Alejandra, Systems Analyst at Higher Education : Advize Career Interview
Dive into the world of Systems Analysis in Higher Education, where every day is a dynamic puzzle! This career path, as illuminated by Alejandra, blends finance and IT, offering a mix of reconciliation, system management, and report writing.
While Alejandra "jumped around a lot" early on, searching for "more mental stimulation," the current role provides the personal and professional development Alejandra seeks.
A typical day involves reviewing journals, ensuring system integrations run smoothly, and collaborating with end-users to tailor systems to their needs.
Customer service and attention to detail are crucial, but the real reward lies in the continuous learning and problem-solving that comes with understanding diverse departmental needs.
The role’s biggest hurdle is quickly mastering new systems, making quick learning a huge asset. To thrive in this field, individuals should be outgoing, sociable, and value relationship-building.
A key takeaway: technical skills can be learned, so don't hesitate to apply for entry-level roles like Systems Analyst or Assistant Analyst!
Embrace curiosity, persistence, and the courage to admit mistakes, all while maintaining strong mentorships, and success will follow. It's a dual-industry role that's constantly evolving, offering a unique and rewarding experience.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Alejandra Cortes
Systems Analyst
Higher Education
Chapman University
University of San Diego, Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Mathematics, Data Science, Statistics
Nonprofit
Finance
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Career Path of a Systems Analyst at Higher Education
Alejandra's career path began with various part-time jobs and campus roles during undergrad, including internships—one that quickly revealed a dislike for real estate—coupled with heavy involvement in campus clubs that provided "leadership experience"; after a year of travel post-graduation, networking led to a project coordinator role, followed by brief stints in the public sector and biotech before finding a satisfying Systems Analyst position in higher education that offers opportunities for growth like a free MBA. While Alejandra "jumped around a lot" early on, searching for "more mental stimulation," the current role provides the personal and professional development Alejandra seeks.
Main Responsibilities of a Systems Analyst in Higher Education
As a Systems Analyst at a higher education institution, Alejandra's role uniquely blends finance and IT responsibilities, encompassing tasks such as reconciliation and journal approval on the finance side, along with managing several key systems to ensure successful daily integrations on the IT side. Additionally, Alejandra serves as the designated "report writer" for the entire organization, capable of creating reports based on available systems.
A Day in the Life of a Systems Analyst in Higher Education
A Systems Analyst in Higher Education starts their day reviewing and approving journals and monitoring system integrations to ensure they're functioning correctly. A significant part of the role also involves working with end-users to gather requirements for new system implementations and customizing existing systems to "meet our end user needs," though this ebbs and flows depending on the project pipeline and time of the fiscal year.
Most Important Skills For A Systems Analyst In Higher Education
Alejandra believes that while the technical skills of a Systems Analyst can be learned by anyone, the most important skills are the soft skills; this is because "what I mainly do is I work with...the end users" and therefore great customer service skills are crucial. Attention to detail is also very important, especially with large projects, "to make sure that all of the end user requirements are met".
Favorite Parts of Being a Systems Analyst in Higher Education
Alejandra most enjoys the puzzle-solving aspect of being a Systems Analyst, where "every single day feels like a new puzzle" as end users present unique challenges and requests that require research and creative solutions. The role also provides continuous learning opportunities, as the professional gains insight into the functionalities of different departments within the organization and discovers how to meet their needs.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Systems Analyst At Higher Education
Alejandra's biggest challenge as a Systems Analyst at a Higher Education institution is "having to become proficient in the system almost immediately" upon new system implementations, despite varying designs and functionalities, requiring quick learning and thinking, even when juggling other projects. This pressure to "be that expert" can be challenging, especially when time is limited.
Favorite Parts of Working in Higher Education as a Systems Analyst
Alejandra enjoys the "dual industry" nature of the Systems Analyst role, working in higher education but specifically in the finance department, where "everything's like continuously evolving and everything's continuously changing." The environment is rewarding because, even without direct student interaction, colleagues are the end users, creating a satisfying service dynamic.
Who Thrives In IT, According To A Systems Analyst From Higher Education
Alejandra believes that people who thrive in the Systems Analyst role, especially within Higher Education, possess strong soft skills, particularly being "outgoing, sociable" as connections heavily matter; maintaining and growing relationships is crucial, as you "never know when you're gonna work with these people again," which is vital, considering that a high school mentor's connection led to Alejandra's first job. Considering this, people in customer service heavy positions especially need to be personable.
What A Systems Analyst In Higher Education Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Information Technology Industry
Alejandra wishes someone had told her that "anyone can learn technical skills," regardless of their degree, as she initially doubted her qualifications despite having a pure math degree. She emphasizes the importance of "put[ting] yourself out there" and applying for roles, as there's nothing to lose and the desired skillset may already be possessed without even knowing it.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Systems Analysts in Higher Education
Alejandra suggests that a Systems Analyst role, without a number designation, is an entry-level position to consider, as exemplified by their own role, and recommends focusing on job descriptions that specify "entry level" or a range like "zero to three years" of experience. Assistant analyst roles should also be considered when looking for entry-level positions in the field.
Significant Career Lesson From A Systems Analyst At Higher Education
Alejandra, a Systems Analyst in Higher Education, highlights the importance of perseverance and intellectual curiosity in career growth, emphasizing, "never give up and stay curious" and owning up to one's mistakes. A crucial lesson learned is that it's acceptable to "take that pause and that space" to thoughtfully address challenges, as most issues aren't urgent, ultimately promoting a more considered and effective approach to problem-solving.
College Experiences That Helped A Systems Analyst In Higher Education Succeed
To prepare for a career as a Systems Analyst at Higher Education, Alejandra emphasized the importance of being "super active" both on and off-campus, but particularly highlighted the cultivation of strong relationships with mentors and professors, fostered by attending a small school; Alejandra still maintains contact with them, emphasizing that mentorship is a "two-way street" of giving and receiving.
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