Bright future for rare IT job

The list of jobs made available in the computing industry is by no means small, thanks to the ever evolving technological advancements. But one skill doesn’t seem to have caught the attention of training institutions in the country, and so, even students are least exposed to it.

Well-trained information systems analysts are not many here, says Prof Atieno Ndede-Amadi, the dean of the School of Business and Management Studies at Technical University of Kenya (TUK).

Prof Ndede-Amadi is herself an information systems analyst, and an associate professor of information systems and accounting. She trained in the US. 

A systems analyst, she explains, designs IT solutions to real-world problems. The aim is to improve business efficiency and productivity. 

It is about understanding the goals of the business and defining the IT requirements that support those goals. Most importantly, systems analysis is not about programming as many people think.

THE BIG PICTURE

“The job is about analysing (operational) systems within an organisation to help it become more efficient and thus more profitable,” says Prof Ndede-Amadi.

Information systems is a means by which organisations and people use computers to collect, process, store, use, analyse, and distribute information. 

For that reason, Prof Ndede-Amadi explains, information systems analysts are sometimes referred to as business analysts. They must be able to see the bigger picture of what the business is about.

One must study a business’ procedure to identify its goals and purposes, and create systems for achieving them in the best way.

For this, a systems analyst works closely with managers to determine what system upgrades are financially feasible and what technologies are available to meet the company’s needs.

“Then the systems analyst will configure hardware and software to specific requirements and train users. Usually, they will work closely with software developers and the various end users to ascertain technical compatibility and user satisfaction,” explains Prof Ndede-Amadi.

RISING DEMAND

Teamwork is clearly the key in this job.

Prof Ndede-Amadi credits the growth in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and mobile networks as some of the technological developments that have raised the demand for this group of workers.

So, what do you need to become one?

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in information technology, combined with a business course will be useful, advises the professor.

Information systems analysts need to keep themselves updated on the latest innovations in technology to remain relevant in the industry.

Prof Ndede-Amadi predicts that jobs for computer-related personnel will continue to increase at a healthy rate, and that includes information systems analysts.