Horizon Point Consulting

Author: Mary Ila Ward

  • Career Spotlight: Systems Analyst

    Being in the business of helping people find jobs leads to people sending you lots of emails of job openings.   We also subscribe to a job club listserv, and get about 10-20 job postings from the group a day.

    This morning I had about 15 job opening emails in my inbox.   Two-thirds of them were IT related openings.  One of the most common job titles is “Systems Analyst” or some version thereof.

    If you like to solve problems, troubleshoot and test solutions, tinker with things until you get them right and enjoy math and science, pursuing a career as a Systems Analyst may be the right field for you.    System Analysts also have to be good listeners in order to understand what end users need out of a computer program or package and then take that information to work with programmers to create, test and troubleshoot IT solutions that make the end users’ lives easier.

    What do I need to be a Systems Analyst?

    Education:  Required: Most jobs in the field require at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems or a related field of study.

    If you are a high school student, make sure you are focused on taking advanced level math and science classes as well as computer science classes if they are offered.   Involve yourself in activities the require you to work with others on a team to solve problems and come up with solutions.  This will help you hone your listening, teamwork, problem solving and communication skills.

    Skills:

    Here’s a sample of responsibilities a Systems Analyst would perform on the job from one of the postings in my inbox.  This gives a good idea of what skills you would need to be able to perform on the job:

    “Primary Responsibilities include:

    -Support, monitor, test and resolve hardware and software problems

    -Manage server cluster environments including configuration of shares and permissions.

    -Perform system installation and configuration

    -Evaluate, test, and install system upgrades and patches.

    -Support and maintain end user requirements, including troubleshooting, account maintenance and training.

    -Document and test procedures and configuration documentation used in the execution of routine day to day activities.

    -Maintain, monitor, analyze system components and make recommendations regarding computer system security, monitor network, computer and disk utilization.

    -Conduct software and hardware evaluations, provide technical analysis and implement systems to meet IT goals

    -Work with a team to automate management tasks, streamline processes and perform standard administration functions as needed”

    Is the field growing?

    Yes! At a much faster than average rate of 22%+ nationwide between 2012-2022.

    What is the pay like?

    Not too shabby!

    systems analyst salary

    • “High” indicates 90% of workers earn less and 10% earn more.
    • “Median” indicates 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more.
    • “Low” indicates 10% of workers earn less and 90% earn more.

    “N/A” indicates the data is not available.

    Source: http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1121.00

    What’s the Holland Code* for a Systems Analyst?

    Interest code: ICR

    Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

    Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

    Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

     Source: http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1121.00

    What if I want to learn more about becoming a Systems Analyst?

    Check out:

    ONET

    BLS

    US News  It’s number #2 on their best technology jobs list

    Would you want to be a Systems Analyst? Why or why not?

    *Holland Codes are a way to classify a person based on their skills and interests as well as jobs based on the nature of the work.  If you have an interest in knowing what your Holland Code is in order to match yourself to careers to pursue, you can read more about our assessment process.

  • 3 Steps to Get Your LinkedIn Profile Job Search Ready

    3 Steps to Get Your LinkedIn Profile Job Search Ready

    Ready to start a job search?  Know you need to have a presence on LinkedIn and other social media channels but don’t know where to start?  If you have no idea what LinkedIn is or don’t know where to start to create an account or profile, the first three levels of the LinkedIn plan below can get you well on your way to active social media networking and job search.

    Level 1: Getting Started

    Level 2:  Build your Network

    LinkedIn uses an algorithm for search results that is impacted by the number of connections you have.  Therefore, it is critical to build your connections.  If your profile is good to go, then the next best investment of your time is to grow your network.

    • Send out invitations to connect  (the link describes a variety of methods to connect) with those you know by customizing your invitation to them.
    • Aim to make at least 500 connections.   Create a timeline to manage growing to this number.
    • Endorse your connections. Create a strategy for endorsing 10-20 people at least once a week.  Endorse those skills that you know the person has, don’t just blanket endorse others.
    • Request to connect to 2nd and 3rd degree contacts with introductions.  You have five available introductions at one time.
    • Accept invitations of people you know or have an indirect connection
    • What are groups?
    • Aim to join 10-15 groups
    • Target, search and join groups by:
      • Industry
      • College Alumni
      • Company/Business
      • Conferences
      • Trade Organizations
      • Nonprofit groups
    • Search for Job Openings

    Level 3:  Get Active in your job search

    Once you have your profile in tip-top shape and a growing network to tap into, you can search and apply for openings through LinkedIn.

    How are you utlizing LinkedIn to maximize your job search?

  • No Rules, Just Shoes for Sensitivity Training

    No Rules, Just Shoes for Sensitivity Training

    One of our favorite clients requested that we come in and conduct “sensitivity training” for employees.   According to Wikipedia, sensitivity training “is a form of training with the goal of making people more aware of their own prejudices and more sensitive to others.”  The client wanted to make sure that employees understood how to conduct themselves around each other and customers and to understand the legal standards around discrimination.

    Of course, we at Horizon Point aren’t very good at conducting your standard, run-of-the-mill employee training that revolves around an instructor standing at the front of the room telling you what you should and shouldn’t do.  Number one, that’s just plain boring, and number two, this kind of training doesn’t lead to changed and improved behavior on the job.

    So we shook it up a bit, and after getting groups in the class to research and explain with examples what legislation such as Title VII of Civil Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Sexual Harassment Law, and The Age in Employment Discrimination Act, our theme for the training became:

    Slide06_cade3e754357502d337746d928670112

    When it comes to knowing how to interact with others in the workplace, the legislation that surrounds this dynamic can become overwhelming.  Overwhelming to the point that it inhibits your ability to accomplish anything for fear of doing something wrong.

    The challenge of our “Beyond Talent” approach to “Sensitivity Training” is to simplify it.    And quite simply, you simplify how to interact with others by taking a walk around in their shoes before saying or doing something.  Throw the law or rule books out the window and challenge people to get to know people who are different than they are and try their “shoes” on for size.   By doing this, nine times out of ten you’ll act in a way that won’t ever get you in legal hot water, but more importantly, this way will build more engaged and productive workplaces because people are treated with respect and valued for who they are and what they contribute to the team.

    Have you ever been thorough a sensitivity training?  What was the best take away?

  • 3 Extraverted Leaders and the Lesson we Can Learn From Them

    3 Extraverted Leaders and the Lesson we Can Learn From Them

    Last month, we focused on introverted leaders and the characteristics they naturally exhibit that all leaders, introverted or extraverted, should strive to emulate.

    If you recall, extraversion and introversion can be defined as:

    Orientation of energy

    E     EXTRAVERSION

    Energized when you are with people

    Talk out your ideas

    First you live it – then you understand it

    Enjoy the interaction

    Breadth of interest

    		 and direction of focus

      INTROVERSION    I

    Energized when you are alone

    Reflect on your ideas before vocalizing

    First you understand – then you live it

    Enjoy the concentration

    Depth of interest

    The interesting thing about the three introverted leaders we highlighted (Moses, Stephen Wonziak of Apple and Rosa Parks) is that all had extraverted counterparts that helped drive the results that made both the extravert and the introvert of the partnership successful.

    These three extravert leaders are:

    1. Aaron:  Aaron, Moses’ brother, was the voice of Moses.  He was the one who spoke to the Israelites inspiring their action and movement towards the Promised Land when necessary.  There were a lot of times when the people were ornery at best, combative and worst, and it was Aaron’s motivating words that helped lead them to their eventual destination.
    2. Steve Jobs:  The personality of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple and driver of so many of the innovations that have changed the way we think about and use a computer, a phone and listen to music, seems to be larger than life.  In his biography, many people describe his “reality distortion field” coupled with his sales ability to get people to do things and think differently.  Many of the innovations we find commonplace today would not have been possible without this extraverted leader’s ability to get people on board and get work done through others.
    3. Martin Luther King, Jr.:  The voice and face of the Civil Rights Movement had a way with words and a way with people that led to successful and much needed change.   His words still ring true today when we think about what it means to be human and to interact with others.

    Extraverted leadership trait seen in these three leaders that is needed for today’s leader:  The words to inspire action to move the crowd.

    Know or work for an extraverted leader?  How has he or she moved you?

  • Best Advice for College Freshman: Go to Class!

    Best Advice for College Freshman: Go to Class!

    I remember my first two weeks of college.  As a freshman at The University of Alabama, known when I was there as the number two party school in the nation (unlike the rank in college football which has risen significantly since I’ve been there, I think the rank in partying has gone down), I went out every night for the first two weeks. There was always a party going on.

    I realized rather quickly after classes started that there was no way I was going to be able to maintain the party schedule and make it.    I’m glad I came to this realization sooner rather than later, but I wish someone had given me some tips on how to survive college before I left.

    Here are some tips I wish I had been given:

    1. GO TO CLASS.  This is really the only tried and true tip I have.  If you are committed to going to class, the other tips will be easy because you will need to do them to make sure you go to class.   Going to class will make college a lot easier.   You are there to get an education and the primary way to do this is through attending your classes.   You’ll find that if you go to class and listen, you won’t need to study near as much, your grades will be much better than those of your peers who skip, and you’ll be able to keep your priorities in line.
    2. Get enough sleep.   If you are committed to going to class, then you’ll have to get enough sleep to maintain this commitment.  That means partying till 2 am on a Wednesday night when you have a morning class on Thursday won’t be an option you’ll have to consider if you’re committed to going to class.
    3. Enjoy the extracurricular things that college has to offer.  Yes, that means parties and social activities. It also means getting involved in things you enjoy whether it be sports, student government, on and off campus organizations and even work that can help pay for college and give you practical experience to make you more marketable when you graduate.   And if you go to class, you hopefully won’t have to spend as much time studying to learn the material that you should have learned about in class, giving you time to enjoy the things that make college a learning and enjoyable experience outside of the classroom.

    College should be a practice in balance, just like all periods of life.  Taking an all or nothing approach to studying or partying/social activities isn’t necessary.  You can do both and learn from both.

    What tips do you have for college success?

Subscribe to The Point Blog!

Our consultants write about new research, our work, our lives, and everything in between. Subscribe to The Point Blog for our weekly stories.