Why I Want to Be a Systems Analyst

Information Systems

Analyzing Professions Related to Information Systems

Information systems are any use of the modern technology to utilize current information to exercise business operations. It also involves the use of technological advancements to make the working of a manager successful. There are three main fields in the workplace that draws the use of this body of knowledge. The jobs are performed by Business Analysts, Systems Analysts, and Functional Analysts. In this study, I have provided various similarities among the three professions and some of the essential requirements for individuals practicing in these fields. This has enabled to choose my preferred profession of being a Systems Analyst.

Similarities

The three areas above are similar in the sense that they are all geared to solving a known problem that is a part of the greater agenda in the job market. Specialists in the specific fields also perform them. In this case, the professionals must be professionals in those fields. Therefore, it is not possible to have people who have not trained for the respective jobs performing in either field. Another major similarity among them is that they are all beneficiaries of advanced technology. Technology is useful in each of the three fields. The use of computers and advanced computer programs is much evident in each of the three professions. The three professions also the similarity all the practitioners in each of the fields is governed by some code of ethics. A known body offering the respective licenses formulates the ethics. This gives them the respect from clients since a controlled system is always expected to be orderly. In this regard, management of all the professionals in each of these three fields is centralized. Besides, they are also similar in terms earnings that are determined by a centralized body. This prevents any manipulation of clients from possible overcharges.

The differences

Despite the closeness in functionality and professionalism in the three jobs, they still possess fundamental differences. Business analysts strive to solve the problems that businesses face (Brandon, 2014). They are the ones who diagnose business situations for companies and markets. Besides, they also navigate through the rigors that define business problems such as financial crises, managerial mishaps as well as human resource problems. In essence, anything that defines a business operation is under the business analysts to determine solutions. As explained, they use all that is at their disposal to solve business problems for the managers and government institutions. System analysts on the other hand use computers to solve matters pertaining to technological problems (Couger & Knapp, 2012). They do if for pay as individual operators or employees attached to a company. In the latter case, they assist in maintaining computer systems as part of the larger company businesses as support staff. The Functional Analysts are more of mathematicians but still perform a similar function as the system analysts (Yoshida, 2013).

Salary ranges

The salary ranges for the three professionals vary. In the United States, business analysts earn an average of 65,000 U.S. dollars. The System analysts in the same region earn 63,910 U.S. dollars. Finally, the Functional analysts make an average of 69,000 U.S. dollars. All these are the salaries that the three categories earn in the United States. Elsewhere around the world, their salaries are in the range of 2% to 5% above or below the given figures in the U.S. The U.S. is one of the most paying countries in the world for these three professions. With the rise in the use of information technology, it is important to point out that the professions are also well paying now. This makes the salary ranges lucrative and attractive over other professions that have existed for a long time like those related to business.

Skills needed

Each of the three professions requires specific skills that practitioners must have. Business analysts must possess a number of skills. Some of the most vital skills needed here are the financial education especially in the field of accounting and in the field of management. Then System analysts must specifically possess high-level skills in computer use. This involves knowledge and skills in computer networking, software development, and programming. Finally, the functional analysts need to have a good training in mathematical knowledge, specifically actuarial mathematics. Anybody expected to flourish in these fields is also expected to be creative and responsive to the industry changes. This is informed by the fact the field is constantly evolving and it is easy to be 'outdated.'