Systems analyst job profile

As a systems analyst, you'll use computers and related systems to design new IT solutions, modify existing systems and integrate new features, to improve business efficiency and productivity

Liaising between, and reporting to, internal and external clients and stakeholders (including programmers and developers) is a key part of your role. Overlap with project management is also common.

For each development process you plan, and associated proposal you submit, you’ll carry out a cost analysis and agree on a timeframe for the implementation schedule.

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 typically need to:

examine and analyse existing IT systems and business models and identify requirements
map and document interfaces between legacy and new systems
understand software development lifecycles
liaise closely with both internal and external clients and present proposals
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 undertake product development
produce project feasibility and costings reports
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
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.

Salary

Junior analysts generally earn between £20,000 and £25,000.
With a few years' experience, analysts can earn up to and above £40,000.
Salaries are higher in some sectors, especially the financial sector and in London, the South East and the Midlands. If you have good business skills, you could move into more strategic business development roles with higher pay.

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

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'll 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:

a high level of technical expertise and broad knowledge of hardware, software and programming
excellent analytical skills
a methodical, investigative and inquisitive mind and attention to detail
good interpersonal and client-handling skills, with the ability to manage expectations and explain technical detail
excellent oral and written communication skills
good presentation skills
the ability to learn quickly
teamworking skills
a logical approach to problem solving
planning and negotiating skills
initiative and self-confidence
a flexible approach to work
an awareness of current business practices and an interest in the way organisational processes work.

You'll also be expected to have a working knowledge of programming, in programs such as:

SQL
Oracle
Visual Basic, C++ and Java
Unified Modelling Language (UML)
SAP business software applications
web-based technologies.

Work experience

It's important to get relevant IT-related work experience. This could be through vacation work, an internship or an industrial placement. Large companies usually advertise internships and placements on their websites and on IT job websites, but you may have to make targeted speculative applications to smaller businesses.

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.

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

Employers

IT businesses in the UK range from industry giants, such as IBM, to micro organisations employing fewer than five people, so you should think about which type of organisation will best suit your needs.

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

Consultants' client companies are diverse and include:

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

Some IT companies specialise in one area, such as internet solutions, or produce software tailored to a particular market. If you're employed as an analyst, you'll be required to have or develop specialist knowledge and experience in that area or about those products and client sectors.

Some end-user organisations with large IT departments may employ their own internal analysts. Increasingly sophisticated payment systems, information storage, client records management and compliance processes are growth areas.

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:

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

Professional development

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 and specific technical skills training related to the projects you are working on.

Many large companies run mentoring schemes to provide support and ensure that you're exposed to different working environments and systems.

Developing interpersonal skills in areas such as communication, team leadership and presenting can help enhance your interaction with clients.

Membership of relevant bodies such as The Institution of Analysts and Programmers (IAP) and the BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT) is useful for building up a network of contacts.

Continuing professional development is key throughout your career and you'll need to keep updating and reviewing your skills as new technologies, products and services emerge. You could study for a short course or Masters at a university or undertake a practitioner qualification offered by a specialist training provider. Useful CPD qualifications include the BCS Practitioner Certificate in Enterprise and Solutions Architecture and Prince2.

With experience you could apply for professional registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP).

Career prospects

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

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, leading a team of analysts
indirect moves within the organisation, such as developing specific technical expertise (in a systems/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 that your career progresses.

In a large organisation, 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.

Systems analyst