Updated July 2023
Making it as a programmer analyst is about so much more than learning how to code. This occupation demands a surprisingly broad skillset that ranges from IT mastery to creativity, communications, problem solving, diplomacy, and business savvy.
Programmer analysts are in demand because they provide essential services organizations need to overcome technical challenges, increase productivity, and meet the complex needs of clients and users.
So, what do you need to break into this industry? What's the profile of a successful programmer analyst, and what kinds of skills can you expect to learn in programmer analyst training?
We're going to dive into the skill spectrum you'll be looking to build in school and throughout your career. But first, we'll explain exactly what a programmer analyst does.
Role and Responsibilities of a Programmer Analyst
Programmer analysts can work on video games, websites, mobile apps, databases, and computer systems. Daily responsibilities will vary depending on where you work and what the company needs.
However, the core job of programmer analysts is always the same: figure out what kinds of systems and applications a company needs, then develop or customize solutions to meet those needs.
They do this by:
- Writing, modifying, and debugging code
- Upgrading applications to improve stability and security
- Testing systems and applications
- Collecting and analyzing data on system performance
- Analyzing and coding back-end systems integrations
- Training users and providing helpdesk support
- Contributing solutions to user manuals and training materials
So, what are the top skills needed to succeed in this role?
1. Most-wanted technical skills & coding languages
Obviously, you won't get far as a programmer analyst if you don't have razor-sharp IT skills and mastery of today's most popular coding languages.
A quality programming diploma will focus on the skillset you need to get your foot in the door and land your first position after college. The curriculum should be tailored to current industry needs—the technical skills companies want most in new hires right now.
Hundreds of job postings across multiple sites show employers are looking for programmer analysts who can:
- Develop applications within the .NET framework
- Access and manage data stored in databases
- Design and program databases using Microsoft SQL Server
- Deploy, maintain, and secure Windows-based applications
- Develop web and mobile applications
- Utilize a range of operating systems
- Use advanced Java features
- Develop interactive client-side web pages
- Use popular coding languages, frameworks, and technologies like Java, JavaScript, PHP, C#, Python, C++, SQL, and .NET
2. Communication & Teamwork
Programmer analysts don't work alone, producing and testing code in complete isolation. A key part of this job is figuring out the unique business needs of the organization you're working with, and then customizing systems and applications to fit those needs.
This involves communicating with other departments and team members, presenting your recommendations, and in many cases, training users on new programs.
You may also be responsible for helping users with any technical issues by answering questions, dealing with bugs, and following up on requests.
The bottom line? You'll need to be great at handling feedback and criticism, working closely with others, and patiently explaining highly technical concepts to non-technical people.
This is much more of a "communications" role than most students realize when they're just starting out.
3. Analysis & Problem solving
Essentially, this is what you'll be doing all day at work. Programmer analysts assess client needs, research possible technical solutions, and then design and develop those systems and applications—solving problems that come up along the way.
Quality assurance is an important part of this job as well. You'll be expected to thoroughly test any software you develop or modify, and take care of any bugs, before implementation.
On an ongoing basis, programmer analysts must also evaluate existing programs, and propose functional improvements, based on new trends and best practices.
A sharp eye for detail, research skills, and effective problem-solving are essential requirements for success in this career.
4. Understanding business challenges and goals
Programmer analysts work with IT services and consulting firms as well as large companies across various industries—including financial services, healthcare, education, media, and government. Their main goal is to help businesses and organizations run better by optimizing and customizing their computer systems and software.
It's very helpful when programmer analysts understand the "language" of business—so when clients talk about their communication challenges, operational structure, and growth goals, the analyst can keep up, "talk the talk," and really understand those needs.
You don't need business training to build a successful programmer analyst career, but a little savvy will go a long way when you're competing for that first job after college.
Later in your career, you may end up specializing in a particular industry or type of company—and will develop a deeper expertise in the software and systems challenges common to that field.
5. BEING Adaptive aND A quick learner
If there's one thing you can count on in IT, it's change. Just think about how far computer systems have come in the last 20 years...and what this field might look like, just a decade or two from now.
Organizations are facing all kinds of system and software challenges; problems you'll be expected to adapt to and solve throughout your career. Some of the biggest trends in this field involve areas like:
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud computing
- The Internet of Things (IoT)
- Progressive web apps (PWAs)
- Deep learning
- Blockchain technology
There are so many exciting areas to focus on for programmer analysts who can adapt quickly and are open to learning new skills. Businesses and organizations need your expertise to navigate the fast-changing, increasingly complex world of IT.
Learn more about starting a programmer analyst career
Interested in an alternative to a four-year software engineering or computer science degree?
The software development program at Herzing College Montreal takes only 12 months to complete. It includes an internship to help students apply what they've learned in class and gain real-world experience before graduation.
Herzing also offers free academic advising to anyone. We strongly recommend meeting with an advisor to learn more about the skills you'll need to succeed in class, your job options, financial aid, program structure, and admission requirements.
Chat live with an admissions advisor right now. Or click below to explore the training and request more information. We're here to help!
