Computer system analysts help companies become more efficient with their use and application of technology. A system analyst job description describes their role as working on the IT network from the creation of a new one or revision of an existing one. In addition, they need to make recommendations for improving the system, to training employees and conducting a formative and summative evaluation to inform data-driven decision-making within the company.

Does this job sound appealing but you are unsure of the steps needed to become a system analyst? This system analyst job description will inform you of everything you need to know to get started as a system analyst.

What Does a System Analyst Do?

Technology is only as good as its design. However, a company could have a very advanced technology, but its employees can’t use it. Another company could have strict budgeting around technological infrastructure and wants to know how to build the most efficient and cost-friendly technology to support business strategies. The system analyst would work in both of these capacities to see how the technology is serving the needs of the company. They will make plans to improve it, and then implement a deployment plan for rolling out and training in new technologies. A system analyst job description will call for someone who has expertise in business and information technology (IT).

what does the system analyst job description imply

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in IT is required. Most computer system analysts work for companies, but some can be self-employed and consult with several different companies. There is no prior experience required. However, new systems analysts may start with smaller projects or only revising part of the technology suite. The median system analyst salary is $85,800.

System analyst Job Description for Resume – Responsibilities

Any job responsibility associated with analyzing current information technology and recommending upgrades or replacements could fall under their obligation. Use these base resume builders as a foundation for tailoring your resume. However, keep in mind that the roles and responsibilities of system analyst may change, depending on the company.

  • Work with users to identify current issues with the technology used in a company and present these results to executives.
  • Conduct research of new technologies that could work in a company and create a list of pros and cons of adopting this technology.
  • Create training and documentation around using the new technology and store this in the knowledge base.
  • Create a list of best practices for using different technologies in the event that you move to a new position. This way the history of the work is archived.
  • Design the whole system together by choosing software and hardware that talk to each other.
  • Conduct testing and user-testing to determine if the technology is working and if people are able to use it as designed.
  • Create budget lines and reports for various technology to understand, from a business perspective, what has the greatest cost benefit.

System Analyst Required Skills

  • Analytical skills. Naturally, analytical skills are an essential part of the job. They must assess how the current system works and make projections about how the new system will fit with the company.
  • Technical skills. Even though the system analyst will not complete many of the day-to-day tasks in the IT department, they are expected to work at the broader level. Therefore, they will troubleshoot on particularly troublesome codes or problems with the products.
  • Management skills. System analysts will manage the people who complete the necessary tasks to make the system complete. Therefore, they must be excellent at managing people and communicate with several different stakeholders.
  • Information seeking skills. One of the essential system analyst skills is to research new and existing technologies and understand how it has worked in companies similar to their own. This involves knowing where to go to find information, how to search, and how to synthesize the literature.

How to Become a System Analyst

System analysts need their bachelor’s degree in information technology. In addition, some companies prefer them to also have a master’s degree in business administration. They don’t require any prior experience. However, evidence of working on information technology projects and managing implementation will lead to a stronger job profile.

Education & Training Requirements

The bare minimum for computer system analysts is a bachelor’s degree. In addition, it’s preferable that this degree is in information technology with a minor in business. However, some people may become system analysts from other majors if they can show evidence of their competency in IT.

There may be times where companies prefer a technical master’s degree over a business degree. However, because these individuals have a crossover position between business and information technology, it is smart to pursue the business education at the master’s level. This is especially true if the undergraduate major is in a technical field.

There are no certificates mandatory to practice as a system analyst. However, it’s essential that these professionals continue with learning through their entire career. Technology is a rapidly changing field. The Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals, however, offers some of these educational courses.

Work Experience

Experience is always helpful and can lead to more job opportunities. Students will gain a lot of experience in school through internships and practical work with professors. However, they should also try to build their own portfolio and take on additional projects to develop their range of expertise with information technology.

Shadowing several system analysts will help them understand the common responsibilities. Therefore, it will help determine if it’s the job for them. More importantly, they can find out what differs from company to company. If a job application stresses more experience than you have, a way to gain this experience is through pro bono work for nonprofits.

Work Schedules

Most system analysis work full-time and extra hours are not unusual. This is particularly true when a project deadline or looming or when an issue arises with that technology. It is fairly normal for system analysts to conduct some of their work from home. However, because they have a rather people-centric technology position, it is important that they regularly appear in the office.

On a daily basis, they may have to train people, monitor the systems, review performance, and present to the business executives on proposed technology solutions.

Career Prospects

The number of job openings will potentially grow 21 percent through the year 2024. Their job will continue to grow for two reasons. The first of these is that technology is always evolving and changing and companies need someone dedicated to researching new technologies. In addition, they should explore if the company in question should make a strategic decision to purchase that technology. The second is that someone needs to be able to say no to purchasing certain technologies. The IT department may want to buy every new technology out there, but they are not all the best investments for the particular company. Thus, part of the system analyst job description implies objectively evaluating the potential of the technology.

The system analyst salary is $85,800 with a low range of $51,910 and an upper salary of $135,450. There is s potential for these professionals as they gain more experience. For example, they may start with managing small projects and then progress to managing one large project and then several large projects. Ultimately, they may become chief technology officers (CTO).

Conclusion

System analysts need to be able to see things at a high level and figure out how all of the moving parts fit together. Thus, a background in information technology and business is preferable. That’s because the position has a role in each of those spaces. While technical expertise is mandatory, a system analyst job description shows that there will be less work on creating or revising technological systems. Instead, the focus will turn on leading the teams who are doing the work.