How to become a Systems Analyst

A systems analyst decides what kind of IT is suitable for their business by looking at its needs. They implement new systems and look at old systems to decide whether they are working or not, upgrading them if needed.

By considering the needs and goals of a business, a systems analyst helps them function better using technology. Someone in this position will analyse their business and work out which IT programmes will help them improve, considering costs, efficiency and reliability. A systems analyst will work with colleagues to find the most compromisable solution for everybody.

The main systems analyst responsibilities are as follows: 

• Designing computer systems with the needs and goals of the company in mind, making sure that they are based on a large amount of research, including cost-benefit analysis, to provide the most suitable solution. 
• Maintaining current systems and troubleshooting any problems that may occur with them. 
• Upgrading systems when the current system has proved to be not functional for its desired use. 
• Communicating with people in other teams and ensuring that any new systems or upgrades are functioning as planned. 
• Reporting on systems and explaining why changes have been made to management or a wider pool of employees. 

A systems analyst career path may begin with a degree in IT, computing, or business. However, it is not necessarily a graduate role – many people join at entry level without tertiary education and train on the job. 

Nonetheless, it is crucial that prospective systems analysts have a keen understanding of computing and IT, with a great knowledge of programming languages and systems. The ideal candidate will have some relevant work experience and be able to show their aptitude for the subject through a deep knowledge of it, which can be gained by taking some extra courses to supplement their education and training.

Businesses across the board need systems analysts, so it is possible to do this job in a wide range of industries. It is beneficial to have experience, knowledge and an appreciation of the specific industry. 

Systems analysts typically have full-time positions, but may often need to work overtime hours. Certain projects need to be completed as they come in, and often systems analysts will want to experiment when nobody else is in the office to avoid any IT-based disruption to work. 

The systems analyst salary is generous, factoring in the responsibility of the job and the likeliness of working overtime, with a lot of salary progression as the candidate works their way up the career ladder.