What Is a Program Analyst and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A program analyst is capable of both programming computer languages and analyzing how computer systems work. In this career, you combine these two skills to design and program computer systems that meet the needs of the customers. Your job duties include gathering system requirements, analyzing system functionality, writing programs, and testing the functionality of the software modules. Numerous private sectors and government agencies have program analysts on staff.

To pursue a career as a program analyst, you need to complete a vocational program or associate degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, though some employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree. You need to develop experience and skills with various computer programming languages and have a good understanding of how information systems are designed. This includes both the hardware, network, and software components of the systems. Some program analysts start out as experts on the business side and develop their programming skills.

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled Program Analyst to help us design highly specific computer systems and programs for our clients. In this position, you will work with clients to analyze and determine their needs. You may do this by simply communicating with clients or auditing their operations and finding issues that have software solutions. You will then program software and networks that meet these needs. You must have a bachelor's degree in computer science, several years of experience programming in various languages, and a strong portfolio of your past projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Meet with clients and analyze their operations to determine their needs
• Find existing software and hardware that can address these needs
• Program new software or customize the existing tools
• Help clients and their employees learn to use the new systems
• Respond to technical issues and troubleshoot the systems

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science
• Programming experience
• Skills in a wide variety of programming languages
• Portfolio of past work
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills