So you're thinking about beginning your career as a business analyst or systems analyst and you're wondering if this is a career for the future. 

Absolutely!

U.S. News & World Report specifically included the Systems Analyst as a Best Career for 2008.  While the business analyst title was in in this year's list, if you read the report's definition for the systems analyst you'll realize that they actually refer to the Business Systems Analyst. Here are some quotes from the systems analyst summary:

• "He starts by interviewing users, teasing out what they need as opposed to what they want..."
• "...ability to see the big picture: translate geek-speak into plain English, identify company needs, and get everybody on board..."
• "Because so much sensitive communication is involved, this is among the most offshore-resistant computer-related careers."

 Doesn't this sound like the business analyst? It surely does to me!

In addition, this year's list also includes the Management Consultant.  I consider management consultants to be business analysts on steroids.  These are the guys that are hired to analyze a business and to advise the C-level management on how to improve their business processes, solve operational problems, increase profits, lower costs; that is they do business analysis.  Also, most top management consulting firms such as E&Y, Accenture, etc. not only teach the entry level associates business analysis skills but also many technical skills such as systems analysis and design, software development, data modeling, etc.. 

Here are the links:

U.S. News & World Report - Best Careers 2008

Systems Analyst: Executive Summary

Management Consultant: Executive Summary