Career Research Paper

Career research paper
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Career research paper
1 My career plan
For a long time, information technology and information systems have remained at the heart of technological advances. This is even more pronounced as the technology becomes more advanced and integrated into our day-to-day lives. Advancing a career in this field is thus considered a very important milestone in an individual’s life. In my case, this endeavor will put me at a point where I will get involved in technological innovations and contribute in global development. Currently, am pursuing a degree in Business Administration majoring in Computer Information System programming. The degree mainly equips the learner with the technical and organizational skills to evaluate the needs of a business and come up with the appropriate solution. It covers various computer environments such as object-oriented programming, enterprise systems, networks, and technologies based on the internet, software, and hardware.
Job description
The career path that I will choose to follow is a computer systems analyst (CSA). This job reflects with my passion and area of interest in computer information systems. In addition, it provides me with the opportunities to specialize. This will enable me to suit the job market of the large companies which require a workforce of higher specialization.
On a daily basis, the computer system analyst investigates the current state of the computer systems and processes. Their main aim is to find any system inefficiencies that may exist and the sections that require improvement (Anderson University, 2009). Once inefficiencies are identified, the CSA proposes to the relevant parties the changes that are required to boost the systems’ performance. Therefore, the analyst may at times be required to carry out a complete overhaul of the system, fix certain areas, develop solutions, and create novel iterations.
The main task of a computer systems analyst is to strike a balance between the computer systems, the flow of work and the organization’s employees. This is a kind of balance that is not easy to achieve and requires a significant amount of effort, broad thinking, and dedication. Therefore, the analysts must have a concise understanding of how the various components of computers work. Without the basic knowledge of the information flow processes, the CSA cannot be able to adequately identify and fix issues in a system. These professionals are tasked with the job of analyzing the interaction between the various computer components, that is, networks, software, and hardware. They then recommend to the organization the necessary course of action to take that will result in the improvement in the effectiveness of business operations.
Computer systems analysts are also responsible for determining the most suitable software and hardware and subsequent configurations that are best suited for a given business setting (Hellman, 2014). They should be able to assess and configure the software and hardware in a given firm to keep them up to date and run smoothly. Therefore, CSAs carries out continuous tests to ensure that the systems are working in their optimum performance. Their line of duty includes troubleshooting any problems in the information system when and whenever they arise.
In addition, CSAs should be able to match the requirements of users with the appropriate technology (Hellman, 2014). The needs of different users in any organizational setting are unique to the kind of functions they have in the business and the nature of the organization. For example, system users of ICU unit of a health care facility will have different needs from those in the hospital’s reception. As a result, the CSA should be able to accord these two types of technological systems they require by correctly identifying their distinctive needs.
Each system upgrade or improvement has its benefits and costs, and directly impacts on the performance of a business. Therefore, before each improvement in the system is carried out the CSA has to conduct a cost benefit analysis (Anderson University, 2009). This enables the CSA to determine whether the intended improvements are justified. The capital invested towards the information system improvement should lead to improvement in effectiveness and efficiency and hence offset the cost that arises because of the improvement. The job also relies heavily on collaboration between various people. The CSA is for that reason required to consult frequently with the users, management, and other stakeholders such as designers of the network and software architects. Therefore, introverted people are usually at a disadvantage when it comes to this job.
Educational requirements
The minimum requirement of this career is a Bachelor’s degree in fields such as Computer Information System, Computer Science, Computer System Analysis, and Business Intelligence among other related disciplines (The Best Schools, 2014). A Business Administration Masters is usually an added advantage since the career is comprised of both IT and business. Evidently, Bachelors of Business Administration students who specialize in computer information systems are at best advantage as compared to their counterparts.
Depending on the industry, computer systems analyst can pursue a career in sectors such as health care, financial and banking. However, there is a need to have a good understanding of various processes in computer technology is very essential. Some examples of institutions that require this profession include IBM, Northrop Grumman Corporation, PricewaterhouseCoopers, San Jose Systems, NANA, PAE Inc, DRS technologies, and CSC among others.
In addition to educational requirements, most employers also request for other specifications that may include: (a) robust skills in problem solving and analysis; (b) background understanding of the industry one is being employed in; (c) good communication and interpersonal skills, and; understanding of the given system of computers.
Current state of the profession
Currently, the profession ranks highly as a favorite job in the IT industry taking position seven in the ‘Best jobs in IT’ category and is related closely to computer programmer which ranked ninth. On average, one is required to work 40 hours during the week which falls in the range of other professions. However, working extra hours, on weekends or in the evening may be essential to fix a certain problem or complete a given task. In the recent past, analysts have resulted in working remotely through telecommuting by using computers. This has increased the flexibility of the work and significantly lowered the stress level that comes with working long hours. However, like any other profession the job has its share of challenges such as eyestrain due to lengthened computer use, wrist and hand complications, and discomfort on their backs.
Specialization
Due to the wide scope in this field, there is a need for one to specialize in specific areas to improve his or her competitiveness in the job market. This is essential in large businesses that require specialized...