How to Become a Contract Analyst

Contract analysts break down a contract into manageable bits and pieces.

Contract analysts are experts at understanding, processing, managing and explaining contracts of all sorts. They typically work for large companies, government bodies and other major organizations within the private and public sector. They often specialize in a particular field or industry, such as engineering, public health or nonprofit organizations. Becoming a contract analyst requires higher education, related job skills and experience.

Instructions

1. Prepare for a career as a contract analyst while in high school. Take advanced courses in mathematics and economics. Join your school’s finance club or similar organization. Start thinking about what kind of contract analysis work you want to do.

2. Choose colleges and apply for admission. Consider important factors such as the cost of enrollment, location, career services, programs offered, student-teacher ratio and living costs. Choose a school with a strong reputation in the areas of finance, mathematics and economics.

3. Obtain a bachelor’s degree in a business, finance, mathematics, accounting or a related field. Learn how to analyze data and statistics, as well as negotiate in a business setting. Take courses in law, economics, marketing, statistics, computer systems and software and higher mathematics. If you plan to specialize in a particular field, such as public health, supplement your coursework with classes in your chosen area.

4. Complete an internship with a financial consultancy firm or similar organization. You can do this while still in college or shortly after graduating. Take advantage of the internship to make professional contacts, gain experience in the field and acquire skills necessary for the career.

5. Apply for jobs in the field of contract analysis. Look for jobs through employment websites, online classified ads, newspapers and other media. Indeed, Career Builder, Simply Hired and Craigslist are good places to start your search online. Check the classifieds sections of major regional newspapers such as "The New York Times" and the "Los Angeles Times." Don’t expect to land the job of your dreams at first; you often need a few years of experience to get hired as a full-time contract analyst.

References

• My Majors: Contract Analyst Job and Career Info
• Providence Health & Services: Careers -- Contract Analyst
• Southern Company: Contract Analyst Job Description
• The Advisory Board Company: Careers -- Contract Analyst

Resources

• Indeed: Contract Analyst Jobs
• Career Builder: Contract Analyst
• Simply Hired: Contract Analyst Jobs
• Craigslist