How to become a Program Analyst
Are you considering becoming a program analyst and you don’t know where to begin from? If the answer is “yes” then you will find useful information in this article.
A program analyst plays an important role in examining the needs of a specific business which can be addressed with the use of a software program or set of programs in place.
An organization needs a program analyst to help it have a better view of how the organization is operating and how it can perform better.
In other words, as a program analyst your role is to improve the performance of an organization and make it more efficient and become a leading market player in the respective industry.
The following are some basic tips on to become a program analyst.
Enroll for relevant courses
Enroll for a bachelor’s degree in computer science or management information systems, information technology, management, accounting, economics etc.
You can also become a program analyst if you have some technical training background and work experience in this field.
These courses are broad based and will give you an opportunity to choose an area of your interest in software analysis.
This is only possible if you have relevant work experience and you have a strong aptitude for software engineering, business applications or computer programming.
Educationdegreerequirements for a program analyst
It is advisable for you to have at least a 4 year degree related to the industry if you want to become a program analyst.
A major in public administration, economics, management or accounting is relevant if you intend to work for a company dealing in business or work for a government entity. If you want to work in the science and technology industries then you should have a degree in statistics, computer science or engineering.
Required additional training
Taking additional courses such as data collection and analysis, designing and conducting a study, project management, statistics and cost benefit analysis, are good courses for you take as a way of supplementing your undergraduate degree and sharpening your skills as a program analyst.
Skills needed as a program analyst
Go for internship
You should go for internship provided by your school if possible for more exposure and gain experience through hands on training in this field.
Getting a placement for an internship in an organization or company will offer you a secure entry level job position as a program analyst. You will also gain valuable experience for your programmer analyst career.
You will be able to learn a few basics about becoming a program analyst especially if you lack prior experience in developing of software applications.
It is also a good opportunity for you to work alongside qualified programmers who will teach you a thing or two about working in the real world as a program analyst.
A good internship placement can also be a source for future programmer analyst jobs for you.
