Best Careers: Computer Systems Analyst

The rundown:

It's your job to create computer systems that give companies the tools to run their businesses. Your goal is to match the right technology to your users' needs, while ensuring that it's financially feasible and provides return on investment for your client. You'll determine what hardware and software is necessary and do plenty of problem solving to ensure that the system works, and that the computer programmers get the right instructions and specifications to follow. As technology evolves, it will also be your job to help the company incorporate new tools into its system.

[See a list of The 50 Best Careers.]

The outlook:

Computer systems analysts held more than a half-million jobs in 2008, and that figure is expected to grow by more than 108,000 jobs, or 20 percent, between 2008 and 2018, the Labor Department reports. There seems to be no end to organizations' appetite for advanced or improved data-communications technology. And e-commerce continues to increase the need for systems analysts.

Money:

Pay is good for an occupation that, by and large, requires only a bachelor's degree for entry. The low end of pay for computer systems analysts is about $47,000, and median annual earnings were about $77,000 in 2009. The highest-paid 10 percent earn upwards of $119,000.

Upward mobility:

You'll have a few options over time. Experienced systems analysts sometimes move into management roles, even heading as far north as chief technology or chief information officer.

Activity level:

Average. This job sometimes requires heavy computer use—which means lots of time at a desk, typing. But many analysts also spend time outside of the office interacting with project stakeholders.

[See a list of the best technology careers.]

Stress level:

Stress can run high when you're working on significant system problems. Also, prepare for eyestrain and the possibility of wrist problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Education and preparation:

Most employers want to hire analysts with bachelor's degrees in relevant fields (think computer science, information science, or engineering). Some businesses favor degrees in management information systems. Master's degrees are favored when it comes to more complex jobs. But keep in mind that this is a field that values technical skills. Work experience in lieu of a technical degree may be sufficient for some positions.

[Find online degree programs in computer engineering.]

Real advice from real people about landing a job as a systems analyst:

In addition to bachelor's and master's degrees in the field, more employers are looking for job candidates who have attained a certification through the International Institute for Business Analysis (IIBA). This job is about more than sitting behind a desk all day, says David P. Bieg, chief operating officer for IIBA. "A good business analyst is someone who is actually out talking to stakeholders a lot," Bieg says. "One of their primary job roles is to interpret what the requirements are and then convey those requirements in terms that are meaningful to relevant IT positions like designers, developers, and architects."

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