What is a System Analyst? An Overview and Job Description

The roles and responsibilities of System Analysts are diverse yet widely considered crucial to the successful operation of modern businesses. In the age of cloud-computing and increasingly digitised businesses, System Analysts have become a cornerstone of business efficiency, productivity, and development. A System Analyst's job description is to look at existing IT systems and devise ways to improve, replace, or integrate new ideas that benefit the business. Given the competitiveness of the business world and the increasing reliance on well-designed IT solutions, System Analysts are in great demand. Learn all about the necessary skills, qualifications, responsibilities, salary range, and more of a System Analyst below. 

Roles and responsibilities - What does a System Analyst do?

The roles and responsibilities of System Analysts will of course vary depending on the specific role and seniority. Some businesses may be in the period of digitising their workflows and require a System Analyst to oversee the gradual change, while others may require more independent thinking to identify areas of potential improvement. However, the day-to-day duties of a System Analyst will include the likes of: 

• Testing, reviewing, and analysing IT systems to identify areas of potential improvement or modification
• Assessing potential solutions for feasibility both financially and technologically and presenting findings in a report
• Assisting in the transition from legacy to new systems
• Understanding and utilising the software development lifecycle
• Liaising and working seamlessly with development, programming and, testing teams to realise solutions
• Managing and overseeing the integration of new proposed systems and solutions
• Working with end users to guide them through the process of new systems, providing training where necessary
• Communicating effectively with both external clients and internal managers on the status of systems and potential developments
• Keeping up to date with industry developments, new systems, trending solutions, and more. 

What skills and qualities do successful System Analysts have?

To become a successful System Analyst, you will need a skill set heavily invested in the technological side of business development. For example, System Analysts are required to possess an analytical mind paired with an in-depth understanding of the hardware, software, and programming behind IT solutions. Beyond this, general skills such as a strong grasp of interpersonal relationship building will be a tremendous benefit when it comes to communicating with clients, employees, and so on. 

The top and most sought-after System Analysts will also embody a range of qualities, including but not limited to a natural gift for teamwork, planning, flexibility, and presentation skills. They will also have the confidence required to drive change and enact solutions in a swift, organised, and detail-oriented manner. 

How to become a System Analyst - What are the qualifications and technical skill requirements?

For the majority of System Analyst roles, a graduate degree is considered a requirement. Specifically, those with IT degrees are favoured, while those with business, computer science, and other related degrees are often considered, given they can prove a level of proficiency in technology, IT systems, and so on. Some candidates also find their way into System Analyst roles through apprenticeships and a variety of hands-on junior experiential roles or by taking a postgraduate course related to IT systems. 

Aside from the qualifications required, successful System Analysts will benefit the most from a strong understanding of the industry and systems commonly used. System Analysts are required to take a business's current IT systems and decipher where they could be improved and how this can be achieved. Only through this knowledge are individuals able to properly explore, analyse, and understand how to improve a business' current systems. 

Bear in mind that candidates with internships and other IT-related work experience will be considered preferential. Furthermore, knowledge in SQL, C++, Java, and other programming skills is a huge benefit. 

Career development - What is the potential career path of a System Analyst?

Working as a System Analyst can be a highly rewarding and fruitful career path. In the immediate term, working as a successful System Analyst for several years should present the opportunity to work as a senior System Analyst, carrying out similar duties but with greater responsibilities and some mentorship roles for junior staff. 

While System Analyst roles require a reasonable portfolio of qualifications and skills to land, the nature of the job means a great deal of training on the job. This provides plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and refine your interests within the field. Furthermore, the role provides individuals the chance to develop interpersonal skills such as communication which are vital the more senior you become. 

There will also be opportunities to profess your career in roles such as IT Manager, IT Project Manager, IT Director, and more. In general, working as a System Analyst will also encourage movement around companies and fields to advance your career. Other roles related to analytics, big data, cloud tech, security and more are seen as potential routes for some individuals. 

Salary and remuneration - How much are System Analysts paid?

System Analysts are in general, a well-paid role. With the industry being in high demand for highly skilled analysts and plenty of room to gather a glowing CV, there is considerable room to command higher salaries as you progress into more senior roles. 

For more information about the salary of a System Analyst role, use our salary comparison tool.