Systems Analyst
What is the work like?
As a systems analyst, you would be employed by an organisation to examine their IT systems and processes, and recommend improvements.
Your work could range from integrating the telephone and computer networks in a call centre, to re-structuring a bank’s customer account databases to make them more secure.
Your main duties would include:
- working with the client to identify their organisation’s needs
- drawing up plans for a modified or replacement IT system
- carrying out feasibility studies of proposals and making recommendations
- working closely with programmers and software developers to build the system
- overseeing installation and testing correcting problems ('bugs') before the final version is released
- providing staff training and instruction manuals for the new or upgraded system.
An important part of your job would be to make sure that your designs are flexible enough to adapt, as the organisation or business grows (known as ‘future-proofing’).
You would use various computer assisted software engineering (CASE) tools and programming methods in your job.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To work as a systems analyst you would normally need a BTEC HNC/HND or degree and industry experience. Relevant subjects include:
- computer science/studies
- information management systems
- business information systems
- maths and operational research.
Alternatively, you could consider the Information Technology Management for Business (ITMB) degree, which is offered by several universities. This has been developed by e-skills and employers to meet specific industry needs, for example in project management and business awareness. For more details, see the e-skills UK website.
If you have a non-IT related degree, you could take a postgraduate IT ‘conversion’ course, although companies may still require some work experience to back this up. Employers recommend that you look for a course which focuses on business skills as well as technical knowledge.
You would be expected to have a working knowledge of programming skills and analysis methods. Some of the most common are:
- SQL
- Visual Basic, C++ and Java
- Unified Modelling Language (UML)
- SAP business software applications.
See the websites for e-skills UK, British Computer Society (BCS), the Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS) and the Institution of Analysts and Programmers (IAP) for more details about careers in this field.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working, you would normally receive training from your employer in specific software and analysis tools.
It is important to keep your skills up to date and you could do this by taking professional development courses with industry bodies, for example:
- e-skills UK Graduate Professional Development Award, covering key skills required by the IT industry
- British Computer Society Certificate, Diploma and Professional Graduate Diploma with options in systems design
- ISEB Diplomas in Business Analysis and Systems Development
- Institute for the Management of Information Systems training courses
- Institution of Analysts and Programmers (IAP) professional development courses.
You can find more information about professional development options on the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) website. This has been developed by professional bodies and employers and allows you to identify your current skills and work out career development options.
Where can I go for more information?
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN1 1HJ
New Mill Road
Orpington
Kent
BR5 3QG
Tel: 0700 002 3456
36 Culmington Road
London
W13 9NH
Tel: 020 8567 2118
London
SW1E 6DR
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Newly qualified systems analysts can expect to earn between £19,000 and £24,000 a year.
- Experienced analysts earn between £25,000 and £45,000.
- Senior analysts involved in project management can earn over £50,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally work 37 to 40 hours a week. You may have to work overtime, including weekends, in order to meet deadlines or solve technical problems.
This is an office-based job, where you would work either at your company's premises or at your client's site. You may have to work away from home sometimes.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a broad knowledge of hardware, software and programming
- a creative approach to problem-solving
- the ability to gather and interpret information
- excellent communication skills
- the ability to explain ideas clearly to technical and non-technical colleagues and clients
- good negotiating skills
- good teamworking skills
- the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
- the ability to plan and manage a project
- an appreciation of wider business demands
- the ability to work to a budget
- a willingness to keep up to date with developments in technology.
What opportunities are there?
Your job prospects are likely to be good, as this type of role is in great demand across a whole range of business and public sector organisations.
With experience, you could be promoted to senior analyst roles, although movement between companies is quite common to achieve this. You may have the option to become a specialist analyst in a particular field, for example finance or security. For more information on this role, see the related job profile for IT Security Coordinator.
Further options include moves into project management or strategic business planning. You could also become self-employed and work on a contract or consultancy basis.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in a new window)
ITJobsWatch
ComputerWeekly
Computing Careers
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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