How Do I Become a Business Systems Analyst?
If you have a passion for both business strategies and technology, you might wonder how to become a business systems analyst. Business systems analysts facilitate interdepartmental communication and projects within companies and organizations such as computer systems design agencies, finance companies, healthcare organizations, insurance companies, information agencies and government agencies. As a skilled businessperson and project manager with a thorough understanding of information technology, a business systems analyst has a unique perspective that he or she can use to identify ways to improve efficiency and cut costs.
Business systems analysts combine both business and technology expertise to help a company meet its full potential. As an information technology employee, a business systems analyst must deal with day-to-day technological problems that arise, including Internet security threats and routine computer system maintenance. As a business-savvy employee, a business systems analyst must handle the planning and logistics of projects and keep business processes running smoothly.
Business systems analysts’ varied job responsibilities make it necessary to multi-task successfully, balancing and prioritizing tasks to make sure that everything gets done as needed in the most efficient way possible. When communicating between different departments of a company, a business systems analyst is well-suited to interface with both business and technology teams. The ideal candidate for a business systems analyst position has an analytical mind, excellent communication skills and the creativity to devise new projects and processes to streamline business practices and enhance efficiency.
To begin a career as a business systems analyst, candidates should first pursue a formal education. Aspiring business systems analysts typically earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, applied mathematics, management information systems or business, ideally completing coursework in both business and computer studies during their educational career. Students should focus on developing the technical background necessary to handle any computer or information technology concerns that a company may encounter while also increasing their knowledge of best business practices.
A career as a business systems analyst carries significant earning potential and offers job security. In 2011, CNN Money ranked business systems analyst as 12th on its list of “Best Jobs for Fast Growth,” citing a median pay of $78,000 per year, a top pay rate of $111,000 per year, and an anticipated 20 percent job growth over the next 10 years. Business systems analysts enjoy a pay rate significantly higher than the $33,840 median annual salary for all occupations and a higher rate of job growth than the 14 percent expected for all occupations. Business systems analysts also report personal satisfaction and flexibility associated with the job as well as only a moderate level of stress. A career as a business systems analyst is an excellent choice for candidates who have an interest and aptitude in both business practices and computer technology.
If you find yourself equally accomplished completing technical computer work and critiquing business practices, learning how to become a business systems analyst could be the perfect way to combine your skills.
