A systems analyst examines the specific needs of an organisation and designs new IT systems to improve efficiency and productivity. They are also called business systems analysts.
The Work
You could be:
analysing business structures and needs
studying the existing IT system and data, and deciding how to make it more effective, or designing a new one
using software development lifecycle models and project management frameworks, such as Agile, Waterfall, or PRINCE2
using data and process modelling to document existing systems and design new ones
producing feasibility and costing reports
writing technical documents for the developers to follow when creating the system
monitoring the installation and testing of the system
ensuring that the project is within budget and meets deadlines
training staff how to use the new system and producing a manual for them.
You might specialise in systems for business, scientific or engineering environments.
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
where you work
the size of company or organisation you work for
the demand for the job.
Salaries can start at around £25,000 a year. With experience this can rise to between £30,000 and £55,000 a year or more.
If you do contract work the daily rate varies.
Conditions
You will usually be office based.
You generally work office hours from Monday to Friday.
You might sometimes have to work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines.
You will have to travel to meet clients in different organisations.
Entrants are mostly graduates with technical skills, although you may get in with an HND (SCQF Level 8) and suitable experience. Appropriate subjects include computing systems, information systems or information technology.
Graduates in other subjects may take a postgraduate 'conversion' course (SCQF Level 11) leading to a Diploma or MSc in information technology, computer systems or information systems.
For entry to an HND you normally require 1-2 Highers plus some subjects at National 5. Degree courses (SCQF Levels 9-11) require 4-5 Highers, sometimes including Maths.
You may start as a developer and after 2-3 years' experience move into systems analysis.
Some entrants have IT project management skills.
Jobs are in banks, insurance, construction, utility companies, engineering and manufacturing companies, local and central government, universities, software houses and IT consultants.
This is an expanding job area and there is competition for vacancies.
knowledge of programming languages and data modelling
excellent analytical skills
a logical approach to problem solving
an understanding of business and business processes
good communication skills
the ability to ask the right questions
good report writing and presentation skills.
You need to be able to:
keep up to date with new developments
manage a project and meet deadlines
work within a budget
explain the systems to staff who may not have technical knowledge
persuade people to adopt new systems
lead and work as part of a team.
Training
Most companies offer ongoing training.
You would probably take short, certified courses run by software manufacturers.
You can study for relevant professional qualifications through professional organisations such as BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, which now also incorporates the Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS).
You may study towards qualifications in project management, such as PRINCE2.
Getting On
You might move on to become a senior analyst or a project manager.
2025
