Job Descriptions: Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts are specialists in IT systems and develop and implement new systems to help businesses and organisations with productivity and advancements.

Systems Analysts are IT experts and they specialise in developing and implementing systems for a range of purposes. It could be for businesses to improve their efficiency, new technology implementations to help with time management or developments that could allow organisations be more purposeful and productive. While Systems Analysts, sometimes called Systems Engineers or Systems Developers, can also apply their technical and refined understanding to approaching current systems already in places and modifying and improving them.

Similar to Hardware Engineers, Systems Analysts differ by being especially proficient in developing and creating computing systems. Sometimes this is done on a consultative basis. This means Systems Analysts will meet with clients, usually on their site/place of work, and discuss what they are looking for in a new or improved systems. Then requiring graduate System Analysts to go away and develop that specified system and deliver it and implement it on a prearranged date.

The skills that are needed for a career as a Systems Analyst would first and foremost be strong computing skills. The ability to programme, develop and design programmes and systems for client specifications is an absolute must for would-be Systems Analysts. A strong problem solving ability is also key, as well as the ability to work to the demands and manage client expectations.

Systems Analyst Salaries

The average starting salary for a graduate Systems Analyst is £36,765. This is an extremely high starting salary for graduates to begin their careers on. This not only reflects the importance of the work they do and the responsibility that comes with it, but also shortage of appropriately trained graduates that are available to work in these positions, forcing employers to up their pay rates.

The Daily Duties of a Systems Analyst

The daily duties of a Systems Analyst vary and can entirely depend on their type of work in the organisation. The project-based nature of the work that Systems Analysts undertake also has an impact on the work they are doing, determining at one point on the project are on. For example it could be implementing, bug fixing or outlining project objectives with the client.

However, as a graduate Systems Analyst, here are a few of the daily duties they can expect to do:

• Client consultation - Systems Analysts are responsible for designing and implementing these efficient and productive systems, but before they can do this they need to meet with the client and business and discuss what it is they are looking for. This often requires travel and the ability to negotiate and be versatile to accommodate the needs of the client.
• Current system examination - Another part of the development process for graduates working as Systems Analysts can be taking a closer look at what has been in place before. This might require painstaking attention being paid to each step of the current system and creative input into how this can be improved.
• Development of a system - Graduates in the field can be either at the heart of the development of the new system being put in, or can work with a smaller team of specialist developers. This is difficult work that requires both Systems Analysts and their colleagues to overcome an issues that they might have not expected when they were outlining the idea for the system. This requires graduates to have excellent problem solving skills and able to be versatile.
• Implementing - After a period of work, what usually happens is Systems Analysts return to their client with a product to implement. This means installing the product and teaching those who will be using the new system how to use it. Implementation can also throw up its own problems and require graduates Systems Analysts to modify their approach and react to changes with an eye on the deadline.
• Proposing solutions -After considering current systems or consulting clients, Systems Analysts are often a part of the team that feedback a selection of solutions to the client's problems. This could be pitching for work or even different ideas to accommodate for the scope of the budget that the client has available.
• Testing - Before any system is rolled out to the client, Systems Analysts play an important role in testing the system itself. This is to ensure there are no bugs or malfunctions and the client is receiving a quality product that works. Different organisations can take different approaches to testing, but this is meticulous work and requires high levels of attention to detail.

Graduate Systems Analysts can have extremely rewarding careers. They have the option to forge fantastic careers working on exciting projects. Along with this graduate Systems Engineers can earn some incredible salaries as they start on these rewarding careers.