Computer analysts can work as employees or self-employed, with job titles such as computer systems analyst, forensic computer analyst, and computer specialist. They work with software programs, train employees, and provide support services. Forensic analysts work with law enforcement to recover lost data and passwords. Support specialists troubleshoot computer issues for end users. Communication skills are important, and analysts can work in various IT careers.
Included among the various types of computer analyst jobs are a computer systems analyst, a forensic computer analyst, and a computer specialist. Within each of these computer science jobs, there may exist other very specific analyst job titles and descriptions. Computer analysts can be self-employed or they can work as employees within the information technology (IT) departments of larger companies. Some computer analysts also work for software or hardware vendors providing support services to companies using specific computer tools, equipment and products.
Computer systems analysts are regularly used to select specific software programs to help a business run more efficiently. In addition to assisting in the process of selecting such equipment, analysts also help train employees in the use of new programs, as well as customize existing programs to streamline and streamline specific processes. Information technology analysts are often expected to work with other IT professionals and executive decision makers within a business or organization.
A forensic analyst is another highly specific type of computer career. These analysts generally work with law enforcement and private investigators to determine when computer systems have been compromised and when stored data has been stolen or used for illegal purposes. Other duties of a computer forensic analyst may include recovering lost data, passwords, and deciphering encrypted information on behalf of law enforcement authorities. These specially trained cyber analysts can work as independent investigators or can be hired by a larger organization that specializes in cyber security.
Support specialists, also known simply as computer specialists, perform many of the same tasks as a computer analyst, but tend to work more frequently with direct audiences. These specialists often provide troubleshooting assistance to remote computer users via telephone, email, or instant messaging programs. Computer specialists also write user manuals and other technical writings to help end users learn how to optimize a computer’s performance or the performance of a specific computer program.
Regardless of what type of position one specializes in, computer analysts must be extremely proficient in various computer programs and functions. Because many are expected to work with other professionals, as well as directly with the public, most analysts need to have good communication skills and be adept at working well with people of varying levels of computer literacy. While most computer analysts specialize in a particular career niche in the IT industry, many are capable of a variety of other IT careers as well.
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