Systems analyst
Examine and improve IT systems and processes.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£538
Entry level
£1,192
Experienced
Monthly
£2,333
Entry level
£5,167
Experienced
Yearly
£28,000
Entry level
£62,000
Experienced
12,800
people are currently employed
High growth
700 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would be employed by a company to examine their IT systems and processes, and recommend improvements.
Your work could range from integrating the phones and computers in a call centre, to making a bank’s databases safer.
You would:
Work out the client’s needs
Draw up plans for a better IT system
Carry out feasibility studies of proposals and make recomendations
Work closely with programmers to build the system
Oversee installation and testing
Correct problems before the final version is released
Offer staff training and instruction manuals for the new system
An important part of your job would be to make sure that your designs can adapt as the organisation or business grows.
You would use various computer assisted software engineering (CASE) tools and programming methods in your job.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Digital technologies
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- analysing
- negotiating
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- problem solving
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Computing Science
Mathematics
Foundation Apprenticeship: Hardware and Systems Support
Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Most entrants are graduates (SCQF level 9/10) with technical skills, although you may get in with a Higher National Diploma (HND) (SCQF level 8) and suitable experience.
To enter relevant courses such as computer science, information management systems, business information systems or maths at Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) level, you would need National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers (SCQF level 6).
To enter a degree course (SCQF level 9/10) requires national 5 qualifications and at least four Higher subjects including maths.
Applicants with degrees in other fields would be able to take a postgraduate 'conversion' course which could then lead to a Diploma or a MSc in a relevant subject.
You may start as a programmer and, after two to three years' experience, move into systems analysis.
Work-based qualifications such as Scottish Vocational Qualification in ICT (SVQ level 2/3/4).
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