Systems Analyst

Systems analysts work in the information technology (IT) and telecommunications industries. They are responsible for developing specifications for IT solutions for commercial and public sector organisations. They aim to improve business efficiency and productivity.

Their role can be broken down into three main areas:

investigating and analysing the IT requirements from a business perspective
discussing priorities in order to calculate what should be included in IT systems
designing and specifying a suitable system.

The work of a systems analyst may involve:

interpreting the project and the client’s requirements to create detailed system specifications
evaluating the options for possible solutions and assessing their merits on a business and technical basis – for example, deciding whether a new system is cost effective and compatible with existing systems
detailing accurately and clearly the benefits of their proposals
discussing IT problems and requirements with programmers and designers
ensuring that the proposed system is flexible enough to cope with current and future demands
ensuring that the required standards are met
arranging staff training on the new system and preparing manuals for users.

Systems analysts work as part of a team of IT professionals, either in-house for an organisation or as part of an external specialist company. They use a variety of computer-aided software engineering tools (CASE tools) to assist them in maintaining existing software and installing new products.

The role of a systems analyst can vary greatly, depending on the employer. In some organisations the job may be largely technical and in others it could be more client-focused. The size and budget of the project will often determine how much input is required from the systems analyst.

Hours and environment

Systems analysts usually work normal office hours. Extra hours, including working in the evenings and at weekends, may be required to meet deadlines.

They usually work in an open plan office environment. Site visits to clients may be required to gather information or to meet system users.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary depending on the employer and where people live.

The average starting salary is around €40,000 a year.
With experience, analysts may earn from around €45,000 to €55,000.
Salaries are often in excess of €60,000 for very senior jobs.

Skills and personal qualities

Systems analysts should:

have strong IT skills
have a good understanding of the business environment
have good interpersonal and communication skills
have a logical and enquiring mind
be adaptable and able to pick up new IT packages and techniques quickly
work well on their own or in a team
be able to work to tight deadlines
be thorough and precise in their work.

Interests

It is important to:

be interested in the latest advances in IT
enjoy solving problems in a logical manner.

Getting in

The IT industry continues to expand and a career in the sector doesn’t necessarily have to mean working in an IT company. Systems analysts are employed across all industry sectors, from commerce, finance and banking, retail, transport and health to public organisations and local authorities. There are job opportunities throughout Ireland, with a higher concentration in Dublin. There are also opportunities overseas.

Entry routes

Systems analysts are expected to be educated to degree level or equivalent. For those without a degree, it is important to have work experience in programming, development or testing.