restart something," says Linton.