Find your next job as a System Analyst at Careerkeg. Find the latest jobs in your field including IT, Science, Engineering and more!
The job of a system analyst is to design and develop technology-based solutions for organizations. They consult with users, gather data and analyze business processes, then create an infrastructure to automate processes. System analysts work on projects as a member of a team, as opposed to being the leader or only employee on a project. Entry level positions require having at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science and relevant experience; candidates usually need two to three years experience before advancing or taking on leadership roles.
What is a Systems Analyst?
Systems analysts are professionals who work in the business world to analyze and improve systems that help companies run efficiently. The role of a system analyst is to be able to look at the big picture and understand how individual components fit together, then come up with ways to improve those relationships. Systems analysts can have many different titles, including software developer, project manager and technical consultant.
What Does a Entry Level Systems Analyst Do?
An entry level systems analyst will usually start out performing more menial tasks such as testing software or writing documentation. As they gain experience, they may take on more complicated projects such as planning new systems or redesigning existing ones. Entry level systems analysts may also perform troubleshooting tasks if there are issues within existing systems or programs. This can involve working directly with clients and other employees within the company to identify problems and find solutions for them.
What Does a Systems Analyst Earn?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that an average salary for a systems analyst was $76,830 per year in 2016 (www.bls.gov). This includes both salaried employees who are paid hourly wages (as well as overtime pay)
As a system’s analyst, you’ll use computers and related systems to design new IT solutions, modify, enhance or adapt existing systems and integrate new features or improvements in order to improve business efficiency and productivity. You’ll need a high level of technical expertise and clear insights into current business practices.
You will:
- examine existing IT systems and business models
- analyse systems requirements
- undertake product development
- implement, configure and test feasible solutions.
Your role is to liaise between, and report to, internal and external clients and stakeholders, including programmers and developers, throughout the development process.
You will conduct a cost analysis and agree the time frame to implement the proposed solution. You’ll specify and shape the system requirements and operations, the user interface and output and present the proposal to the client. You will work closely with the client team, including commercial managers and software developers, during both the report and implementation phase.
Fourth generation languages (4GL) and object-orientated programming simplify technological language, so traditional boundaries between systems or business analysis and programming have eroded. Overlap with project management is also common.
Job titles in the IT sector are fluid so look closely at job descriptions rather than job titles.
Responsibilities
As a systems analyst, you’ll work on an organisation’s particular IT system but also with a client’s legacy environment so you need to be able to adapt to different programming languages.
Work activities also depend on the size and nature of the employing organisation and the focus of clients’ business demands, but you’ll typically need to:
- liaise closely with external or internal clients
- analyse clients’ existing IT systems and business models
- map and document interfaces between legacy and new systems
- understand software development lifecycles
- translate client requirements into highly specified project briefs
- identify options for potential solutions and assess them for both technical and business suitability
- conduct requirements analysis and prepare specific proposals for modified or replacement systems
- develop solutions and related products
- produce project feasibility and costings reports
- present proposals to clients
- work closely with programmers, developers, testers and a variety of end users to ensure technical compatibility and user satisfaction
- ensure that budgets are adhered to and deadlines are met
- draw up, supervise and document testing schedules for complete systems
- oversee implementation of a new system including data migration
- plan and work flexibly to deadlines
- support users on change control and system updates
- provide training and user manuals to users of a new system
- keep up to date with technical and industry developments.
Working hours
You’ll typically work 37 to 40 hours a week. Overtime, including weekends, is possible in order to meet deadlines and deal with any technical issues. Longer working hours may be the norm in the financial sector and consultancy.
What to expect
- You’ll be office-based, with most communication via phone and email. You may spend some time outside the department or office, particularly in the early stages of a project when you may need to work in a client’s office or business area. Work usually takes place in a project team, which might be based on clients’ premises.
- You may be able to work flexibly or from home. Organisations often outsource systems/business analysis and IT development work to IT consultants.
- Jobs are available in many large towns and cities in the UK, but most large employers are based in London and the South East of England. Experienced analysts may choose to set up as independent consultants.
- There are more men than women working in the industry. However, various groups exist to support and increase the representation of women in IT and technology, such as BCSWomen.
- You will need to travel to meet clients and may have to stay away from home overnight. You may also travel overseas if the company has interests and clients outside the UK.
Qualifications
You don’t need a degree for entry-level positions that include training and development opportunities, but most systems analysts are graduates in IT and business subjects.
If your degree is in a business-related subject, you’ll need to demonstrate interest in – and a clear understanding of – technology and information management systems, preferably with evidence of relevant qualifications outside your degree studies.
Analysts usually enter the profession as junior programmers, progressing to developer and/or consultancy roles. You’ll need experience to progress.
The following degree subjects are relevant:
- business information systems
- business studies
- computer science
- information technology
- electrical or electronic engineering
- information management systems
- mathematics and operational research
- science-based subjects.
It’s also possible to take a BSc/MSci IT Management for Business (ITMB). This degree was established by leading employers and Tech Partnership Degrees to address the skills gap and shortages in the industry. Search the course providers offering the ITMB.
You could also take a degree apprenticeship, which combines work with part-time study at a university. Tech Partnership Degrees, for example, accredits the Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are available at different levels and in various areas of IT.
Most new entrants to larger companies are graduates with a 2:1 degree. However, entry is possible with an HND if you have prior experience.
You can enter this field without a degree or HND, but you’ll need well-developed IT skills and previous experience in a related role.
If you’re a graduate from a non IT-related subject, you could take a relevant postgraduate conversion qualification. Search postgraduate courses in computer science.
Skills
You’ll need to have:
- broad knowledge of hardware, software and programming
- the ability to learn quickly
- teamworking skills
- a logical approach to problem solving
- excellent analytical skills
- good interpersonal and client-handling skills, with the ability to manage expectations and explain technical detail
- business awareness
- a methodical, investigative and inquisitive mind and attention to detail
- presentation skills
- excellent oral and written communication skills
- planning and negotiating skills
- initiative and self-confidence
- a flexible approach to work
- an interest in the way organisational processes work.
As a systems analyst, you’ll be expected to have a working knowledge of programming as well as analytical skills. Common programs include:
- SQL
- Oracle
- Visual Basic, C++ and Java
- Unified Modelling Language (UML)
- SAP business software applications
- web-based technologies.
