Information Systems Analysts: How to Become One

If you were to ask a group of information systems analysts about how they arrived at their current job, there's a good chance you would get several different answers about the paths and steps that each person took.

That said, there are still ways that you can develop a baseline understanding of the preparation that is necessary to become one.

The Best Adult Colleges and Careers Guide has gathered data to provide you with insight into the type of education that's commonly required for information systems analysts to land a job. This page contains information, sourced from real job postings, that describes the experience levels and specific skills that employers of information systems analysts expect candidates to have. In the end, this information will help you create an education or professional development plan that aligns with your career aspirations.

Keep reading to learn more about career steps for information systems analysts.

What Education & Experience is Needed for Information Systems Analysts?

Do information systems analysts need a degree? What kind of experience do information systems analysts typically need? Thanks to data sourced from Lightcast™ from real job postings, we can get some clarity on those questions, as well as the level of education that is commonly required for information systems analysts to secure jobs.

Education Level Required in Job Postings for Information Systems Analysts

A bachelor's degree is the level of education sought the most by employers of information systems analysts. According to job data, a bachelor's degree was required for 49% of positions. In 33% of job listings no education level was listed and in 9% of postings a High School diploma or GED was required.

Experience Level Required in Job Postings for Information Systems Analysts

While the amount of required experience will vary based on the responsibility and seniority of the position, an aggregate view of job posting data can help paint a picture of the experience level sought for most job openings for information systems analysts. In 39% of job postings for Information Systems Analysts, employers were looking for candidates with 4-6 years of experience. In 29% of listings employers were looking for candidates with 2-3 years of experience, while 7-9 years of experience was sought in 15% of job postings for information systems analysts.

What Kind of Degree Do Information Systems Analysts Need?

So far this page has provided detail into the level of education and the amount of experience required in job openings for information systems analysts, but what type of education or degree will help prepare you for a career in the field?

According to occupational data obtained through Lightcast,™ there are 17 key academic programs that can help prepare prospective information systems analysts, and in 2023 a total of 245,742 of those programs were completed at institutions in the United States.

Check out the information below to learn more about the specific programs that should be considered by prospective information systems analysts.

Top Degree Programs for Information Systems Analysts

Top Online College For Working Adults

Franklin University is a top choice for adults who need to balance school with busy lives. Founded in 1902 in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin's main focus has been serving adult students and tailoring education to fit their needs. Nonprofit and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440), Franklin offers more than 50 affordable bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs — all available 100% online.

Degree Options for Information Systems Analysts

What Skills Do Information Systems Analysts Need?

Education and experience have been covered, so what are the specific skills and traits needed by information systems analysts to secure a job?

A good way to understand this is to examine actual job postings for skills commonly sought by employers. Continue reading for a breakdown of specialized skills found in job postings for information systems analysts, as well as common skills that can help you thrive in the workplace.

In-Demand Skills for Today's Information Systems Analysts
Based on 92,738 job postings

Based on 92,738 job postings related to information systems analysts, operating systems was the top specialized skill sought by employers, with 32% of all postings looking for that skillset. Skills for linux, system administration, computer science, active directory and scripting were also highly sought.

As for common skills, troubleshooting (problem solving) was the most desired skill found in job postings for information systems analysts, followed by management, communication, operations, problem solving and information technology.

Additional Links

Ready to dig deeper into career information about information systems analysts? Visit our other pages focused on salary and education for information systems analysts.

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