The IT industry offers a wide range of careers and job roles. While some individuals prefer creative IT roles, such as software designers, others choose more technical careers as developers or analysts. Working as a program analyst gives you the opportunity to work in either the private or public sector, or you may choose to operate on a freelance basis. With endless possibilities, a career as a program analyst can be as varied as you choose.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Program Analyst?
Some successful analysts begin their careers by undertaking a computer science or management information systems degree. However, these aren’t the only routes to a career as a program analyst. Taking applied economics online courses, security training and/or math courses will stand you in good stead if you want to develop a career as an analyst.
However, it isn’t just formal qualifications that can set you on a successful path in the IT industry. When hiring program analysts, employers look for skills as much as certification. Enrolling in a co-op program, or obtaining an internship, are two great ways to develop the skills you’ll need, and you may make useful contacts along the way too.
What Does a Program Analyst Do?
Before you make a career choice, it’s important to understand what the day-to-day role of a program analyst looks like. While a particular job may sound exciting and fulfilling, you won’t want to engage in rigorous study and training only to find out it isn’t what you expected.
As a program analyst, you’ll spend your time writing, creating and testing applications. Typically, you’ll use quantitative and qualitative methodologies to determine the effectiveness of existing protocols and look for ways to enhance them.
Businesses are eager to maximize productivity by creating more efficient systems, so having an understanding of business management theories, economics and finance will be advantageous. Of course, in-depth programming skills will be required in order to carry out the duties of a program analyst.
Where Do Program Analysts Work?
The IT industry has single-handedly revolutionized the workplace. As a program analyst, you can work in almost any sector you choose. All organizations rely on in-house systems and programs, and they all need analysts, programmers and developers to build, modify and write these applications.
If you have an interest in a particular industry, you can specialize in that particular area. With an intricate knowledge of the issues facing a sector or specific business, you can build problem-solving applications to enhance efficiency and productivity within that industry.
Alternatively, you can take a broad approach and work across various industries throughout your career. Indeed, many people choose to work as a program analyst because of the varied opportunities it provides.
Being a Self-employed Program Analyst
If you’re an entrepreneur at heart, you may want to work as a freelancer program analyst. With the option to specialize in a particular area and handpick the projects you work on; you can combine your interests and passions with your day job.
Furthermore, working as a self-employed program analyst gives you the opportunity to create the perfect work/life balance. With the option to take on nationwide or international projects, you can travel for your work or choose roles closer to home.
Ultimately, a job as a project analyst can be as varied as you choose. For people who are interested in solving real-world business issues with tech, a career as a project analyst may the perfect choice.