Systems analyst

As a systems analyst, you'll use your problem-solving skills to help improve the IT system of a business. You'll monitor the performance of the current structure, anticipating when it needs updating or replacing. For each development process, you'll carry out a cost analysis and agree on a timeframe for implementation.

A key part of the role is liaising between, and reporting to, internal and external clients, as well as meeting stakeholders, including programmers and developers. Overlap with project management is also common.

To be successful, you'll need a mix of technical and business skills, as you'll be building relationships with others in your fields.

Roles in the IT sector are fluid, so look closely at job descriptions rather than job titles. Systems analysts can sometimes be referred to as business analysts, as they often share similar responsibilities.

What does a systems analyst do?

As a systems analyst, you'll typically need to:

• examine and analyse existing IT systems and business models to identify areas for improvement
• write reports on requirements and identify options for potential solutions, such as a new system or an upgrade, assessing them for technical and business suitability
• liaise closely with internal and external clients in order to present proposals, which includes translating client requirements into detailed project briefs
• conduct requirements analysis and prepare specific proposals for modified or replacement systems
• produce project feasibility and costings reports
• work closely with programmers, developers, and testers to create solutions, build new systems, and ensure user compatibility
• troubleshoot any technical issues while also carrying out analysis on risks to the organisation's IT systems
• manage document testing schedules for a complete system
• oversee implementation of a new system, including data migration, while also meeting budget and deadline expectations
• map and document interfaces between legacy (old) systems and new ones
• support users on change control and system updates, which may also include training users on new systems that have been implemented
• maintain and monitor existing systems to ensure optimal efficiency
• keep up-to-date with industry developments, trends, and emerging technologies.

How much does a systems analyst earn?

• Salaries for junior analysts are in the region of £30,000.
• With a few years of experience, systems analysts in the UK can earn around £38,000 on average, though this can be as high as £45,000.
• Senior systems analysts earn roughly £50,000, but this can be significantly higher with a lot of experience.

Salaries are higher in some sectors, such as finance, and in areas like London, the South East, and the Midlands. If you have good business skills, you could move into more strategic business development roles with more pay.

Figures are intended as a guide only. For more information on systems analyst salaries, see IT Jobs Watch.

How many hours does a systems analyst work?

You'll typically work between 37 and 40 hours a week, covering the standard 9am to 5pm business hours. Overtime, including weekends, is possible in order to meet deadlines and deal with any technical issues.

You'll usually be office-based, but you'll also be required to travel, such as when meeting clients. As such, overnight stays and some overseas travel are possible. There may also be opportunities for hybrid or remote working.

How do I become a systems analyst?

Systems analysts usually enter the profession as junior programmers, gaining experience before moving into a full analyst role. Many are graduates with IT and business-related qualifications. The following degree subjects are relevant:

• business management and information systems
• business administration
• computer science
• information management systems
• information technology/technology management
• mathematics and operational research
• science-based 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.

If you're a graduate from a non IT-related subject, you could take a postgraduate qualification in IT and business skills. Search postgraduate courses in computer science.

Tech Industry Gold Skills, with the help of some of the biggest employers, has designed the BSc and MSc IT Management for Business (ITMB) degrees. The aim is to give students the technical, business and interpersonal skills needed for a career in the IT sector. These degrees are accredited by TechSkills.

There are also a range of IT courses that are accredited by the British Computer Society for Chartered IT.

Alternatively, you can do a degree apprenticeship. For example, The Level 6 Digital & Technology apprenticeship combines study with paid work, allowing you to train on the job whilst gaining a qualification. You can search for an apprenticeship using find an apprenticeship section of the government website.

It's possible to get into the field without a degree or HND via an entry-level role. You could then work your way up by doing further training and qualifications.

What skills does a systems analyst need?

• a high level of technical expertise and broad knowledge of IT hardware, software, systems analysis and design tools, programming and scripting languages, and databases
• a solid understanding of languages used in the tech sphere, such as Java, C++, Oracle, and more
• a methodical, investigative and inquisitive mind, and attention to detail
• good interpersonal and client-handling skills, as well as communication competencies, with the ability to manage expectations and explain technical detail
• a creative approach to solving IT-related problems
• organisation, planning, and time management skills
• an awareness of current business practices and an interest in the way organisational processes work.

Where can I get systems analyst work experience?

It's vital that you get some relevant IT-related work experience. This could be through vacation work, an internship, or an industrial placement. Some degree courses include a year in industry, where you'll develop your skills and experience through real-life projects, as well as build a network of contacts.

Large companies usually advertise internships and placements on their websites and on IT job sites However, you may have to make targeted speculative applications to smaller businesses.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Who employs systems analysts?

IT businesses hiring systems analysts range from industry giants, such as IBM, to micro organisations employing fewer than five people. As such, you should think about which type of organisation best suits your needs.

Analysts work in almost every kind of organisation within the IT sector, including firms of management consultants, software and systems houses, and large manufacturers of computing equipment, who offer consultancy services.

Consultants' client businesses are diverse and include:

• automotive firms
• civil service
• commercial and manufacturing companies
• education institutions
• financial services and insurance sector
• global investment banks
• public sector organisations
• retailers
• service industries
• utility companies.

Some companies specialise in one area, such as internet solutions, or produce software tailored to a particular market. If you're employed as a systems analyst, you'll be required to have, or develop, specialist knowledge and experience in that area, as well as gain knowledge about products and client sectors. Some end-user organisations with large IT departments may also employ their own internal analysts.

Working with a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) may allow you to develop a broader range of skills, gain earlier responsibility and experience a variety of short-term projects.

Opportunities also occur overseas with UK and foreign companies, or with international organisations.

Look for job vacancies at:

• CWJobs
• Hays Recruitment
• IT JobBoard

Start making applications to larger firms in the autumn term of your final year as competition for vacancies is keen, particularly with high-profile employers. You can also search on professional networking sites, such as LinkedIn.

See the Management Consultancies Association (MCA) for a list of member consultancy firms that may be useful for speculative applications.

Where can a career as a systems analyst lead?

Your immediate prospects depend on the size and type of the organisation you work for, so movement between employers is relatively common.

Systems analysts often develop expertise in a particular business sector, and career progression depends on your ability to upskill in line with current trends in the sector, such as:

• analytics
• big data
• cloud technology
• data protection
• mobile apps
• security.

Your career advancement opportunities might include:

• progression to senior or lead analyst role, leading a team of analysts
• developing specific technical expertise, such as in a systems or technical architect role
• project management, or sales and account management roles
• moving in a more strategic business direction, either within the company or with a consultancy firm.

The size of the organisation you work for, as well as its structure and business focus, is likely to influence the way your career progresses. In a larger company, you may have more opportunity to specialise in a particular client group or to advance through the corporate structure. You may also get the chance to work in multidisciplinary teams or in overseas branches of the parent group. In a small organisation, you might gain experience in a variety of associated functions across the business, feel closer to the front line of business activity, and see the direct commercial impact of your contribution.

Further training often takes place on the job with additional support from in-house courses. These are likely to cover programming languages and the principles of systems analysis. You may also receive specific technical training related to the projects you're working on.

Formal training is more likely in larger companies where you'll typically gain experience in a variety of working environments and systems. In some cases, mentoring schemes are available.

You can enhance your interactions with clients by developing interpersonal skills in areas such as communication, team leadership, and presenting.

You'll need to keep learning throughout your career to keep-up-to date with new technologies and advances in products and services. Membership of relevant bodies, such as The Institution of Analysts and Programmers (IAP) and the BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT) is useful for access to events, training, advice, and for building up a network of contacts.

You could study for a short course or a Masters, or undertake a practitioner qualification offered by a specialist training provider. Useful qualifications include the BCS Practitioner Certificate in Enterprise and Solutions Architecture and Prince2 project management qualifications. With experience, you could apply for professional registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP).

Although more companies are addressing the gender imbalance in the IT sector, women are still underrepresented across the UK. This is a recognised issue and steps are being taken to redress the balance. See Women in Tech and BCSWomen for more information and opportunities.