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Job Title: Systems Analyst
Education: BBA in Computer Information Systems, Western Michigan University
Previous Experience: I had an internship in college building computer applications for a pneumatics company.
Job Tasks: I work for a Fortune 500 Insurance company based in Michigan that provides property and casualty (auto, home, business), and life insurance in over 25 states. I am a senior programmer working on a project to create a new web-based application that will allow insurance agents to enter information and retrieve quotes for large commercial package policies.
My job includes working with business users to analyze the current systems and procedures that are already in place, establish the requirements for the new system, and to set up and complete testing procedures for the new application. I review the documents and specifications that are sent to me and load them into the document repository.
I spend the majority of my day coding business rules for this new system using a third party software that generates HTML and Java code (computer languages). This involves a lot of analysis and problem solving to determine the most efficient way for the computer program to process and accomplish a task. I also work with our database storage team to determine the best ways to store and retrieve the data necessary for the system.
As a senior member of the team I am also involved in a lot of the training for new associates that are brought onto the project, and spend a significant amount of time answering questions and working with them on their assignments. I attend frequent meetings with co-workers to work through questions and issues that arise in the project. I also attend several weekly meetings with different groups to set goals, monitor our progress, and determine where trouble points are occurring and what can be done to help alleviate these issues. I also work with other teams in the company to make sure we are meeting standards and guidelines that have been set by the company or by insurance regulations.
Job Tips:
1. Take as many courses as you can in the most modern computer languages, as well as in database storage.
2. Take classes or get experience in data design, logic, and problem solving.
3. Don't underestimate the value of communication skills; take classes in business writing and communications.
4. If possible, get experience by working on a real-world project or through an internship.
Additional Thoughts: Take advantage of any education programs provided by your employer and continue to educate yourself in both the computer field and/or in the field your company is in, like finance or insurance.
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