what is a systems analyst?
As a systems analyst, you ensure your organization's systems, infrastructure and computer systems function at their absolute best. Your responsibilities include researching problems, finding solutions, recommending courses of action, and working closely with stakeholders to meet specific requirements.
You take an in-depth look at your organization's current systems, procedures and business processes. With an understanding of the current systems, you create action plans that impact how things get done. You are a specialist in different operating systems, hardware configurations and programming languages. Your expertise in software and hardware platforms will be tested as you analyze every project in detail, from start to finish.
As a successful systems analyst, you are the go-to person for solving complex problems and linking different computers or systems. You specify which platforms, protocols, software, hardware and communications mediums to use to solve the most challenging issues.
You are involved in every aspect of the project, from the analysis stage to the post-deployment assessment review. You put your skills and expertise to the test, making a difference in the world of technology.
Would working as a systems analyst suit your interest in working with computer systems? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in the role of a systems analyst.
systems analyst jobsaverage systems analyst salary
According to Job Bank, the average salary of a systems analyst in Canada is $83,820 per year. In an entry-level position, systems analysts take home $69,959 annually. When you have extensive experience, you earn over $132,540 per year.
how to increase your earnings as a systems analyst
As a systems analyst, your earnings depend on experience and qualifications. When you have additional certifications in computer systems auditing, you earn more. With extensive experience, you can handle complex tasks and large projects, which attracts a higher salary.
The size of the company you work for also influences your earnings. When you work in a small organization, you earn a lower salary due to fewer responsibilities and limited available resources. In a large organization, you handle complex computer systems and troubleshoot applications to resolve issues. The vast resources that large organizations have access to help improve your potential earnings.
types of systems analysts
If you’re interested in becoming a systems analyst, it’s important to know that there are three main types of roles within this field:
- Systems designers or architects: in this role, you find technical solutions that align with the long-term goals of companies or organizations. You research and evaluate new technologies, consult with clients, and identify the organizational needs of information technology (IT) systems. Your duties also involve analyzing costs and benefits, adding new functionalities to systems, overseeing installations, testing systems, and training users.
- Software quality assurance (QA) analysts: you are responsible for testing and diagnosing problems in computer systems. You ensure that software products meet established quality standards and are free from defects. Your job is to develop and execute test plans, document test results, and communicate any issues or concerns to the development team.
- Programmer analysts: as a programmer systems analyst, you write code for software that meets your employer’s or client's needs. You work closely with clients and end-users to identify requirements, develop software solutions, and provide ongoing support and maintenance.
working as a systems analyst
As a system analyst, you are crucial in enhancing user experience with software programs. Let’s explore the daily tasks, work environments and work schedules of systems analysts.
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what does a systems analyst do?
Some of the duties and responsibilities of a systems analyst include:
- analyzing current systems and procedures: as a systems analyst, you assess the suitability of the current information systems and computer systems. You review the current computer systems and identify areas that need improvement. When analyzing the systems, you identify faults and errors that require urgent attention.
- designing new systems and processes: as a systems analyst, you are responsible for creating new systems and processes. When designing new systems, you define user requirements and anticipate the future needs of the users. You also prioritize the requirements of the new systems based on the available resources. After determining the requirements, you supervise the development of the system.
- testing and evaluating new software: the aim of designing new computer systems is to improve the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness. Hence, you test the new systems to ensure they meet the required performance level. You also ensure the built systems meet customers’ needs by conducting thorough evaluations. When the company is purchasing new technology or software, you determine the most beneficial solutions.
- providing support and training: as a systems analyst, you train employees on how to use new computer systems. You also support end users to ensure they use the new technology effectively. When there are glitches in the systems, you promptly resolve the problems.
- staying up to date with technological advancements: as a systems analyst, you are the agent of change in the use of technology in an organization. You observe the overall use of technology within the company and help the organization keep up with evolving technological demands. You also replace outdated technologies to ensure maximum productivity.
- collaborating with other IT professionals: as a systems analyst, you work with a team of tech professionals to ensure efficiency in computer systems and applications. You collaborate with software developers and other analysts to keep up with the current technologies.
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work environment of a systems analyst
Systems analysts work in a comfortable office and spend most of their day on a computer. The job is challenging, but there is a lot of social contact with your team and clients. As a systems analyst, working indoors is common, but you still get to be part of a team and work in close proximity to your colleagues. You collaborate with your colleagues and are responsible for the outcomes of the people you supervise. You communicate with co-workers and clients via email, phone calls, letters, memos and face-to-face meetings. Remote and work-from-home opportunities are also available.
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who are your colleagues?
As a systems analyst, you collaborate with analysts and IT professionals, including business systems analysts, business analysts and data analysts. When you identify user requirements after completing an analysis, you work with software engineers, software developers and programmers to create the computer systems and applications.
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systems analyst work schedule
A typical work week for a systems analyst is 40 hours, but you sometimes put in extra time to meet deadlines. Occasionally, you travel to trade shows, seminars or training sessions. Expect to be at the forefront of technology, helping to create solutions that make a difference in people's lives.
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career opportunities as a systems analyst
As organizations continue to rely heavily on information technology, you may be in high demand, as systems analysts will be needed to design and implement new computer systems. In addition to IT service providers who need assistance with data processing, expect to be in high demand by hosting, computer systems design and tech-related service industries. The healthcare field continues to see additional job growth for computer systems analysts as well. This is because electronic health records, e-prescribing, and other healthcare IT systems are becoming more prevalent.
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advantages of finding a job as a systems analyst through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- Always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- Many training opportunities
- A range of jobs in your area
systems analyst skills and education
To become a systems analyst, you should meet the following educational requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree: you can join the profession through a bachelor's degree in computer systems engineering, computer science or software engineering. College programs in computer science also equip you with the necessary skills to excel in the role.
- Work experience and certification: you require work experience to succeed as a systems analyst. Gain experience through internships and entry-level programmer or analyst roles. Some employers also require professional certifications, such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). In some provinces, systems analyst roles are a regulated profession. For instance, to work as an information systems professional in Alberta, you need certification from the Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta (CIPS Alberta). You also require certification from CIPS Saskatchewan to work as a systems analyst in Saskatchewan.
competencies and characteristics of systems analysts
To become a successful systems analyst, you require technical skills to succeed in the role. Some of the skills of a systems analyst include:
- Analytical skills: as a systems analyst, your duties involve researching computer systems and analyzing complex data. You rely on your analytical skills to evaluate user requirements and prioritize functions of the computer systems. With your analytical skills, you can identify patterns or trends and develop strategies to improve productivity.
- Communication skills: as a systems analyst, you explain technical information to stakeholders and end users. Your communication skills help you translate technical jargon into simple language that stakeholders can understand.
- Project management skills: as a systems analyst, you manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. You rely on your project management skills to develop project plans, allocate resources, and monitor the progress of computer systems during development.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a systems analyst.
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what is the main role of a systems analyst?
As a systems analyst, you evaluate computer systems and applications to ensure they function as expected. You are in charge of troubleshooting issues in computer systems and resolving faults in the computer applications. You also identify technological advancements and recommend applications to introduce to the company's processes.
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how much do systems analysts make in Canada?
As a systems analyst, you earn an average salary of $83,820 per year. Your earnings fluctuate based on experience and educational qualifications. When you have minimal experience and qualifications, you start with a lower annual salary of $69,959. The most experienced workers make up to $132,540 per year.
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is being a systems analyst a hard job?
Working as a systems analyst is an exciting role, but it's not without challenges. To solve problems in computer systems, you often work long hours and in high-stress situations. Despite the challenges, you can excel in the role by building good organizational and time management skills.
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what are important systems analyst skills?
As a systems analyst, you require good analytical skills in order to analyze user requirements and determine the best functions to add to computer systems. Programming skills will also help you troubleshoot issues in computer applications and systems.
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do systems analysts need to know how to code?
While coding is not mandatory, it is a beneficial skill for systems analysts. Having knowledge of programming languages and frameworks will help you identify problems in computer systems and implement the solutions.
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how do I find a job as a systems analyst?
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