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How a computer systems analyst can use AI, task by task

O*NET 15-1211.00: Computer Systems AnalystsMedian pay $105,850/year (BLS, May 2025)22 tasksJob Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Applications Analyst, Business Systems Analyst, Computer Analyst, Computer Systems Analyst, Computer Systems Consultant, Information Systems Analyst (ISA), IT Analyst (Information Technology Analyst), IT Systems Analyst (Information Technology Systems Analyst), Programmer Analyst, Systems Analyst.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 38%AI-assist 62%Stays human 0%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 7 AI-ready, 15 AI-assist and 0 human-led tasks out of 22. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

None of this job's listed tasks fall in this group.

AI can draft these 7

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.

Daily

AI walks through likely causes and fixes.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 90% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Describe the symptoms and error messages and AI walks you through likely causes and step-by-step fixes, most likely first.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a computer systems analyst. Part of my job is to troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.

Context: We use Linux and UNIX; the work draws on computers and electronics, customer and personal service and mathematics.
System: [application, telehealth]
Symptoms: [errors, logs]

List likely causes and tests. Rank causes from most to least likely with a quick test for each, and flag safety risks.

10-minute exercise: Application troubleshooting

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you troubleshoot program and system malfunctions (today).
Step 2Fill in [System] and [Symptoms] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Test the most likely cause first, and stop at anything it flags as a safety risk.

Never follow AI repair steps that bypass safety procedures, lockout/tagout or manufacturer guidance.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems..

Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.

Weekly

AI walks through likely causes and fixes.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 97% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person. This label was updated from real usage data.

Show prompt & steps

Describe the symptoms and error messages and AI walks you through likely causes and step-by-step fixes, most likely first.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a computer systems analyst. Part of my job is to test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.

Context: We use Linux and UNIX; the work draws on computers and electronics, customer and personal service and mathematics.
System: [application or server]
Symptoms or metrics: [paste]

List likely issues, checks to run, and a daily health checklist. Rank causes from most to least likely with a quick test for each, and flag safety risks.

10-minute exercise: System health check

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems (this week).
Step 2Fill in [System] and [Symptoms or metrics] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Adopt the useful parts as your daily routine.

Never follow AI repair steps that bypass safety procedures, lockout/tagout or manufacturer guidance.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Monitor computer system performance to ensure proper operation.. Also involves: Test software performance.; Coordinate software or hardware installation..

Use object-oriented programming languages, as well as client and server applications development processes and multimedia and Internet technology.

Daily

AI writes, explains and tests code you review.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 66% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI coding assistants can write, explain, test and refactor code from a plain description. You review, test and own what ships.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a computer systems analyst. Part of my job is to use object-oriented programming languages, as well as client and server applications development processes and multimedia and Internet technology.

Context: We use C and Microsoft Azure software; the work draws on computers and electronics, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Language and context: [language, existing code]
Goal: [what it should do]
Constraints: [style, performance, security]

Propose an approach, then write the code with comments and tests. Propose the approach first, then the code with comments and tests, and point out security risks.

10-minute exercise: Write code

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you use object-oriented programming languages (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Language and context], [Goal] and [Constraints] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Run the tests yourself and read every line before merging.

Don't paste secrets, passwords or proprietary code into tools your employer hasn't approved.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Write computer programming code..

Review and analyze computer printouts and performance indicators to locate code problems, and correct errors by correcting codes.

Weekly

AI finds trends and writes the spreadsheet formulas.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 86% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Paste a spreadsheet or table and ask AI to find trends, outliers and totals, or to write the formula you need. It's like having an analyst on call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a computer systems analyst. Part of my job is to review and analyze computer printouts and performance indicators to locate code problems, and correct errors by correcting codes.

Context: We use Microsoft Power BI and Tableau; the work draws on computers and electronics, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Problem: [delays, errors, defects, protocol issues]
Data: [paste logs, indicators, printouts]

Find patterns that point to the cause, rank likely causes, and suggest checks and fixes. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Root-cause from data

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you review and analyze computer printouts and performance indicators (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Problem] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Run the first check it suggests and confirm the cause before fixing.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 3.6/5 · O*NET work activity: Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems..

Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.

Monthly

AI writes, explains and tests code you review.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 69% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person. This label was updated from real usage data.

Show prompt & steps

AI coding assistants can write, explain, test and refactor code from a plain description. You review, test and own what ships.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a computer systems analyst. Part of my job is to expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.

Context: We use C and Microsoft Azure software; the work draws on computers and electronics, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Program: [what it does now]
Change: [new purpose or improvement]

Propose changes, write the diff with tests. Propose the approach first, then the code with comments and tests, and point out security risks.

10-minute exercise: Modify a program

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you expand or modify system.
Step 2Fill in [Program] and [Change] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Run the tests yourself and read every line before you'd use it.

Don't paste secrets, passwords or proprietary code into tools your employer hasn't approved.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Modify software programs to improve performance..

Develop, document, and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards.

Monthly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a computer systems analyst. Part of my job is to develop, document, and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards.

Context: We use Microsoft SharePoint and Microsoft Word.
Project: [system or program]
Changes or procedures: [paste notes, commit summaries]

Draft documentation: overview, procedures, revision history and known issues. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Development documentation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop, document, and revise system design procedures, test procedures and quality standards.
Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Changes or procedures] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the code or system as it actually works today.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 3.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Document design or development procedures.. Also involves: Develop testing routines or procedures..

Read manuals, periodicals, and technical reports to learn how to develop programs that meet staff and user requirements.

Monthly

AI pulls out what matters from long documents in seconds.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 60% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Paste a long document, manual or policy into AI and ask for the parts that matter to you. You get a summary in seconds, then you read the key sections it points you to.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a computer systems analyst. Part of my job is to read manuals, periodicals, and technical reports to learn how to develop programs that meet staff and user requirements.

Context: The work draws on computers and electronics, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Document: [paste the contract, regulation, manual or report section]
Why I'm reading it: [decision or task it feeds]

Give me a 5-bullet summary, the requirements or obligations it creates, key numbers and dates, and terms I should look up. Quote the source sentence for each point.

10-minute exercise: Get the key points from technical reading

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you read manuals, periodicals and technical reports.
Step 2Paste it into [Document] and say what you need it for in [Why I'm reading it].
Step 3Verify two quotes against the original and note anything important it skipped.

Remove names and private details before pasting, and check your employer's rules on what you can share with AI tools.

Importance 3.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Read documents to gather technical information..

AI can help you prep these 15

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer-related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.

Daily

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 87% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a computer systems analyst. Part of my job is to provide staff and users with assistance solving computer-related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.

Context: The work draws on computers and electronics, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Software: [describe]
Common problems: [list]

Write clear fixes and when to escalate. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Software support answers

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide staff and users (today).
Step 2Fill in [Software] and [Common problems] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Provide technical support for software maintenance or use..

Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.

Weekly

AI drafts scripts and configs; design and security are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 52% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft configurations, scripts and test cases and explain unfamiliar systems. Architecture and security decisions need your expertise.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a computer systems analyst. Part of my job is to use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.

Context: We use C and Microsoft Azure software; the work draws on computers and electronics, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Business problem: [what's slow, manual or error-prone]
Inputs and outputs: [data in, results needed, who uses them]

Propose a system or automation, specify inputs, processing and outputs, and write starter code or queries with tests.

10-minute exercise: Solve a business problem with IT

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you use the computer (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Business problem] and [Inputs and outputs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Prototype the smallest piece and test it on real (anonymized) data.

Don't paste secrets, passwords or proprietary code into tools your employer hasn't approved.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Apply information technology to solve business or other applied problems..

Analyze information processing or computation needs and plan and design computer systems, using techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, and information engineering.

Weekly

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 38% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a computer systems analyst. Part of my job is to analyze information processing or computation needs and plan and design computer systems, using techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, and information engineering.

Context: We use Microsoft SharePoint and SAS; the work draws on computers and electronics, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Project: [system, facility]
Needs: [data]

Derive specifications and gaps. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Requirements analysis

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you analyze information processing or computation needs and plan (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Needs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Analyze project data to determine specifications or requirements.. Also involves: Design integrated computer systems..

Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility so that information can be shared.

Weekly

AI drafts scripts and configs; design and security are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 96% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft configurations, scripts and test cases and explain unfamiliar systems. Architecture and security decisions need your expertise.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a computer systems analyst. Part of my job is to coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility so that information can be shared.

Context: We use C and Microsoft Azure software; the work draws on computers and electronics, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Network: [LAN, WAN, wireless]
Requirements: [users, security]

Propose configuration with commands and tests. Propose the approach first, then the code with comments and tests, and point out security risks.

10-minute exercise: Network configuration

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you coordinate and link the computer systems (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Network] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Test changes in a maintenance window with rollback ready.

Don't paste secrets, passwords or proprietary code into tools your employer hasn't approved.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Configure computer networks..

Train staff and users to work with computer systems and programs.

Monthly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 64% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a computer systems analyst. Part of my job is to train staff and users to work with computer systems and programs.

Context: We use Microsoft PowerPoint and Structured query language SQL; the work draws on computers and electronics, customer and personal service and mathematics.
System: [describe]
Users: [describe]

Plan training with hands-on tasks and a cheat sheet. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Software training

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you train staff and users.
Step 2Fill in [System] and [Users] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check users can complete a real task.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 3.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Train others in computer interface or software use..

Consult with management to ensure agreement on system principles.

Monthly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a computer systems analyst. Part of my job is to consult with management to ensure agreement on system principles.

Product or system: [describe]
Stakeholders: [users, management]

Draft questions to settle requirements. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Specification discussion

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you consult with management.
Step 2Fill in [Product or system] and [Stakeholders] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details..

Specify inputs accessed by the system and plan the distribution and use of the results.

Monthly

AI drafts scripts and configs; design and security are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft configurations, scripts and test cases and explain unfamiliar systems. Architecture and security decisions need your expertise.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a computer systems analyst. Part of my job is to specify inputs accessed by the system and plan the distribution and use of the results.

Context: We use C and Microsoft Azure software; the work draws on computers and electronics, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Business problem: [what's slow, manual or error-prone]
Inputs and outputs: [data in, results needed, who uses them]

Propose a system or automation, specify inputs, processing and outputs, and write starter code or queries with tests.

10-minute exercise: Solve a business problem with IT

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you specify inputs.
Step 2Fill in [Business problem] and [Inputs and outputs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Prototype the smallest piece and test it on real (anonymized) data.

Don't paste secrets, passwords or proprietary code into tools your employer hasn't approved.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Apply information technology to solve business or other applied problems.. Also involves: Select production input materials..

Determine computer software or hardware needed to set up or alter systems.

Monthly

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a computer systems analyst. Part of my job is to determine computer software or hardware needed to set up or alter systems.

Context: We use SAP software and Microsoft Project; the work draws on computers and electronics, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Project: [system change, network install]
Needs: [users, functions, site]

List hardware, software, cabling and staff needed. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: IT resource requirements

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you determine computer software or hardware.
Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Needs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 3.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Identify information technology project resource requirements..

Supervise computer programmers or other systems analysts or serve as project leaders for particular systems projects.

Weekly

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a computer systems analyst. Part of my job is to supervise computer programmers or other systems analysts or serve as project leaders for particular systems projects.

Context: We use Microsoft Project and SAP software; the work draws on computers and electronics, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Project: [describe]
Team and timeline: [describe]

Draft a project plan with milestones, meetings, risks and status reporting. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: IT project management

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you supervise computer programmers or other systems analysts (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Team and timeline] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 3.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Manage information technology projects or system activities.. Also involves: Supervise information technology personnel..

Assess the usefulness of pre-developed application packages and adapt them to a user environment.

Monthly

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 58% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a computer systems analyst. Part of my job is to assess the usefulness of pre-developed application packages and adapt them to a user environment.

Context: We use SAS and The MathWorks MATLAB; the work draws on computers and electronics, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Need: [what we want to do]
Candidates: [tools]

Compare features, cost, integration and risks in a table, and suggest a trial plan. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

10-minute exercise: Software or tool evaluation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you assess the usefulness of pre-developed application packages.
Step 2Fill in [Need] and [Candidates] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check pricing and features on vendor sites.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 3.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Evaluate utility of software or hardware technologies.. Also involves: Modify software programs to improve performance..

Confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address.

Monthly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 46% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a computer systems analyst. Part of my job is to confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Product or system: [describe]
Stakeholders: [users, management]

Draft questions to settle requirements. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Specification discussion

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Product or system] and [Stakeholders] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 3.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details..

Recommend new equipment or software packages.

A few times a year

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 35% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a computer systems analyst. Part of my job is to recommend new equipment or software packages.

Context: The work draws on computers and electronics, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Need: [describe]
Options: [list]

Explain recommendations and reasons. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Hardware recommendation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you recommend new equipment or software packages.
Step 2Fill in [Need] and [Options] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 3.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Provide recommendations to others about computer hardware..

Define the goals of the system and devise flow charts and diagrams describing logical operational steps of programs.

Monthly

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 45% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a computer systems analyst. Part of my job is to define the goals of the system and devise flow charts and diagrams describing logical operational steps of programs.

Context: The work draws on computers and electronics, customer and personal service and mathematics.
System: [security, software, process]
Goals: [what it must do]

Describe the flowchart steps and decision points. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Flowchart or system diagram

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you define the goals of the system.
Step 2Fill in [System] and [Goals] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 3.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop diagrams or flow charts of system operation..

Interview or survey workers, observe job performance, or perform the job to determine what information is processed and how it is processed.

Monthly

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a computer systems analyst. Part of my job is to interview or survey workers, observe job performance, or perform the job to determine what information is processed and how it is processed.

Context: We use SAS and The MathWorks MATLAB; the work draws on computers and electronics, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Users: [departments, roles]
System or service: [what we're improving]

Write interview questions, an observation checklist, and a requirements table template. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

10-minute exercise: Requirements gathering plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you interview or survey workers.
Step 2Fill in [Users] and [System or service] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Use it in one user interview and fill the table.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 3.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Collect data about customer needs..

Prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses to aid in decisions on system implementation.

A few times a year

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a computer systems analyst. Part of my job is to prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses to aid in decisions on system implementation.

Context: We use Microsoft Power BI and Tableau; the work draws on computers and electronics, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Project: [describe]
Inputs: [tasks, rates, materials]

Build an estimate table with assumptions and formulas. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Time and cost estimate

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses.
Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Inputs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest. Recompute every total yourself.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 2.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Estimate time or monetary resources needed to complete projects..

These stay human 0

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Contact with others: contact with others most of the time · Face-to-face discussions: once a week or more but not every day · Impact of decisions: important results

None of this job's tasks are here.

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Critical Thinkingimportance 3.8/5
    Used in: Working with Computers
  • Reading Comprehensionimportance 3.9/5
    Used in: Working with Computers
  • Active Listeningimportance 3.8/5
    Used in: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
  • Complex Problem Solvingimportance 3.4/5
    Used in: Working with Computers

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

  • Software Developers13% human-led · Same preparation · $135,980/yr · usually bachelor's degreeSkills to build: Technology Design
  • Computer and Information Systems Managers30% human-led · Same preparation · $175,140/yr · usually bachelor's degreeSkills to build: Management of Financial Resources, Management of Personnel Resources, Negotiation
  • Computer Network Architects13% human-led · Same preparation · $134,050/yr · usually bachelor's degreeSkills to build: Negotiation

New tasks appearing in this job

O*NET has started tracking 1 new or updated task here: 1 AI-ready, 0 AI-assist, 0 stays human. They have no worker ratings yet, so they aren't counted in the bar above.

Write code to perform desired actions.

New in O*NET

AI writes, explains and tests code you review.

Show prompt & steps

AI coding assistants can write, explain, test and refactor code from a plain description. You review, test and own what ships.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a computer systems analyst. Part of my job is to write code to perform desired actions.

Context: We use C and Microsoft Azure software; the work draws on computers and electronics, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Language and context: [language, existing code]
Goal: [what it should do]
Constraints: [style, performance, security]

Propose an approach, then write the code with comments and tests. Propose the approach first, then the code with comments and tests, and point out security risks.

10-minute exercise: Write code

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you write code.
Step 2Fill in [Language and context], [Goal] and [Constraints] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Run the tests yourself and read every line before merging.

Don't paste secrets, passwords or proprietary code into tools your employer hasn't approved.

New O*NET task (08/2023). O*NET hasn't linked it to work activities yet, so its label comes from similar tasks, such as “Write code for statistical applications.” (Statistical Assistants), and was checked by hand. O*NET work activity: Write computer programming code.. Also involves: Design websites or web applications.; Code data or other information..

Getting into this job

Associate's degree is most common (51% of workers)

  • High school or less 1%
  • Certificate or some college 5%
  • Associate's 51%
  • Bachelor's 42%
  • Graduate degree 1%
  • On-the-job training: 6–12 months
  • Related experience: 2–4 years

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values). Some of these estimates are lower precision.

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Adobe AcrobatAdobe IllustratorAdobe PhotoshopAJAXAmazon DynamoDBAmazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2Amazon RedshiftAmazon Web Services AWS CloudFormationAmazon Web Services AWS softwareAnsible softwareApache CassandraApache Hadoop