Information Systems Analysts and Consultants
What they do?
The following is a summary of the main duties for some occupations in this unit group:
A. Information systems business analysts and consultants confer with clients to identify and document requirements, conduct business and technical studies, design, develop, integrate and implement information systems business solutions, and provide advice on information systems strategy, policy, management, security and service delivery.
B. Systems security analysts confer with clients to identify and document requirements, assess physical and technical security risks to data, software and hardware, and develop policies, procedures and contingency plans to minimize the effects of security breaches.
C. Information systems quality assurance analysts develop and implement policies and procedures throughout the software development life cycle to maximize the efficiency, effectiveness and overall quality of software products and information systems.
D. Systems auditors conduct independent third-party reviews to assess quality assurance practices, software products and information systems.
Where they find work?
1. Computer systems design and related services - 38.0%
2. Public administration - 11.0%
3. Finance and insurance - 10.0%
4. Information and cultural industries - 7.0%
5. Wholesale trade - 5.0%
6. Management scientific and technical consulting services - 4.0%
What education do I need?
1. A bachelor's degree in computer science, computer systems engineering, software engineering, business administration or a related discipline or Completion of a college program in computer science is usually required.
2. Experience as a computer programmer is usually required.
3. Certification or training provided by software vendors may be required by some employers.
4. Most recent entrants have an undergraduate university degree and almost 3 in 10 have a community college diploma.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. Business
3. Computer-related courses
4. Industrial Arts (Electronics)
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Information Systems Analysts and Consultants is $29.45/HR, which is close to the average for occupations in the natural and applied sciences and related occupations and close to the average for all professional occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
3% of Information Systems Analysts and Consultants are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for professionnal occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Information Systems Analysts and Consultants is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at a below-average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($29.45) are above the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average.
3. The unemployment rate (3%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:
1. Enrolment in the fields of study related to this occupation has increased considerably. This will likely result in a very significant number of graduates over the next few years and could lead to a decrease in employment opportunities. The employment growth rate will likely be above average.
2. The retirement rate will likely be below average, and the number of retiring workers should not contribute significantly to job openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely exceed the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations Information Systems Analysts and Consultants are found in Alberta and Ontario while the lowest concentrations are in Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (22%) is below the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Project management
2. Team project work
3. Proposal writing
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The relatively low percentage of younger workers suggests few entry-level job openings, and could point to a greater need for workers with experience or a number of years of training. The younger-than-average age (38) of worker will likely result in a below-average retirement rate to 2009.
