With a tremendous rise in employment opportunities in the IT industry, one of the most sought-after jobs today is that of a computer systems analyst. They work not only in large IT firms, but can also find employment in various other places like hospitals, banks, financial institutions, universities, and any place that uses large computer systems. Let’s take a detailed look at the job profile of a computer systems analyst and what it takes to become one.

Job Description

 

Computer systems analysts must have a thorough understanding of the computer systems and operations of the industry or organization they work for, in order to find and resolve software problems and keep the system running smoothly. They may need to interact with clients, prepare reports, and work with other software professionals. Their main task is to integrate the business needs of the organization with information technology to help the organization run smoothly and effectively.

Senior computer analysts may supervise the entire running of a project from design to implementation and must see to it that the team works by the standards set by the client, stays within the budget, and meets deadlines. These analysts, who oversee and direct the entire working of an organization’s computer system, can be called project managers as well.

Qualifications and Requirements

Computer systems analysts should ideally have a degree in information technology, computer science, or information systems. Some systems analysts also function as business analysts, and they need to understand, design, and implement solutions for business problems. They may or may not have an IT degree, but usually have a degree in business administration or management. It’s important for an analyst to have a good grasp of the industry he is working in. For example, for someone in a bank, it would help to have good financial knowledge. Though relevant degrees in computer science and/or business are a plus for getting into this profession, it is possible to gain entry into this field even if you don’t have an IT degree, but are very good at programming and have an expert knowledge of computer systems.

Apart from educational qualifications, to become a successful computer systems analyst, you must possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and be able to foresee how a project may undergo changes in the future. You must be a team worker and a good communicator, as most projects involve working in cooperation with other professionals. You must have a creative bent of mind, and be able to think differently and create groundbreaking and novel ideas for your projects.

Job Outlook

As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for this profession is expected to grow by 22% in this decade, which is faster than average. Though the pay depends upon the industry and work setting, according to BLS, the annual median pay for a computer systems analyst is $77,740.

For those aspiring to become a computer systems analyst, it is recommended that you go for a computer science program. Choose a college that has been accredited by a reputed organization. Additional information about a college can be found by reading reviews and student testimonials. You can also check whether the college has any complaints against it. How seriously and promptly a college handles such issues explains a lot about its standards. As an example, if you search CollegeAmerica complaints, you’ll see that the college has resolved all complaints that were filed against it, which is a good sign. It's not just the degree, but the college from which you get it that plays an equally significant role in your professional life. So, in short, enrolling in an accredited and well-established college is your first step in becoming a successful computer analyst.

Are you feeling bored at work? Does each day at work feel like it’s full of endless drudgery that keeps you engaged in pointless tasksthat you neither find interesting nor lucrative? Or may be office duties seem too repetitive and you need something more challenging?

You might get the feeling that no matter how hard you work, there’s just no satisfaction. True, your job does pay your bills, but that doesn’t mean you have to risk your happiness for it. Maybe what you really need is to get out of the rut you’re in and do something totally different, like switching careers! No matter who you are, regardless of what age you are, it doesn’t hurt to find out what your options are and what steps you need to take to switch to a more interesting career path.

Switching careers will involve a good deal of time, money, and patience and a good dose of perseverance! But if you’re really serious about making the switch, here are some things you can try:

·Do a self-assessment to see where your interests, talents, and aptitude really lie. You’ll find several free career tests on the Internet.

·Talk to a trusted friend; venting helps and he or she might be able to give you some really useful advice and ideas you never thought about.

·Enlist the help of a career counselor. He can help streamline your thoughts and guide you in the right direction.

·Make a list of all the occupations you feel are interesting. Go through their job descriptions; take a look at the job outlook for the coming decade, pay scales, and any educational requirements that might be required. This could present you with an excellent opportunity to go back to school and learn something new that may lead to a career that is more to your liking. Look for programs that would equip you with all the expertise you need to make a success of your new career.

Once you have decided what you want to pursue, make sure you study your options carefully. Check college accreditation, faculty, tuition costs, and student life at every college that’s on your list. Also take a look at college reviews and testimonials. For example, if you read CollegeAmerica student reviews, you will come to know the various programs the college has and what the students have to say about this college. The college offers career-focused programs in business, healthcare, information technology, and graphic arts, fields that are relatively recession-proof. Moreover, a CollegeAmerica student review page also indicates that the programs offered can be completed in less than the normal completion time, and can even be pursued online. These enable you to both work and study simultaneously and to enter the workforce armed with new skills a lot sooner than you might have expected.

In short, to bring about a change in your life and career for the better, make an informed decision, trust your instincts, and set your goals upon earning the right degree that will satisfy you and provide long-term happiness and financial security.

An accounting degree is a tool that can help you make it big in the business world. With a degree, an accounting professional can pursue a number of career avenues, from large accounting firms to hospitals and government organizations, or she could even be a successful entrepreneur with her own venture.

With an ever-fluctuating economy, globalization, and the IT revolution sweeping across the world, accounting as a profession has changed dramatically. There are several career paths an accounting professional can choose to take, some of which are described in greater detail below.

Career Choices for Students with an Accounting Degree

Public Accountant

Public accountants prepare the auditing, tax, and financial reports for individuals or firms, and ensure the reports conform to set standards and policies. An accountant may either work as a consultant or be employed with an accounting firm. This job is a conventional accountant position, and may require some travel. Public accountants must obtain a license to work as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and also appear for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination.

Private Accountant

As opposed to a public accountant, a private accountant is responsible for the accounts of the organization she is working for. Private accountants handle the accounts payable and accounts receivable, are responsible for inventory control, and manage and reconcile ledgers and bank accounts. Unlike a public accountant, this job is more of a desk job and may not include travel.

Auditor

Auditors collect and inspect all the financial records of an organization. They review and analyze financial data to ensure it complies with set rules and regulations. They might have to meet with the finance department and recommend changes in the system so that financial operations run effectively. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for accountants and auditors is $61,690, depending on location, education, and experience.

Tax Examiner, Collector, and Revenue Agent

Their primary job is to analyze filed tax returns, help taxpayers complete and file forms, conduct audits for businesses, and contact tax defaulters and collect overdue tax payments. They also issue a refund in case of overpayment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median annual wage for tax collectors and examiners is $49,360, depending on location, education, and experience.

Budget Analyst
 
A degree in accounting can also prepare students for the occupation of budget analyst. Budget analysts create and manage budget reports for an organization, and review them for thoroughness and accuracy. They supervise expenditures to ensure they’re within the budget and manage the funds available for spending. As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, budget analysts’ median annual wage is $68,200, depending on location, education, and experience.

Though it’s not mandatory to have an accounting degree to get any of these jobs, having one can help you pursue a wider variety of job opportunities and help you make better career choices. It’s equally important to choose a college that’s accredited and provides a high standard of education. One such college that fulfills both these criteria is CollegeAmerica. If you read CollegeAmerica student reviews, you will see the college offers a BS in accounting that’s totally career-focused, can be completed in less than the normal completion time, and prepares students for a variety of accounting jobs. I recommend you visit a CollegeAmerica student review page and see for yourself how an accounting degree can provide you with all the necessary skills required to make it in the world of business.

There’s a never-ending debate about whether you should or should not go to college. Some say it’s not worth the debt you end up with; others argue that a college education is one of the best investments you can make. And I agree with the latter, especially if you graduate with a degree in healthcare or computers, which are relatively recession-proof fields. Colleges all over the country offer programs in these fields, so it’s crucial to find a college that’s worth every penny you put in.


One such college is CollegeAmerica.Students can choose from programs in healthcare, business, and information technology that meet their aptitude and requirements. These programs are designed to train students to be successful in their professional lives, can be started anytime, and can be finished in less than the normal completion time. Below are the answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions about CollegeAmerica:


Question: Can you provide some facts about CollegeAmerica?


Answer: CollegeAmerica was established in 1964, and offers students a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs to choose from. The main campus is located in Denver, Colorado and there are five other campuses: Fort Collins and Colorado Springs in Colorado, Cheyenne in Wyoming, and Flagstaff and Phoenix in Arizona. The college has almost a thousand students enrolled in its graduate and undergraduate courses.


Question: What information can I get about the admission process of CollegeAmerica?


Answer: The college has open admissions, which means that you do not need to wait for a new semester to begin, but can enroll at the beginning of any month. This helps students save time, plus they can plan and complete their degree and join the workforce much sooner. To help students who cannot attend traditional classrooms, the college also provides online programs through its affiliate college, Stevens-Henager College. Students can also get assistance from career professionals who help them realize their strengths and interests and guide them in selecting and customizing a career path that’s right for them. CollegeAmerica also assists students with applying for the various financial aid programs they may qualify for.


Question: What academic programs does CollegeAmerica offer?


Answer:CollegeAmerica has programs in business, healthcare, information technology, and graphic arts. The programs are designed to meet the ever-changing needs of the industry and train students to face the job market, with degrees in accounting, business administration, computer programming, computer science, nursing, healthcare administration, medical specialties, web design and development, and graphic arts, among many others. 


Question: How safe is the campus at CollegeAmerica?


Answer: If you go through CollegeAmerica reviews, you will know that the college gives top priority to the safety of its students and staff. The college does not in any way put up with any kind of misconduct on the college campus and has a zero tolerance policy against anyone who mistreats its faculty or students.


Question: Is CollegeAmerica accredited?


Answer:CollegeAmerica is a reputed brick and mortar college, and has been conferred institutional accreditation by the ACCSC (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges). ACCSC is an independent accrediting organization recognized by the US Department of Education. This signifies that the college imparts a high standard of education and prepares its students to confidently face the aggressive job market.


CollegeAmerica is totally committed to making students better, well-rounded individuals. Reading a CollegeAmerica review will certainly provide more insight into the college and student life. With a wide variety of careers to choose from, and expert guidance provided to every student at every step, CollegeAmerica is considered to be one of the best colleges for aspiring students who want to be successful professionals in the future.

Not satisfied with being a salaried professional? Maybe you want to start your own venture, and do something different. But do you have it in you to be an entrepreneur? Here’s a look at certain distinguishing characteristics that will make you stand out from the crowd and be a successful entrepreneur.

There is no single, guaranteed formula to become an entrepreneur. Starting a new business is challenging and it’s definitely not child’s play. As compared to the safety of a salaried job where you get your paycheck at the end of every month, an entrepreneur must accept the fact that there could be times in the initial stages when he might not get a good return on investment. Starting out as an entrepreneur is similar to stepping into unknown territory. You must be very serious about what you do—only then can you put 100% in, and taste success. So here are some traits that you should possess or develop if you plan to step into the world of entrepreneurship.

Skills Required

 

The most important characteristic you should have is confidence, in yourself and your new business venture. To start anything from scratch, you have to be completely dedicated to it night and day. Accept the fact that it will take up all your time, to the point where you might not have time left for yourself and may have to give up on having a social life as well.

The next most important aspect is planning and managing your every move, which includes making financial decisions. You will need capital to set up an office, buy inventory, promote your business, and a hundred other things. Bear in mind that your expenses could be more than your income initially, so you must know how to balance your finances.

As an entrepreneur, it’s not just about the big tasks at hand and the luxury of being your own boss; it’s also about not shying away from doing anything that might be fruitful to your business, even if that means doing something as trivial as cleaning up your office space.

Lastly, you must portray a positive self-image and do everything you can in order to promote your business. Get to know your customers and build a strong rapport with them. Listen to their suggestions and complaints and work on those issues; happy customers are the key to building your brand.

Educational Qualifications

So how does having a degree play a role in being a successful entrepreneur? Think of it this way: whom would you rather have as a partner in your firm—a personwho possesses every single trait listed above but lacks formal education, or someone who has entrepreneurial skills along with four years of college education? It’s probably the latter!

If you takea look at CollegeAmerica reviews, you will see how successful their MBA program with an emphasis in entrepreneurship is. It teaches the business concepts and management practices that are needed to get a new venture underway. Moreover, it can be completed in about 15 months, which gives students a chance to start their entrepreneurial life sooner. Reading a CollegeAmerica review page is highly recommended if you want to know how important it is to acquire much-needed business skills to start and build your own business.

In a nutshell, be willing to persevere, learn everything that comes your way, plan your moves and finances wisely, do what you enjoy and enjoy what you do, and nothing and no one can stop you from being a successful entrepreneur