required algorithms; Test and implement computer programs and provide user training; Plan and implement computer security systems for database access control; Analyze databases, develop database directories and generate and maintain databases; and Supervise computer programmers or other systems analysts or serve as project leaders" (Computer 1). Because of the highly technical nature of their field, computer systems analysts are one of the most sought after occupations today, both by those seeking to find employment and those searching to employ them. In fact, there is such a demand for computer systems analysts at the moment, that they often make a terrific base salary and are wooed by companies. These companys offer them many benefits that go along with being a computer systems analysts, like good wages, good benefits and pleasant working conditions. Information-technology jobs are an employees' market these days as the Information Technology Association of America has reported that as many as 190,000 of these positions are waiting to be taken by those with the right qualifications, along with the fact that the US Department of Labor statistics demonstrate a "keen demand for computer talent through 2005. US employers will need 650,000 systems analysts, 900,000 computer programmers and 300,000 information systems managers" (Himmelberg 8G). The pay for this position and the high demand for it have ranked computer system analyst as the "best job in America, according to MONEY's latest ranking of 100 jobs...explosive anticipated growth of 37% helped propel systems analyst to the top of the chart from No. 31 in previous rankings" (Gilbert 70). The average salary for a systems analyst is approximately $44,800, but the high demand and shortage of people with these skills often makes the starting salary fall somewhere between $45,000-$65,000 a year (Computer 2). Where training and education are concerned, anyone wishing to be a sy...
