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.
Problem-Solving, Continuous Learning, Customer Service, Adaptability, Technical Proficiency
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Alejandra Cortes
Systems Analyst
Higher Education
Chapman University
University of San Diego, Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
Mathematics, Data Science, Statistics
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing), Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Finance
Video Highlights
1. Every day is different and presents new puzzles to solve, leveraging problem-solving skills.
2. The role involves continuous learning about various organizational functions and finding creative solutions to meet their needs within existing systems.
3. The professional has a customer service focus, striving to fulfill user requests and rarely having to decline them due to system limitations.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your role?
Every day is different; it's like a puzzle. I do have an undergraduate degree in math, so maybe I'm not the best ambassador to ask about this, but I love puzzles. Every single day feels like a new puzzle.
I try to be as proficient as I can in every system, but I don't know everything. Many times, end-users come to me with requests like, "Hey, I want to do this or change this. Is this possible?" Sometimes the answer is, "I don't know," because I literally don't know.
Then I research on the internet or connect with ITS or other campus resources to figure out the solution. Often, I'm able to find a solution or make the change they want. I can count on one hand the times I've told someone no, that something isn't possible due to system limitations. This has happened only three or four times.
Most of the time, I find a creative solution to their problem using the systems we have. That's why I like it; every day is different, and I never know what they'll ask.
Also, since I work in finance, I'm not involved in the day-to-day operations of other departments. I don't know what they need or do unless they tell me. I'm always learning something new about the different functionalities across the organization and how I can meet those needs. This ties back to customer service.
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