Programmer and system analysis personality traits

There are a variety of different personality traits which a computer programmer should possess, by having these traits individuals who fill this job position may find that their daily workload is minimized much more quickly than if they lack these traits. The first trait which computer programmers should possess is an analytical mind. Since they will have to analyze the programming process every step of the way, possessing a trait of this kind will make their job much easier. Having an analytical mind will help a programmer see many solutions to one problem.

Another positive trait for computer programmers to possess is a good attitude towards teamwork. Many computer programmers need to work side by side with others in the computer department so if the individual has a good teamwork attitude they are certain to make their days progress smoothly. Some companies might designate one part of a program to one employee while another employee works on another, without a good teamwork attitude the company would never see a completed program.

Computer programmers should also be efficient communicators. Many of the individuals who fulfill the role of computer programmer will find themselves as a type of liaison for various individuals such as members of the general public and company employees. They will help these individuals to not only understand the computer programs but to walk them through ways that they can correct any problems they may have with the computer programs. An individual who possesses good communication skills will find that this trait comes in handy in their daily job duties.

Although some programmers may work on a team sometimes it is required that the programmer works by their self. So a computer programmer should also be self motivating and must be able to work well alone.

A systems analyst also requires a variety of different personality traits to be successful in his or her career. A system analyst must be an efficient communicator, because most of their job involves interaction with people. Some tasks where system analysts’ must be efficient in communication include: interacting with the customers to know their requirements, interacting with designers to convey the possible interface of the software, and Interacting and guiding the coders and developers to keep track of system development.

A systems analyst should also possess an analytical mind. It is very important for them to see several solutions to one problem, or to find many different ways to achieve one goal. When a systems analyst is making a proposal of a new system they should use their analytical mind to come up with at least three possible systems: one that costs a lot of money, one that costs very little money and one that is in between those two.

A systems analyst should have integrity and high business ethics. This is because a systems analyst has access to confidential information such as salary; an organization’s planned projects, and security systems. It is part of the analyst’s job to keep companies confidential information safe and secure.

Another good set of traits for an analyst to have would be traits of the Conscientiousness kind. This category contains traits like being organized and thorough. Being organized will help the analyst find things easier and will make his work more efficient. If an analyst is being thorough they are making sure that everything is done in a timely manner and making sure that everything is done correctly.

A systems analyst must also like to travel. Part of their job may include traveling to client’s sites to help determine the client’s wants and needs. This may be a drawback to some people wanting to be a systems analyst whose personality traits include a fear of flying.

The person who fills the job of a computer programmer or the job of a systems analyst requires some very similar personality traits. For instance both jobs involve analytical thinking. They both need to come up with several solutions to solve a problem or achieve a goal. Also computer programmers and system analysts both need to be efficient communicators. Programmers may communicate with managers or users on what their program does or with information on how to use their program. While system analysts mainly communicate with users to get information on what the user wants the system to accomplish. Both computer programmers and system analysts must be able to self motivated and work alone on some projects.

Although both jobs have many similarities they also differ in a variety of ways. While a systems analyst may travel often for their job, a computer programmer spends most of his day confined in his cubicle at their computer. Another difference is a system analyst deals with very confidential information requiring him to have high ethics and integrity, while a computer programmer does not deal with that much confidential information therefore he is less likely to be tempted to breech company policy. Although a computer programmer may or may not work on a team to write a programmer, it is less likely that system analysts team up with other system analysts to develop a system.

Even though there are several more personality traits that are required for each of these professions, these traits listed are just to get an idea of what each one involves. Both of the careers have a lot of similarities which is why some companies will promote an experienced programmer displaying these personality traits up to a systems analyst. Both of these jobs would be greatly beneficial to any computer science major that possess these personality traits.

Works Cited

Bently, John E. “Page 1 Paper SER-06 Laziness, Impatience, Hubris: Personality Traits of a Great Programmer.” Laziness, Impatience, Hubris: Personality Traits of a Great Programmer. 1 Feb. 2009 .

Rosenbloom, Joshua L., and Ronald Ash. “Gender Differences and Similarities in Personality Characteristics for Information Technology Professionals.” Characteristics and Career Paths of current IT workers. 3 Feb. 2009 .

Seiler, John A. Systems Analysis in Organizational Behavior. Richard D Irwin, 1967.

Smith, D. C. “The personality of the systems analyst: an investigation.” ACM SIGCPR Computer Personnel Dec. 1999: 12-14.