Career Spotlight: Computer System Analyst

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Technology is everywhere. It is a vital part of any business or company and when something goes wrong, it can be detrimental to the organization. Computer systems analysts are essential in keeping a company鈥檚 computer鈥檚 systems operating efficiently. Since technology is always changing, computer systems analyst jobs are always evolving.

According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer systems analysts make an average of $99,270 per year and the field is expected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than all other occupations.

Computer System Analyst Job Description

A computer systems analyst is responsible for suggesting how a company use technology to improve its operations as well as diagnosing technical problems and suggesting new programs to increase efficiency.

They work with a variety of organizations and have similar roles and functions. Some of them are:

  • Test software performance
  • Coordinate software or hardware installation
  • Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems
  • Modify software programs
  • Consult with managers to determine the role of IT
  • Develop testing routines or procedures
  • Develop diagrams or flow charts
  • Analyze costs and benefits of IT systems and upgrades
  • Identify information technology project resource requirements
  • Design new systems by configuring hardware and software
  • Document design or development procedures
  • Train others in computer interface or software use
  • Write instruction manuals
  • Provide technical support
  • Collect data about customer needs
Earn a Degree in IT and Get Started on Your Career Path. Learn More.

Computer System Analyst Qualifications

If you鈥檙e interested in becoming a computer systems analyst, you will need qualifications in the appropriate areas.

Most computer systems analysts have a degree in an IT-related field such as business information systems, computer science, information technology, information management systems, or others. Some employers may require applicants to have a master鈥檚 degree, so be sure to check the qualifications where you鈥檇 like to apply.

It鈥檚 also a good idea to complete an internship or part-time job that allows you to practice your technical skills and receive hands-on training working with computer systems.

To see what skills are required to enter land a computer systems analyst job, read on.

Common Skills Before Becoming a Computer System Analyst

A successful candidate for a computer systems analyst position possesses several key skills that puts them above their competitors. Among these are:

  • Proficiency in computer programming
  • Good communication skills
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Technical analysis
  • Business analysis

Education Needed To Become a Computer System Analyst

For most entry-level computer systems analyst positions, a bachelor鈥檚 degree in a computer science or related field is required. 91直播鈥檚 online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program provides you with the knowledge, skills, applications, and practices you need to make an immediate impact in the information technology field. Accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, the online program develops expertise in subjects including software and development, computer systems, database management, network communication, cybersecurity, system administration, human-computer interaction, and project management. This program is a great choice if you鈥檙e looking to become a computer systems analyst.

Computer System Analyst Career Paths

The role of computer systems analyst can open many professional doors for you. Depending on your knowledge, leadership ability, and skill set, you can move into many other positions.

For example, some computer systems analysts can advance to project manager positions where they lead analysts. Others become IT directors or chief technology officers. Some of the many other careers you may obtain thanks to a background as a computer systems analyst are:

  • Computer systems consultant
  • Data processing analyst
  • Information systems analyst
  • Programmer analyst
  • Quality assurance analyst
  • Software quality assurance (QA) analyst
  • Systems architect
  • Applications analysts

If becoming a computer systems analyst sounds like the job for you, consider speaking with an Excelsior admissions counselor to get started on your bachelor鈥檚 degree.

How To Become a Database Administrator

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

As data continues to grow and evolve, and more companies move their businesses to the cloud, the need for database administrators grows.

If you have a knack for IT, computers, and data, read on to see whether a career as a database administrator aligns with your goals.

What Is a Database Administrator?

A database administrator (DBA) is responsible for managing a company鈥檚 databases and ensuring they are backed up so they can be recovered quickly if there are outages. Generally, DBAs perform all administrative and data-related database work. In larger workplaces, however, DBA responsibilities are broken into separate database jobs. These include:

  • System DBA. This kind of DBA focuses on the technical side of how databases are installed and configured. They apply new versions and fine-tune the operating system.
  • Database architect. Database architects are responsible for designing and implementing new databases. They translate data into the physical database and create backup and recovery strategies.
  • Application DBA. These DBAs work with the design and support of the database. They are likely experts in writing and debugging SQL and can incorporate database requests into applications.
  • Task-oriented DBA. This DBA focuses on specific administrative tasks like backup and recovery of a database.
  • Performance analyst. The performance analyst focuses on monitoring and improving the performance of applications that use the database. These DBAs are experts in SQL coding.
  • Data warehouse administrator. These DBAs focus on supporting and monitoring the data warehouse. They have knowledge in business intelligence tools and ETL skills.
  • Cloud DBA. These DBAs have knowledge in the use of cloud computing and know how to implement databases in the cloud.

What Does a Database Administrator Do?

As mentioned, since there are so many different types of DBAs, the roles and responsibilities in this field vary. In general, they share these common duties:

  • Manage software databases like client records
  • Provide secure access to databases
  • Monitor database performance
  • Manage backup solutions to prevent data loss
  • Create user accounts and permissions
  • Test modifications to database structures
  • Optimize databases with updates and patches
  • Maintain security of database system like with anti-virus programs
  • Identify and troubleshoot issues
  • Merge old databases
  • Plan for future growth and capacity needs
Become a database administrator with a bachelor鈥檚 in information technology from Excelsior.

How To Become a Database Administrator

Are you interested in becoming a database administrator? The first step you must take is pursuing the right education. While it is true that some DBAs enter the profession with just a high school diploma and work their way up with relevant experience, most employers strongly prefer DBAs have a bachelor鈥檚 degree in IT, computer engineering, computer science, or a similar field.

You many also want to continue your education through training programs or apprenticeships. You may learn a vast amount through on-the-job training when you鈥檙e hired, but extra work at an internship can only boost your skillset and knowledge base.

Finally, earning certifications will set you apart from other candidates when applying for database administrator jobs. More about that a little later.

Skills Needed To Become a Database Administrator

Just as you need the right education to become a DBA, you also must possess the right skills and qualities. Let鈥檚 go over some of them.

Hard skills. It鈥檚 important for DBAs to have working knowledge in a variety of technical operating systems. These include:

  • Database languages and management systems such as SQL, MySQL, SAP, and Oracle
  • Server operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and Unix
  • Desktop operating systems such as Windows, MacOS, and Linux
  • Hardware component installation, including motherboard, central processing unit, and random access memory
  • Backup solutions and data restore (like system restore)
  • Cloud-based databases
  • Containerization, like, for example, a software deployment process that bundles software code with an operating system

Soft skills. You may be surprised to learn that DBAs also need to master a variety of soft skills to be successful in their job. These include:

  • Good interpersonal communication
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Critical-thinking skills

Education Required To Become a Database Administrator

As mentioned, it is recommended that DBAs have a bachelor鈥檚 degree in a computer- or technology-related field of study.

91直播鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program provides you with the knowledge, skills, applications, and practices you need to make an immediate impact in the information technology field.

Accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of , the online program develops expertise in subjects including software and development, computer systems, database management, network communication, cybersecurity, system administration, human-computer interaction, and project management. Choose between two technical concentrations that prepare you for positions in high-demand job areas within the information technology industry, or pursue the general option that gives you the opportunity to design a study plan that aligns with your career goals.

Database Administrator Certifications

Certifications are always a good idea if you want to grow your skillset and stand out from the crowd. They let potential employers or your current employer know you are willing to keep learning and improving upon your skills.

Some certifications that you can pursue as a DBA are a Microsoft SQL Server Database certification, IBM Certified Database Administrator certification, and the SAP Certified Technology Associate. In partnership with Excelsior, ed2go offers the following certificates for DBAs: Oracle PL/SQL Training, Oracle SQL Training, and Python Data Analysis with Jupyter Lab.

How Much Does a Database Administrator Make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, database administrators make on average $101,000 per year. Employment in the field is expected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than other occupations. Furthermore, about 11,500 openings for database administrators are projected each year over the next decade.

Database Administrator Career Path

If you follow the guidelines above, you can be on your way to becoming a database administrator. The important things to remember as you move along your career path are to have excellent troubleshooting skills, great computer knowledge, good logical thinking, and a curiosity and drive to learn.

As you gain experience as a database administrator, you will grow your knowledge in data security, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, and find doors open to other professions. You may have the possibility of moving up to senior database administrator, IT project manager, IT program manager, or other executive-level positions.

If you think becoming a database administrator is in your future, get started by speaking with an Excelsior admissions counselor.

Career Spotlight: Public Housing Manager

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Today, many families struggle to make ends meet and oftentimes this puts them in the difficult situation of locating affordable housing. This demand for affordable housing, plus a new emphasis on environmentally friendly buildings and an increasing senior population means public housing managers have their work cut out for them.

To learn what kind of career you could have as a public housing manager, keep reading.

What Is Public Housing?

Public housing is not new. In fact, the first public housing program was initiated in 1937 with the passing of the U.S. Housing Act. It was passed as part of President Roosevelt鈥檚 New Deal, meant to provide housing for the cities鈥� poor, as well as to build new, safer, more efficient office and apartment buildings.

Today, public housing continues to be funded by the federal government through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), though most control falls to local governments. Public housing options vary, from single-family houses to high-rise apartment buildings. Housing authorities determine eligibility for public housing based on annual gross income, whether someone lives with a disability or qualifies as elderly or a family, and U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. According to HUD, there are approximately 970, 000 families living in public housing units across the country.

What Does a Public Housing Manager Do?

Public housing managers direct staff, oversee maintenance operations, interact with tenants, and provide overall supervision of a public housing building or complex. They will often inspect in and around the property, ensuring the building and grounds are appropriately cared for and that no repairs or renovations are needed. A clean, well-run building or complex impacts its occupants; a big part of a public housing manager鈥檚 job is to keep their tenants satisfied and safe.

Some other day-to-day duties a public housing manager may have include:

  • Direct the activities of staff and contract employees
  • Inspect grounds, facilities, and equipment for repairs or maintenance
  • Meet with clients to negotiate contracts, coordinate priorities, and discuss finances
  • Coordinate with contractors for various maintenance and construction work
  • Oversee the management of rental fees, insurance payments, mortgage, taxes, and other expenses
  • Create budget and financial reports
  • Maintain detailed records
  • Investigate complaints, disturbances, and violations
  • Maintain contact with fire and police departments, and other agencies to ensure the complex鈥檚 safety and compliance with regulations
  • Meet with boards of directors, community association members, and executive officials
  • Advertise available space to prospective tenants
  • Follow federal guidelines when certifying the eligibility of a potential tenant
  • Stay up to date with property values, tax information, zoning laws, and other important data

How to Get a Career in Public Housing

To become a public housing manager, you need to have the right education and experience. Usually, a bachelor鈥檚 degree is required to enter this field, though some people go on to earn master鈥檚 degrees. That, coupled with voluntary certification, can make your resume stand out and help you to potentially earn more money.

Once you have a degree, it鈥檚 a good idea to take on jobs that will help you climb the ladder to a public housing manager position. Internships and apprenticeships with public housing companies or authorities can give you valuable on-the-job experience. You can also enter the field in administrative studies and property management so you can learn the tools and skills necessary to eventually become a public housing manager.

Education Requirements for a Public Housing Manager

Many people looking to become a public housing manager choose to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 or master鈥檚 degree in business administration, public administration, real estate, urban planning, or other related fields.

91直播鈥檚 Master of Public Administration (MPA) program prepares students to become skilled public service leaders who work toward improving their communities. This program will help you master both the personal and the business side of public administration with courses and assignments that show you how to harness information technology, respond to ethical issues, foster constructive collaboration, and more. You will also gain practical experience in honing your presentation skills, developing strategic plans and financial reports, and analyzing data to make better decisions.

A MPA from 91直播 can put you on the path to becoming a public housing manager.

Public Housing Manager Certification

Though not required, many public housing managers choose to become certified to obtain higher positions, earn greater pay, or increase their skill set.

The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials offers a for professionals who wish to become certified.

If becoming a public housing manager sounds like the job for you, consider speaking with an Excelsior admissions counselor to start your MPA.

鈥婨xcelsior Celebrates 52nd Commencement and First as a University

Posted on by Connor Hall

鈥�Albany, New York鈥� 91直播 celebrates its 52nd Commencement on Friday, July 14 at 2 p.m. at the MVP Arena in Albany, NY. The commencement celebrates the Class of 2023 and is the first commencement since becoming 91直播 on August 1, 2022.听 听

鈥�This year鈥檚 Commencement speaker will be Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Gretchen Evans, an author, athlete, and retired Army Command Sergeant Major. In addition to telling her inspirational story, Evans will also receive an honorary 91直播 degree. She has a decorated Army career and Evans was the 2022 recipient of the Pat Tillman Award for Service awarded at the ESPN ESPY Awards and a 2021 inductee of the U.S. Army Women鈥檚 Foundation Hall of Fame. 听

鈥�Excelsior celebrates its diversity and global representation. The Class of 2023 features 3,949 graduates from across the world. The graduates represent 49 states plus the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico in addition to 20 other nations. A total of 959 graduates are from New York state, including 111 graduates from the Capital Region. The oldest graduate is 82 years young, while the youngest is 11 years old, and the average age of the Class of 2023 is 36 years old. Thirty students earned more than one degree during the academic year. 听

鈥�“We celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of our graduates as well as the determination and perseverance to reach this goal,鈥� said David Schejbal, president of 91直播. “Many of our working adult students put their education into practice immediately at their workplace, and their degree can now give them the confidence to advance professional, influence their communities, and impact generations of their family.”听 听

鈥�91直播 is an accredited, not-for-profit distance learning institution founded in 1971 focused on providing educational opportunity to adult learners. 听

鈥�For those unable to attend, the event is live streamed with engagement opportunities. The livestream and all Commencement information will be shared at excelsior.edu/commencement.听 听

鈥�# # #听

Video b-roll footage:听

鈥�Media Contact 91直播:听

鈥�Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498听

鈥�听

鈥�ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY 听

鈥�91直播 is an accredited not-for profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on servicing individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.听

鈥�听

Career Spotlight: Patient Relations Coordinator

Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

Let鈥檚 face it, a hospital trip usually isn鈥檛 easy. Doctors and nurses are focused on the patient, which many times leaves the family members feeling isolated, alone, stressed, and somewhat angry. Add in bills, discharge information, medicine lists, and you might burst because of the unknown. A patient relations coordinator is there to ensure the family members and the patients understand the information they are given. If you enjoy helping others and want to work in a hospital setting, this might be the job for you!

What Is a Patient Relations Coordinator?

A patient relations coordinator helps to ease the patient and the family鈥檚 stress by answering their questions, explaining insurance policies and billing statements, and reviewing hospital policies. Patient relations coordinators act as the mediator between patients and their families and their medical team.

Where Do Patient Relations Coordinators Work?

A patient relations coordinator works in a hospital or other health care-related setting. Every department in a hospital has patient relations coordinators. Whether you are in the emergency room or in a long-term stay wing, a patient relations coordinator is available to you and your family. Not only are patient relations coordinators there to help the patient鈥檚 family members understand what is going on, but they are also there to advocate for the patient.

Many times, patients have family members or caregivers that can advocate for them, however what happens if someone comes to the hospital alone? A patient relations coordinator will work with the patient and for the patient to ensure they are receiving appropriate care.

Advance your career with 91直播鈥檚 AS in Health Sciences.

What Do Patient Relations Coordinators Do?

Job duties can vary depending on what the patient or family needs on any given day. At the end of the day, all patient relations coordinators work to ensure the needs of the patients and the families are met.

Typical job responsibilities of a patient relations coordinator are to:

  • Advocate for the patients and their families
  • Educate patients and their families on insurance and billing information
  • Explain policies, procedures, and services to patients and their families
  • Create and implement care plans
  • Review care plans with the patients and family members to monitor their progress
  • Communicate and coordinate with other direct care providers

In addition, patient relations coordinators are responsible for researching additional health care resources and referring patients who might need additional assistance and care. Whether you are arranging for a patient to be transferred to a hospice facility, working with a family member to ensure the insurance is set up correctly, or calming down family members during stressful times, patient relations coordinators are key members of a patient鈥檚 care team.

Patient Relations Coordinator Education Requirements

Patient relations coordinators are a great entry-level position to get into the health care- and patient care-related fields. Most employers look for candidates with at least an associate degree in health sciences, psychology, business, or a related field. An associate degree in health sciences from 91直播 can help you obtain or advance your career as a patient relations coordinator. This program can help expand your medical vocabulary, provide knowledge of health insurance, health care billing and financing, federal health care legislation and regulation compliance, and electronic medical records.

As a patient relations coordinator, you will receive on-the-job training as each job can vary depending on where you are working.

Patient Relations Skills Needed

Patient relations coordinators are responsible for a lot of different areas in the hospital; therefore it is important to have the following skills:

  • Customer service skills: It is important to understand customer needs and provide high quality service since you will be working with a lot of different families during stressful times.
  • Active listening and social perceptiveness skills: You must give your full attention to what your clients are saying. It is important to be aware of other鈥檚 reactions and to understand why they might be reacting as they do.
  • Critical thinking skills: You will use logic and reasoning to identify solutions for your patients鈥� problems and concerns.
  • Time management skills: As a patient relations coordinator, you will work with multiple families and patients at one time. Being able to prioritize and manage your time to ensure all of your clients are receiving the best care is important.
  • Negotiation skills: You must advocate for your patients to receive the best care. Because of this, there will be times you will need to negotiate with insurance companies, health care facilities, and other members of the patient鈥檚 care team.

In addition, patient relations coordinators must obtain a personable attitude throughout their day. It is important to remember that most of the people you will be working with are probably under extreme stress, and worried or scared. It is your job to calm them down, and provide information that will make them feel better.

According to Zippia, patient relations coordinators make roughly $45,000 per year. Start your career today by chatting with an admissions counselor at 91直播!

Athena Fertig, AS in Nursing, 2003

Posted on by Mackenzie Veglia

Athena Fertig of Council Bluffs, Iowa, earned an Associate in Science in Nursing from 91直播 (then Excelsior College) in 2003. She shares, 鈥�…Regents gave me the opportunity to earn my degree at my own pace while raising three small children and working full-time as an LPN. This opened doors to higher education that otherwise would have been unattainable for a GED holder.鈥�

In addition to her associate degree, Fertig has earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing, and, most recently, a post-master’s certificate for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Bernard Brown, Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, 2007

Posted on by Mackenzie Veglia

Bernard Brown, of Fair Oaks, California, earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from 91直播 (then Excelsior College) in 2007. Brown shares, 鈥淚 am proud to be an alumnus of Excelsior. The foundation of my undergraduate degree has allowed me to go on to earn two master鈥檚 degrees (Clemson and Texas A&M).鈥� He is the chief operating officer for an emerging energy company.

Linda Peacock, AS in Nursing, 1992; BS in Nursing, 1994

Posted on by Mackenzie Veglia

Linda Peacock, of Saratoga Springs, New York, earned an Associate in Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from 91直播 (then Regents College) in 1992 and 1994, respectively. As a single mother of three sons, Peacock worked three jobs as an LPN while pursuing her degree. She shares, 鈥淚 now have an MBA and have been a nurse educator in pharmaceuticals for the past 10 years! Regents changed my life tremendously!鈥�

John Baldino, MA in Liberal Studies, 2017

Posted on by Mackenzie Veglia

John Baldino, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, earned a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from 91直播 (then Excelsior College) in 2017. After using his Excelsior degree for six years as an instructor at Lackawanna College in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Baldino was recently promoted to assistant professor in philosophy and religious studies. He also was recently published in Catholic Insight for his articles, 鈥淎 Little Lenten Reflection,鈥� and 鈥淢atthew鈥檚 Lessons on Lenten Humility.鈥�

Janet Huizenga, AS in Nursing, 2000

Posted on by Mackenzie Veglia

Janet Huizinga, of Morrison, Illinois, earned an Associate in Science in Nursing from 91直播 (then Regents College) in 2000. Huizinga was an LPN for 27 years prior to earning her degree from Excelsior. She has had experience in CCU, ICU, and cardiac nursing. In addition, she taught clinicals for LPNs and was a travel nurse. She shares, 鈥淚鈥檓 now retired. Thank you for that great ride. I am very proud of what I am!鈥�

Fred Chmiel Named BGSU Women鈥檚 Basketball Head Coach

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

Fred Chmiel is the new head women’s basketball coach at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Chmiel comes to BGSU after spending the last eight seasons on head coach Dawn Staley’s staff at University of South Carolina. During Chmiel鈥檚 tenure, South Carolina won two national titles reaching the Sweet 16 in all seven seasons the NCAA Tournament was held in that time.

Chmiel earned his BS in Liberal Arts from Excelsior in 2010 before earning a master’s degree in coaching and athletics administration from Concordia University in 2022.