Systems analysts maintain existing IT systems and write requirements for new ones.
Systems analyst : Salaries | Employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills
Systems analysts analyse how well software, hardware and the wider IT systems fit the business needs of their employer or of a client. They write requirements for new systems and may also help implement them and monitor their effectiveness.
Typical duties include:
- examining current systems and carrying out regular reviews of how well they are supporting the organisation.
- establishing the needs of the organisation and the goals of each project.
- talking to users and establishing their needs from the system.
- solving problems with existing systems.
- designing, testing and implementing new systems.
- liaising with stakeholders to keep them informed of progress and to seek feedback.
- liaising with other IT staff such as programmers to produce new systems.
- managing projects to ensure IT changes do not disrupt the organisation.
- producing specifications and providing training for new or modified systems.
- continuously building your skills and knowledge.
In the past, being on site at clients’ premises was an important part of this role. However, it is now possible for systems analysts to work from home or flexibly. Working hours are generally standard (eg 9.00 am to 5.00 pm) but you could find yourself working long hours when project deadlines are due.
Graduate salaries
Salary review websites place starting salaries for graduate systems analyst in the region of £22,000 to £25,000.
Typical employers of systems analysts
- IT or software consultancy firms.
- Commercial and industrial organisations.
- The Civil Service.
- Retailers.
- Service industries.
- Financial institutions
- Local government organisations.
You could become self-employed once you have sufficient experience.
Jobs are advertised targetjobs , by careers services and by specialist recruitment agencies.
Qualifications and training required
To get a job as a systems analyst you usually need a degree in a technical or IT subject, or experience from a related role.
If you’re an arts and humanities graduate (with a 2.1 degree or higher) you could take an IT postgraduate conversion course or be able to demonstrate skills and industry awareness acquired from another source. Employers often require candidates to meet high standards in programming aptitude tests.
There are a handful of systems analyst apprenticeships out there but there are more in software development or other IT roles.
Key skills for systems analysts
- Strong analytical skills.
- Excellent technical skills and enthusiasm to continue to develop them.
- Attention to detail.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Project management skills.
- Teamwork skills.
- Written and verbal communication skills.
- Interpersonal skills.
- Negotiation skills.
Now head to our guide to graduate IT assessment centres to clue yourself in to what to expect.
FAQs
As a systems analyst, your job is to collaborate with users, project team members, and senior managers to envision new software systems and hardware configurations that meet your organization's needs. You will also work to improve existing systems, ensuring they meet the needs of the organization.
What is the job description of a systems analyst? ›
Job Summary
Typical responsibilities include: maintaining software systems; performing system problem solving; meeting with users to define business needs; performing project management; serving as a team leader; and, supervising lower level information technology staff.
What best describes the role of a systems analyst? ›
These professionals advise employers and clients on which software they may need, implement the software, and liaise with users to ensure the programs function properly. Employed by large corporations and small startups, systems analysts may work for one company or consult with clients.
Is system analyst a hard job? ›
System analyst is a good position for those with interest in computer science, information technology, and management. However, the career often consists of long hours and high-stress situations.
What are the three 3 major roles of system analyst? ›
The analyst plays many roles, sometimes balancing several at the same time. The three primary roles of the systems analyst are: consultant, supporting expert, and agent of change."
How to be a good system analyst? ›
To be a successful system analyst, one must have the following skills.
- Creative and critical thinking. System analysts should necessarily come up with groundbreaking solutions to computer-related problems. ...
- Technical analysis. ...
- Effective communication. ...
- Business and management skills.
Systems analysts are computer experts who assess the current state of a company's systems and work to implement new ones to improve the performance and efficiency of an organization.
Which of the following skills is most important for a systems analyst? ›
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
Systems Analysts must excel in analyzing complex data and processes to identify issues and devise effective solutions.
Which of the following best describes a systems analyst's responsibilities? ›
Systems analysts are highly trained technical specialists who write the software instructions for computers. Systems analysts constitute the principal liaisons between the information systems groups and the rest of the organization.
What are the hard skills for system analyst? ›
Technical system analysts need a range of hard skills to excel in their role. These include project management, troubleshooting, and technical support, as well as proficiency in tools like Java, SQL Server, and Unix.
Systems Analyst Requirements:
Degree in computer science, information systems, or relevant field. Prior experience as a systems analyst or in a similar position. Business-related qualifications a plus. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
What are the four phases of system analysis? ›
Chapter 1 introduces the systems development life cycle (SDLC), the fundamental four-phase model (planning, analysis, design, and implementation) common to all information systems development projects.
What is the job description of a System Analyst? ›
A System Analyst is a skilled professional that works to enhance user experience with software programs. They advise employers and clients on which software program they may need, implement the software and communicate with users to ensure the programs work well.
What is the highest salary for a System Analyst? ›
Average starting Salary for System Analyst in India is around ₹3.0 Lakhs per year (₹25.0k per month). 2 years of minimum experience is required to be a System Analyst. What is the highest salary for a System Analyst in India? Highest salary that a System Analyst can earn is ₹19.4 Lakhs per year (₹1.6L per month).
What is the average age of a systems analyst? ›
Age and gender
The median age of Systems Analysts is 42 years. This is similar to the all jobs average of 40 years. Females make up 26% of the workforce.
What experience do you need to be a systems analyst? ›
Work experience and certification: you require work experience to succeed as a systems analyst. Gain experience through internships and entry-level programmer or analyst roles. Some employers also require professional certifications, such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
What is the role of the analyst? ›
Analysts conduct research and analyze publicly available or privately collected data to find patterns, trends, and insights that can help in decision-making and planning.
What is the role of an IT analyst? ›
An information technology analyst or IT analyst is a highly technical and skilled professional who works with computer systems and software to improve efficiency in an organisation. They are critical in managing and maintaining a company's information technology infrastructure and ensuring smooth technical functioning.
Which degree is best for a system analyst? ›
A bachelor's degree in computer science, management information systems, information science, or a related field prepares students for entry-level computer systems analyst careers. Graduates can take on roles such as programmer analyst, data processing systems analyst, and information systems analyst.
