Online Colleges

Career Articles

Back to Career Search

Applications Analyst

Description

A lot of people understand more than one language. French, Mandarin, Portuguese...Java. Java? Those who understand and communicate in Java may be ready to start a career as an applications analyst, working with computer programs.

Java, along with Pascal, Visual Basic, and C++, to name a few, is a computer language used by programmers who create, modify and test the forms, scripts and codes that tell computers what to do. They use the languages to teach the computer how to respond to users and different programs.

Most computer networks will function with one or two languages. Using that language, application analysts create application programs, which are designed to perform a specific function for the user or for another program. These are things like word processors, database programs, and web browsers, to name a few. Applications analysts adapt existing application programs, but they may also write new programs in computer code, for daily use and for problem solving. Analysts sometimes test and debug pre-written computer programs or software packages.

Applications analysts determine which software programs users need. In order to know what kind of programs are required, they speak with the people who will be using them, and analyze the current programs and systems being used in order to design and plan new systems to implement. They must be good at communicating not only in computer languages, but with program users as well. They not only research and develop the programs, but write up descriptions of them and prepare manuals, help screens, or explain the new systems in person to users. They might have to adapt the programs once they're in use, to make them more suitable to the users. They may also manage a small staff of programmers, who put their visions into place.

Computers are inescapable. They are everywhere. Children use them to research for school projects, adults use them to file their taxes and pay the bills. Computers and their programs connect us in many ways, and nearly all industries require the expertise of applications analysts in order to keep up with the changing world.

View Schools for this Career:


Related Careers


Aerial Survey Technician
Application Programmer
Computer Aided Drafting Technician
[ view all related careers ]

Program Spotlight

Matching School Ad

Grand Canyon University

Online Technology Degree from Grand Canyon University

Programs Offered:

B.S. in Computer Programming

Visit School Site

Interests and Skills

Successful applications analysts should have lots of experience with hardware, software, and computer systems and processes. They need to know about programming languages and techniques and should have a genuine interest in computers and computer capabilities. Applications analysts should be methodical, logical, patient, careful and accurate. They should be adaptable to new things and work well under pressure. They also need to be good communicators, and be able to work well with others, but also possess the self-discipline and stamina to work on their own when necessary.

Typical Tasks

Consult with management and staff on how work is done in an organization
Draw diagrams of how the work is done
Make detailed cost estimates of different system options
Plan how the programs will fit together
Write programs
Oversee the system's development, including design, choice of hardware and software
Write manuals or explain program's functions
Run tests to ensure programs and computer systems are working properly
Prepare reports on programs
Maintain and upgrade programs
Solve computer problems for users
The typical day for an applications analyst will involve working with computers, analyzing, developing and implementing programs. They will spend some of each day with others, answering questions, explaining how the programs work and troubleshooting problems with existing programs. The job doesn't allow for much travel, as most of the work can be done from home or a head office, unless they need to examine computers at locations all over their community.

Workplaces, Employers and Industries

Applications analysts can find work just about anywhere that computers are in use. Software development and consulting companies, government agencies, electronics companies, hospitals, universities, banks and law enforcement agencies are some of the places they could find work. They can also work independently, and contract out their services to different clients.
They work regular hours in offices, or set their own hours and work from home, depending on the nature of their employer. They work alone, or in a small team of other programmers and computer staff.

Long Term Career Potential

Applications analysts can specialize in other aspects of computer programming. They can get into computer graphics and web design. There are also jobs in administration, PC support and web maintenance. Systems analysts can open their own businesses, or write a column or book about computers for the general public. There is also IT instruction at colleges and universities.

Educational Paths

In order to become an applications analyst you should complete either a bachelor's degree in computer science or in another discipline with a significant programming component, such as mathematics, information systems or a college program in computer science. There are numerous three-year and four-year degree programs, two-year diploma programs and one-year certificate programs in this field offered by universities, colleges, technical institutes and private vocational schools. It is a good idea to consider taking a few psychology and business management courses.

Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, 2002, http://www.bls.gov/oes/2002/oes_nat.htm

Featured Schools

Matching School Ads

Grand Canyon University

Online Technology Degree from Grand Canyon University

Programs Offered:

B.S. in Computer Programming

Visit School Site

Full Sail University - Online

Learning at Full Sail University has always centered around interaction and the exchange of ideas. Our online curriculum fully embraces this philosophy.

Programs Offered:

Mobile Development, Bachelor of Science
Software Development Bachelors - Online
Software Development Associates - Online
And more...

California College San Diego

The Secret to Getting Ahead is Getting Started

Programs Offered:

Computer Programming (AAS)
Web Design and Development (BS)

Platt College

Turn your talents into a career at nationally recognized and accredited Platt College.

Programs Offered:

Web Development Programming Diploma Program

Matching School Ads

Universities and Colleges

Clarkson University	Colorado School of Mines	Dalhousie University
Oral Roberts University	Penn State Harrisburg	Temple University
The University of Houston	Thompson Rivers University	UNB Saint John
University of Alabama	University of Arkansas	University of British Columbia
University of Iowa	University of New Brunswick	University of Ottawa
York University



	Agriculture and Bio-resources \| Allied Health and Health Sciences \| Applied Business Technology \| Architecture Business Administration \| Computer Science \| Cosmetology and Esthetics \| Culinary, Travel &Hospitality \| Dance Engineering Technology & Applied Technology \|Engineering \| Film \| Fine Arts and Design \| Humanities and Liberal ArtsJustice and Security Music \| Natural and Applied Sciences \| Naturopathic and Holistic MedicineNursingPublic Administration & PolicyReligious and Theological Studies Sport Sciences and Physical Education \| Teacher Education \| Theatre

	Articles \| College News \| Videos \| Feedback \| Career Search Home \| About Us \| Contact Us \| Faq \| Terms of Use \| Privacy Policy \| Site Map \| Cities Site Map

	Copyright 2003- 2018 QuinStreet, Inc. All Rights Reserved.