Career Close Up: Systems Analyst

Laptop ManA systems/business analyst designs new IT solutions to improve business efficiency and productivity. Working closely with the client, they examine existing business models and the flows of data in the business. They discuss their findings with the client, and then design an appropriate improved IT solution.

They draw up and cost specifications and produce outline designs of new IT systems, specifying the data, files and logical operations the system will perform, and the way data will be viewed by the user. They present their design to the client and, once approved, they work closely with the client team to implement the solution.

Typical work activities

Most systems/business analysts work with a specific type of IT system, which varies with the type of organisation. Depending on the size and nature of the organisation, work activities will typically involve:

  • liaising extensively with external or internal clients;
  • producing project feasibility reports;
  • translating client requirements into highly specified project briefs;
  • identifying options for potential solutions and assessing them for both technical and business suitability;
  • creating logical and innovative solutions to complex problems;
  • drawing up specific proposals for modified or replacement systems;
  • presenting proposals to clients;
  • working closely with developers and a variety of end users to ensure technical compatibility and user satisfaction;
  • ensuring that budgets are adhered to and deadlines met;
  • drawing up a testing schedule for the complete system;
  • overseeing the implementation of a new system;
  • planning and working flexibly to a deadline;
  • writing user manuals;
  • providing training to users of a new system;
  • keeping up to date with technical as well as industry sector developments.

Job titles in the IT sector can be fluid, changing with advances in technology, and also varying between organisations. It is a good idea to look at the job description beneath the job title. For example, analysts may be known as systems or business analysts or, simply, as IT consultants. The situation is further complicated by the introduction of fourth generation languages (4GL) and object-orientated programming, which make it easier for 'analyst/developers' to design and modify systems. Traditional boundaries between systems analysis and programming have eroded and many practitioners now regard themselves as analysts/developers. Some overlap with project management is also common.

Salary conditions

  • Range of typical starting salaries: £20,000 - £26,000 (salary data collected June 06).
  • Range of typical salaries at senior level/with experience (eg after 10-15 years in the role): £32,000 - £49,000 (salary data collected June 06).
  • Salaries will be higher in some sectors, especially the financial sector, and in London, the South East and the Midlands, where project management roles may top £80,000. Analysts with good business skills who move into more strategic business development roles will also enjoy higher pay.
  • Working hours are typically nine to five, with extra hours, especially as deadlines approach. In the financial sector and in consultancy, longer working hours may be the norm.
  • You would normally be office-based but much of your time would be spent outside the department, particularly in the early stages of a project, when you could work in a variety of offices or business areas.
  • Flexible working patterns and some homeworking may be possible. It is also common for organisations to contract out systems/business analysis and IT development work to firms of IT consultants.
  • Many experienced analysts choose to set up as independent consultants.
  • Jobs are available in many large towns and cities in the UK, but most large employers are based in London and the south east of England. Client sites are throughout the UK, although analysts often pursue their careers across national boundaries.
  • The percentage of women on UK computing degree courses is about 20% and this ratio is reflected in Britain's one million plus IT workforce. However, women are being encouraged to work in IT (see BCS Women).
  • The pace of work to meet client deadlines and the high level of responsibility can be stressful.
  • When visiting clients the dress code is formal but is generally relaxed.
  • Work usually takes place in a project team and is often based on clients' premises.
  • You will probably spend some time working away from home with possible overnight stays. Overseas travel may be required occasionally.

Entry requirements

Graduates from all disciplines can work as analysts, as a genuine interest in and enthusiasm for IT is more important than degree subject. However, smaller employers may express a preference for those with IT-related degrees. Arts and humanities graduates should be able to demonstrate their interest in computers and can expect to sit aptitude tests for evidence of their ability in computing.

The following degrees may increase your chances:

Most new entrants to larger companies are graduates (usually a 2.1 is preferred). However, entry is possible with an HND especially if you have prior experience, although a lower starting salary is likely.

Entry without a degree or HND is unlikely, but may be possible for those with well-developed IT skills and with good previous experience in computing or business.

For graduates in non IT-related subjects a postgraduate qualification may be useful. See the MSc Computer Science (Conversion Course) for further details.

Pre-entry relevant experience is an advantage but not essential, although IT-related vacation work or an industrial placement can lead directly to graduate employment.

Potential candidates will need:

  • the ability to learn quickly;
  • ability to contribute to a team effort;
  • a logical approach to problem solving;
  • good interpersonal and client-handling skills;
  • business awareness;
  • an investigative and inquisitive mind;
  • presentation skills;
  • excellent oral and written communication skills;
  • planning and negotiating skills;
  • initiative and self-confidence;
  • business awareness;
  • an interest in the way organisational processes work.

Competition for vacancies is keen, particularly for the more high-profile employers. Start making applications to larger firms in the autumn term of your final year.

Career development

As an analyst, your immediate prospects depend on the size and type of the organisation for which you work and, consequently, movement between employers is common. Analysts often develop expertise in a particular business sector and may find it difficult to move unless they have cultivated and maintained other skills.

Career advancement opportunities include:

  • progression to consultant or senior consultant, liaising with top-level management in client organisations;
  • indirect moves within the organisation, for example, developing specific technical expertise (in a systems/technical architect role);
  • project management, or sales and account management roles;
  • moving in a more strategic business direction, either within the company or with a management consultancy firm.

There are pros and cons related to the size of business you choose to work for.

In a large organisation systems/business analysts may have more opportunity to specialise in a particular client group, and to advance through the corporate structure. There may also be more opportunity, for example, to work in multidisciplinary teams and even in overseas branches of the parent group.

In a small organisation there may be more opportunity to gain experience in a variety of associated functions across the business, to feel closer to the front line of business activity, and to see the direct commercial impact of your contribution.

Typical employers

IT companies range from industry giants, such as IBM, to micro companies employing fewer than five people. While there is a vast number of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), more than half of the firms employing analysts have more than 50 employees. It is important to note that the working culture and ethos between companies of different sizes can be very different. It is worth exploring which type of organisation might best suit your needs.

Analysts work in almost every kind of organisation within the IT industry, but are often found in firms of management consultants, software and systems houses, and some large manufacturers of computing equipment offering consultancy services.

The clients for whom consultants work are diverse and include: manufacturers, the financial services sector, the public sector, automotive firms, global investment banks, and utility companies. Some IT companies specialise in one area, such as internet solutions, or produce software tailored to a particular market. The analysts that they employ have, or develop, specialist knowledge and experience in that area or about those products and client sectors.

Some end-user organisations with large IT departments may employ their own internal analysts. Particular growth areas are large public sector organisations and the financial and sales sectors where increasingly sophisticated payment systems are being devised.

Opportunities also occur overseas with UK or foreign companies, or with international organisations.

Contacts and resources

British Computer Society (BCS)
1st Floor, Block D, North Star House, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1FA
Tel: 0845 300 4417
www.bcs.org

e-skills UK - The Sector Skills Council for IT and Telecoms
1 Castle Lane, London SW1E 6DR
Tel: 020 7963 8920
www.e-skills.com

Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS)
5 Kingfisher House, New Mill Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 3QG
Tel: 0700 002 3456
www.imis.org.uk

Institute of Management Consultancy (IMC)
3rd floor, 17-18 Hayward's Place, London EC1R 0EQ
Tel: 020 7566 5220
www.imc.co.uk

Institution of Analysts and Programmers (IAP)
Charles House, 36 Culmington Road, London W13 9NH
Tel: 020 8567 2118
www.iap.org.uk

Management Consultancies Association (MCA)
60 Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DS
Tel: 020 7321 3990
www.mca.org.uk

Society of Information Technology Management (Socitm)
PO Box 121, Northampton NN4 6TG
Tel: 01604 674800
www.socitm.gov.uk

Source: Adapted from Prospects.ac.uk - the UK's official graduate careers website. Graduate Prospects works in partnership with the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS) to maximise the opportunities and support available to all students and graduates throughout their career search. For more details visit www.prospects.ac.uk and www.agcas.org.uk.