For this assignment, you are going to research the current demand for Systems Analysts and identify the important qualifications they must hold. While completing this assignment, keep in mind the four types of skills needed by Systems Analysts that were discussed in the textbook.
Using job search Web sites, local newspapers, etc., search for available positions for "System Analyst" or similar job titles in your local region. If you don't find any positions listed in your immediate area, broaden your search to include a larger region. Using the job listings that you find, answer each of the following:
Question 1: Describe the area/region in which you are searching. Is it a large population center?
What types of jobs are available (manufacturing, government, high tech, etc.)? Are there other major cities nearby?
Question 2: How many systems analyst positions did you find available in your area/region? Does this number surprise you?
Question 3: In general, what qualifications are companies looking for in a systems analyst (education, certifications, years of experience, etc.) in your area/region?
Question 4: List the most common job duties for systems analyst positions that you found in your search. Were their any job duties that surprised you?
Question 5: Are most of the systems analyst jobs in your area/region short-term contract positions, contract-to-permanent positions, or permanent positions?
Question 6: Do the benefits and salary for these positions appear to be in the range that you would expect for your area/region?
Question 7: Which software products were most commonly listed under desired skills/knowledge?
Question 8: Based on your answers to the previous questions, would you be interested in a career as a systems analyst? Explain your reasons.