Career tips : Systems Analyst

*Career job information for job sekers

Systems analysts are responsible for developing technology solutions for commercial and public sector organisations. They aim to improve business efficiency and productivity.  ( jobs employment )

Systems analysts work as part of a team of IT professionals, either in-house for an organisation or as part of an external specialist company. They investigate and analyse problems or requirements from a business perspective and design and specify suitable systems. Their work may involve interpreting a project and the client's requirements and evaluating all the options to identify potential solutions.

A systems analyst usually works normal office hours. Extra hours may be required to meet deadlines. They usually work in an open plan office environment. Smart-casual or business dress is normally expected. Site visits to clients may be required to gather information or to meet users of the software. There may be a limited amount of travelling.

Salaries range from around £25,000 a year to more than £50,000 for very senior jobs.

Systems analysts should:

• have a good understanding of the business environment
• have a logical and enquiring mind
• be adaptable and able to pick up new IT packages and techniques quickly
• work well on their own or in a team
• be able to work to tight deadlines
• be thorough and precise in their work.

Systems analysts are employed across all industry sectors, from commerce, finance and banking, retail, transport and health to public organisations and local authorities. There are job opportunities throughout the UK, with a higher concentration in south-east England. There are also opportunities overseas.

Systems analysts are usually educated to degree level or equivalent. Employers welcome applicants from academic degree courses other than IT, including computer science, maths and physics, as well as graduates of business and arts and humanities degrees who have a flair for problem solving.

For those without a degree it is important to have relevant work experience in programming, development or testing.

Other relevant qualifications include NVQs in IT, BTEC National Diplomas and Higher National Diplomas in IT, computing, programming or software engineering.

Employers may consider applicants from other degree courses and there are conversion courses for people who have not studied an IT-related subject.

Most training is on the job and includes in-house training courses and qualifications.

Systems analysts can choose whether to specialise in a technical, hands-on role or move into management. One promotion route is to become a senior analyst and progress to project manager. Analysts may also move into lecturing or training, or work as consultants.

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