Information Systems Analysts and Consultants (NOC 2171)
Description
Information systems analysts and consultants conduct research, develop and implement information systems development plans, policies and procedures, and provide advice on a wide range of information systems issues. They are employed in information technology consulting firms and in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed.
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Example Titles
- computer consultant
- computer systems analyst
- informatics consultant
- informatics security analyst
- information systems business analyst
- information systems quality assurance analyst
- IT (information technology) consultant
- management information systems (MIS) analyst
- systems auditor
- systems consultant
- systems security analyst
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Classified Elsewhere
- Computer and Information Systems Managers (0213)
- Computer Engineers (Except Software Engineers) (2147)
- Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers (2174)
- Database Analysts and Data Administrators (2172)
- Financial Auditors and Accountants (1111)
- Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management (1122)
- Software Engineers (2173)
- Web Designers and Developers (2175)
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Duties
The following is a summary of the main duties for some occupations in this unit group:
- Information systems business analysts and consultants confer with clients to identify and document requirements, conduct business and technical studies, design, develop and implement information systems business solutions, and provide advice on information systems strategy, policy, management and service delivery.
- Systems security analysts assess physical and technical security risks to data, software and hardware, and develop policies, procedures and contingency plans to minimize the effects of security breaches.
- Information systems quality assurance analysts develop and implement policies and procedures throughout the software development life cycle to maximize the efficiency, effectiveness and overall quality of software products and information systems.
- Systems auditors conduct independent third-party reviews to assess quality assurance practices, software products and information systems.
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Skills
Systems analysts and consultants need the following characteristics:
- an interest in business systems and finding innovative solutions to business problems,
- ability to think logically and creatively to analyze problems,
- ability to take a methodical approach and pay close attention to detail while performing routine tasks,
- ability to handle stress of deadlines and working on several projects at the same time,
- ability to express complex concepts in clear, understandable language,
- good personal interaction skills,
- ability to work alone or as a member of a team,
- some systems analysts may need project management skills which include planning, supervising or coordinating the work of others, budgeting, ability to communicate with clients,
- an interest in keeping up to date with new developments in the field.
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Employment Requirements
- A bachelor's degree in computer science, computer systems engineering, software engineering, business administration or a related discipline or completion of a college program in systems analysis is required.
- Experience as a computer programmer is usually required.
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Terms & Conditions
Information systems analysts and consultants work in an office setting during regular business hours, but they may work evenings and weekends to do new installations or to solve unexpected problems. They spend long periods of time in front of a computer monitor which can lead to eye strain, or wrist problems. Some of these professionals move from site to site to service client needs, while some others are assigned to one specific client for the duration of a contract.
Shift work, overtime, and travel may be required in this occupation.
Approximately 8% of this workforce are self-employed. Opportunities for part time work are limited.
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Earnings
$34,200 per annum - starting
$60,400 per annum - average
$98,500 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
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Education / Training
- There are a wide variety of degree, diploma and certificate programs related to computer programming and systems analysis offered by universities, colleges, technical institutes and private vocational institutions in Manitoba.
- Some high schools in Manitoba offer a program in Information Technologly.
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Career Paths
Many information systems analysts start off as computer programmers and, with experience, take on more responsibility. They may move into security analysis, systems testing or information systems management.
Experience in a particular type of business may result in movement to operational jobs. Further advancement opportunities to management positions depend on the size and nature of the organization.
Those who have business experience or training may move into information systems consulting positions or establish their own consulting firms.
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Outlook
Employment prospects for experienced information systems analysts and consultants are expected to be good in the period 2010-2014. Employment in Manitoba in 2010 is estimated at 2,925.
The rapid evolution of wireless communication devices and systems along with the growth of internet-based commerce and ever-expanding internet technologies requires specialists who can support these systems. The demand for systems analysts and consultants should remain strong as they play a pivotal role in helping organizations adopt and integrate these increasingly sophisticated technologies.
Even smaller firms now recognize the need to have an internet presence and are prepared to invest in the technology and staff required to do so. In addition the technology has become more affordable and adaptable for smaller businesses.
Security and quality assurance are important and require IT investment regardless of the state of the economy. This should ensure continued demand for systems analysts who are knowledgeable about systems integration as well as network, data, information, and communications security.
Employment is concentrated in Winnipeg where approximately 84% of the jobs are located. Information systems analysts and consultants are employed in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (34%), Finance and Insurance (15%), Public Administration (11%), and Information and Cultural Industries (9%) and a wide variety of other industries.
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Employment by Age Group
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Employment by Industry
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Employment by Region
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Employment by Gender
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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
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Employment by Visible Minority
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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
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