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Description
Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to implement and improve computer systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
Sample Job Titles
Applications Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Systems Analyst
Computer Analyst
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Consultant
Information Systems Analyst (ISA)
Information Technology Analyst (IT Analyst)
System Analyst
Systems Analyst
Skills
Active Learning
- Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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.
Complex Problem Solving
- Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking
- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making
- Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring
- Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension
- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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.
Writing
- Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Abilities
Deductive Reasoning
- The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Fluency of Ideas
- The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Inductive Reasoning
- The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering
- The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision
- The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension
- The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
- The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity
- The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Speech Recognition
- The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Comprehension
- The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Knowledge
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.
Clerical
- Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Communications and Media
- Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Computers and Electronics
- Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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.
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.
Engineering and Technology
- Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
English Language
- Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics
- Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Telecommunications
- Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Tasks
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.
Consult with management to ensure agreement on system principles.
Confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address.
Develop, document and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards.
Train staff and users to work with computer systems and programs.
Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility and so information can be shared.
Assess the usefulness of pre-developed application packages and adapt them to a user environment.
Work Activities
Analyzing Data or Information
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Getting Information
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Interacting With Computers
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Processing Information
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Thinking Creatively
- Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Personality Traits
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.