Systems analysts design (and often build) IT solutions which allow businesses, projects, teams, etc to operate efficiently.

What systems analysts do

• meet with a project leader and client to discuss their project
• discuss their detailed plans with the client, and establish feasibility
• prepare flow diagrams and decide which parts of the system can be computerised
• assess the hardware required to implement the system (speed, cost, memory size, etc)
• liaise with programmers, allocate sections of software to each one and supervise software production
• consider the changes necessary if the system is found inadequate during testing
• may analyse business systems and consider methods of cost reduction.

Key skills

• ability to analyse and solve problems
• strong interpersonal skills for dealing with clients
• verbal and written communication skills
• business awareness and time management.

Training to be a systems analyst

Some employers recruit graduates who have received systems analysis training as part of their degree studies.

Most graduates working in software begin as programmers, then become analyst programmers and eventually systems analysts through on-the-job training.

Salaries

Trainee systems analysts or analyst programmers can expect salaries from £19,000 to £28,000. Those progressing into systems analysis from programming work are paid up to £40,000. For senior posts, this increases to over £50,000. Top salaries exceed £80,000.

Professional bodies

• BCS (British Computer Society)
• Institute of Business Consulting
• Institution of Analysts and Programmers

Related jobs

• Software engineers
• Systems managers
• Systems programmers