Computer Systems Analyst

Also known as:

Systems Analyst
Business Systems Analyst

Introduction

Systems analysts design computer systems to help organisations work more efficiently. They work closely with staff at all levels to find out what problems people have with the existing system, and what they hope a new system will achieve. Analysts produce a design for a system that will meet the organisation's needs.

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Work Activities

Systems analysts use information technology (IT) to help organisations work more quickly and efficiently. They investigate the business problems and then design a computer system to improve the way the business works.

They work closely with people as well as with computers.

At the start of a project, systems analysts talk to computer users and managers to find out what the problems are, and what the organisation wants to achieve from the new system. For example, a business may want to reduce costs, or increase the speed or scale of production.

The analyst carries out a detailed study of the organisation, its procedures and the needs of the people who use its systems.

To do this, analysts need business knowledge and an understanding of computers and programming. They gather information from staff at all levels within the organisation.

Next, they analyse this information and design a computer system (or systems) to meet those needs. They write a specification, describing how the new system will work, what equipment or software the organisation will have to buy, and the type of training staff will need. They also work out costs.

Once the organisation's management has agreed the system, the systems analyst works with IT specialists, systems designers and programmers to create it.

Systems analysts more often update or redesign out-of-date systems rather than introduce totally new ones.

It is now more common for analyst-programmers or developers to do the whole process of needs analysis, system design and program development.

Systems analysts have an office base, but they often travel to visit their clients. They may also travel to meet staff from companies supplying IT equipment.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a systems analyst, you must enjoy solving problems and weighing up the pros and cons of different solutions. You must be able to learn quickly.

You need a logical and analytical mind, as well as creative abilities. You must be aware of business needs and be willing to spend time finding out about the organisation that needs your help.

Good communication skills are as important as technical knowledge.

You must be able to work well with staff at all levels, including managers, IT specialists and the people who will use the system every day. You need to be a good listener and able to ask the right questions, to find what problems people have with the existing system, and what their expectations are for the future.

You will need to be tactful and good at negotiating, perhaps to convince a manager that the system you suggest is the most suitable.

You must be able to explain your ideas clearly and confidently to people who may not have technical knowledge. You need good report writing and presentation skills.

You need to work under pressure to meet deadlines and deliver projects on time.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for computer systems analysts vary depending on the range of their responsibilities, and the size and type of company they work for.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Systems analysts earn in the range of £21,500 - £27,000 a year, rising to £35,000 - £44,000. Higher earners can make around £54,000 a year.

Salaries may include performance related pay, profit sharing or company bonuses.

Systems analysts usually work a 35-37 hour week, Monday to Friday. They might sometimes have to work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines.

There are jobs throughout the UK, with employers in industry and commerce, including banks, building societies and insurance companies, as well as in the public sector with local authorities, central government departments, the National Health Service (NHS) and public utilities.

Systems analysis is increasingly carried out on short-term contracts or on a consultancy basis, often through specialist IT recruitment agencies.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have relevant programming or IT project management skills.

Some employers, such as computer consultancies, prefer applicants with an IT/computing degree or HND.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course, eg, Access to IT/Computing, could be the way in. These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

Distance learning in relevant subject areas is available from Computeach Ltd.

• 4% work part-time.
• 21% have flexible hours.
• 3% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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