This document provides information on two career paths: systems analyst and database administrator. A systems analyst determines computer and software needs for businesses by asking about tasks and planning systems. They typically need a degree in computer science or related field. Database administrators set up and manage databases to store organizational data, ensuring security and performance. They also typically require a degree and problem-solving skills. Both careers are expected to grow substantially and offer average salaries of $78,830 for systems analysts and $72,900 for database administrators.

1. e-Portfolio Final Career Project by Brandon miller
Career 1: Systems Analyst
What is this job like?
Systems analysts figure out how to use computers to get things done. They tell businesses and other
organizations which computers and software to buy, and they decide how to get those tools to work
together.
Computer systems analysts start their work by asking people what they need their computers to do.
Then, they plan a computer system that can do those tasks well. A system can include many computers
working together and different types of software and other tools.
• How do you get ready?
Many computer systems analysts have a college degree in computer science, information science, or
management information systems. Some analysts get college degrees in other subjects. Then, they take
computer classes and get computer experience.
• How much does this job pay?
In May 2008, average yearly wages for computer systems analysts were $78,830.
• How many jobs are there?
In 2008, there were 532,000 computer systems analysts. Many worked for computer consulting
companies. Others were self-employed. They often moved from place to place working on different
projects.
Analysts also worked for governments, universities, Internet companies, and financial institutions.
• What about the future?
The number of computer systems analysts is expected to grow much faster than average through the
year 2018.

2. People with proper training should have good job prospects. Those who have college degrees in
business and courses related to computers also should be able to find jobs in this field.
• Are there other jobs like this?
Computer and information systems managers
Computer programmers
Computer software engineers
• Where can you find more information?
More BLS information about computer systems analysts, database administrators, and computer
scientists can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Career 2:
Database Administrator
What is this job like?
The Internet and electronic commerce (e-commerce) generate lots of data. Computer databases that
store information are found in nearly every industry. Data must be stored, organized, and managed.
Database administrators work with database software to find ways to do this. They identify user needs,
set up computer databases, and test systems. They ensure that systems perform as they should and add
people to the system as needed. Database administrators often plan security measures. Data integrity,
backup, and security are critical parts of the job.
• How do you get ready?
Database administrators must be able to think logically. Being able to concentrate and pay close
attention to detail is important. These computer specialists sometimes work on their own, but they
often work in teams. They must be able to communicate with computer personnel, such as
programmers and managers. They must also communicate with other staff who may have no computer
training.

3. • How much does this job pay?
In May 2008, average yearly wages of database administrators were $72,900. Database administrators
who worked at companies that designed computer systems earned an average of $81,050 in May 2008.
• How many jobs are there?
There were about 120,400 database administrators in 2008.
Database administrators work in every sector of the economy. The largest number work in the computer
systems design and related services industry. Many work for Internet service providers, Web search
portals, and data-processing, hosting, and related services firms.
• What about the future?
The number of database administrators is expected to grow much faster than the average for all
occupations through 2018. This is because the Internet and e-commerce will continue to expand,
resulting in a continuing need to build and maintain databases. Also, the increasing importance being
placed on "cyber security"—the protection of electronic information—will require workers skilled in
information security.
• Are there other jobs like this?
Computer and information systems managers
Computer hardware engineers
Computer programmers
Computer software engineers
Statisticians
• Where can you find more information?

4. More BLS information about computer systems analysts, database administrators, and computer
scientists can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. The Handbook also shows where to find
out even more about this job.
They can be compared and contrasted because a systems analyst is responsible for researching,
planning and recommending software and system choices to meet an organization's business
requirements.
Systems analysts may act as a liaison between vendors and the organization they represent. They may
be responsible for developing cost analyses, design considerations, and implementation time-lines. They
may also be responsible for feasibility studies of a computer system before making recommendations to
senior management.
The duties of a system administrator are wide-ranging, and vary widely from one organization to
another. they are usually charged with installing, supporting, and maintaining servers or other computer
systems, and planning for and responding to service outages and other problems. Other duties may
include scripting or light programming, project management for systems-related projects, supervising or
training computer operators, and being the consultant for computer problems beyond the knowledge of
technical support staff. A System Administrator must demonstrate a blend of technical skills and
responsibility.