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Companies need IT expertise.  Recent data suggests that by 2020, more than three-quarters of organizations will “experience visible business disruptions due to skills gaps.” Just two years ago, only 25 percent of businesses said the skills gap was an issue.

For IT professionals, this creates a high-demand marketplace: Both specialists and generalists are necessary for companies to achieve line-of-business goals and drive ROI. One potential career for technology experts is the computer systems analyst. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports more than 600,000 systems analyst positions were filled in 2016 alone, while the median salary last year was just under $90,000.

Wondering how to become a computer systems analyst? We’ve got you covered.

What the Job Entails

Computer systems analyst jobs demand significant flexibility — analysts must evaluate current computer system operations and determine how well it fits corporate needs. If upgrades or improvements are necessary, they work with IT leaders, middle management and the C-suite to determine what is financially feasible and what offers the best investment value.

Depending on business industry, workforce size and current IT culture, computer systems analysts may find themselves working with one or more platforms ranging from legacy, in-house deployments to cutting-edge cloud systems. In addition, analysts are often responsible for providing basic employee education on new systems, configuring new hardware and, in some cases, may be tasked with designing a new system from the ground up.

Career Prospects

As noted above, the average computer systems analyst salary in 2017 was just below $90,000. The growing skills gap, however, means that IT pros can expect regular increases to keep their wage on par with other experts in the field — and improve satisfaction with their current employer.

Work as a systems analyst can also pave the way for other job opportunities such as data analyst, access and governance consultant, or IT security engineer.

Experience Matters

Most companies will require a four-year degree in computer science or a related field to hire prospective systems analysts. To improve your chances of getting noticed, interviewed and hired, it’s worth considering the value of both experience and education.

While it’s possible to land a computer analyst job immediately after earning a degree, companies prefer to hire pros with three to five years of experience in the field. The best way to get this experience? Front-line and mid-tier IT jobs that provide the chance to go hands-on with company systems. The more time you’ve spent fixing, breaking and deploying IT solutions, the better your chances of landing a systems analyst job.

Improving Your Outlook

Education, meanwhile, can also bolster your resume. While no specific certifications are required for computer systems analyst jobs, well-known credentials such as Project Management Professional (PMP), ITIL v3 Foundation, CompTIA Project+ and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) can often give you the edge over other candidates. Beyond their inherent value, obtaining these certifications shows that you’re committed to IT education and looking beyond the scope of systems analyst to the bigger IT picture.

At TrainACE, we offer ideal training environments: State-of-the-art classrooms and IT courses taught by expert instructors along with digital alternatives available on demand. With the right training partner, you can earn certifications that boost your value to prospective employers.

Ready to become a computer systems analyst? Get your degree and then get some experience. Opt for extra education to help your resume stand out from the crowd.