Systems Analyst

Typical Salary

£20,000 To £62,000

Typical Hours

37 to 40 a week

evenings / weekends / bank holidays

How To Become a Systems Analyst

You could get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role

College / University

You could do a degree in a relevant subject like:

computer science
information management systems
business information systems
maths and operational research

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

Apprenticeship

You could do an information systems business analyst higher apprenticeship, or a digital and technology solutions degree apprenticeship.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You may be able to take a job in IT or business and build up your experience and qualifications while working. You could do this through online training or by attending short, intensive courses with IT training organisations.

You'll need highly developed computer and business skills.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
analytical thinking skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
to be flexible and open to change
the ability to work well with others
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
excellent verbal communication skills
business management skills
to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

working out the business needs of your employer or client
drawing up plans to improve or replace an IT system
working out the costs and time needed to make your plans work
working closely with programmers and software developers to build systems
overseeing testing to find problems before the final version of a system goes live
training staff and writing instruction manuals for new or upgraded systems

Working Environment

You could work in an office, at a client's business or from home.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could be promoted to senior analyst. You might also move into project management or strategic business planning.

You could become a specialist analyst in a particular field like finance or retail.

You could set up your own business and work on a contract or consultancy basis.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Professional and industry bodies

You may find it helpful to get certification of your skills and expertise once you're working.

Further information

You can find out more about working and training in computing from The Chartered Institute for IT and Tech Future Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.