Hello there
You’ve just asked about my current job role, so I’d better say
something to prove to you that I am, indeed, in a profession. :)
The rapid spread of computers and information technology has generated
a need for highly trained workers to design and develop new hardware
and software systems and to incorporate new technologies. Job tasks
and occupational titles used to describe these workers evolve rapidly,
reflecting new areas of specialization or changes in technology, as
well as the preferences and practices of employers. As such systems
analysis is defined in different ways in different parts of the world,
and indeed in different areas of the computer industry,
If you look at the Google search for "systems analyst" and role here
(://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=%22systems+analyst%22+role
)
you’ll find many different descriptions of the job, but there are
enough characteristics of the role for us to suggest that Systems
Analysis is indeed a profession.
1. The Systems Analyst is a recognised skill on information system
projects
Systems analysts solve computer problems and enable computer
technology to meet individual needs of an organization. They help an
organization realize the maximum benefit from its investment in
equipment, personnel, and business processes. This process may include
- planning and developing new computer systems
- devising ways to apply existing systems' resources to additional
operations.
- designing systems, including both hardware and software,
- adding new applications to existing systems to harness more of the
computer's power.
Most systems analysts work with a specific type of system that varies
with the type of organization they work for-for example, business,
accounting, or financial systems, or scientific and engineering
systems.
2. Systems Analysis is a recognised activity on information systems
projects
This quote comes from the US Dept of Labor.
"Analysts begin an assignment by discussing the systems problem with
managers and users to determine its exact nature. They define the
goals of the system and divide the solutions into individual steps and
separate procedures. Analysts use techniques such as structured
analysis, data modeling, information engineering, mathematical model
building, sampling, and cost accounting to plan the system. They
specify the inputs to be accessed by the system, design the processing
steps, and format the output to meet the users' needs. They also may
prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses to help
management decide whether implementing the proposed system will be
financially feasible.
When a system is accepted, analysts determine what computer hardware
and software will be needed to set it up. They coordinate tests and
observe initial use of the system to ensure it performs as planned.
They prepare specifications, work diagrams, and structure charts for
computer programmers to follow and then work with them to "debug," or
eliminate errors from, the system. Analysts, who do more in-depth
testing of products, may be referred to as software quality assurance
analysts. In addition to running tests, these individuals diagnose
problems, recommend solutions, and determine if program requirements
have been met. "
3. Systems Analysts work in a professional environment
Systems analysts normally work in offices or laboratories alongside
other professional staff such as accountants, company directors,
advertising and media personnel, doctors, lawyers etc. They usually
work about 40 hours a week-the same as many other professional or
office workers.
4. Systems analysts are paid professional pay scales
Again, quoting from the US Dept of Labor
"Median annual earnings of computer systems analysts were $59,330 in
2000. The middle 50 percent earned between $46,980 and $73,210 a year.
The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,460, and the highest 10
percent earned more than $89,040. "
Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers
of computer systems analysts in 2000 were:
Computer and data processing services $64,110
Professional and commercial equipment 63,530
Federal Government 59,470
Local Government 52,490
State Government 51,230
(A growing number of computer specialists, such as systems analysts
and network and data communications analysts, are employed on a
temporary or contract basis-many of whom are self-employed, working
independently as contractors or self-employed consultants. In this
case they often need professional qualifications..see below)
5. Systems analysts are as trained and qualified as other professions
Once more, quoting the US Labor dept
"Rapidly changing technology means an increasing level of skill and
education demanded by employers. Companies are looking for
professionals with a broader background and range of skills, including
not only technical knowledge, but also communication and other
interpersonal skills. This shift from requiring workers to possess
solely sound technical knowledge emphasizes workers who can handle
various responsibilities."
While there is no universally accepted way to prepare for a job as a
systems analyst, most employers prefer analysts to have a college
education, most likely a bachelor's degree, and many employers seek
applicants who have a bachelor's degree in computer science,
information science, or management information systems (MIS).
(MIS programs usually are part of the business school or college.
These programs differ considerably from computer science programs,
emphasizing business and management-oriented coursework and business
computing courses. Many employers increasingly seek individuals with a
master's degree in business administration (MBA) with a concentration
in information systems, as more firms move their business to the
Internet.)
6. System Analysts can follow a career path
From the US labor dept again
"Computer scientists employed in private industry may advance into
managerial or project leadership positions. Those employed in academic
institutions can become heads of research departments or published
authorities in their field. Systems analysts may be promoted to senior
or lead systems analyst. Those who show leadership ability also can
become project managers or advance into management positions such as
manager of information systems or chief information officer. "
Employers, hardware and software vendors, colleges and universities,
and private training institutions offer continuing education.
Additional training may come from professional development seminars
offered by professional computing societies.
Professional certification in Systems analysis is also available from
many Universities and Business schools, and the British Computer
society rate the Systems Analyst as a recognised professio withing IT.
7. Systems Analysts are in a fast growing business that looks set to
be around for a long time
The US labor dept says:
"Systems analysts, (along with other computers scientists, and
database administrators) are expected to be the among the fastest
growing occupations through 2010. Employment of these computer
specialists is expected to increase much faster than the average for
all occupations as organizations continue to adopt and integrate
increasingly sophisticated technologies. Growth will be driven by very
rapid growth in computer and data processing services, which is
projected to be the fastest growing industry in the U.S. economy. In
addition, many job openings will arise annually from the need to
replace workers who move into managerial positions or other
occupations or who leave the labor force."
In order to maintain a competitive edge and operate more efficiently,
firms will continue to demand computer specialists who are
knowledgeable about the latest technologies and are able to apply them
to meet the needs of businesses. i.e. systems analysts are going to
be needed, and valued, for a while yet.
To summarise
- The Systems Analyst is a recognised job role on information system
projects
- Systems Analysis is a recognised activity on information systems
projects
- Systems Analysts work in a professional environment
- Systems analysts are paid professional pay scales
- Systems analysts are as trained and qualified as other professions
- System Analysts can follow a career path
- Systems Analysts are in a fast growing business that looks set to be
around for a long time
So, systems analysis requires professional skills, in a professional
workplace, undertaking work in a professional manner, for professional
rates of pay. In my mind that qualifies it as a profession ( As they
say, "If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and waddles like a
duck, it’s probably a duck")
I expect that someone will eventually come up with a professional,
recognised qualification that defines the profession "systems
analyst".
As for me I’m doing the job, and I believe I’m following a profession
:)
Hope that helps
Willie-ga
The US department of Labour page on Systems Analysts, Computer
Scientists, and Database Administrators
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos042.htm
IEEE Computer Society, Headquarters Office, 1730 Massachusetts Ave.
NW., Washington, DC 20036-1992.
http://www.computer.org
Information about becoming a Certified Computing Professional is
available from:
Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP), 2350
East Devon Ave., Suite 115, Des Plaines, IL 60018.
http://www.iccp.org
Google search terms used
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