Careers :: System analyst

Both streams within the Information Technology degree equip you for this position. If the system being analysed is incorporated within the world of commerce and finance then having taken the Information Systems Major would be of real benefit. If the system being designed is a large network or operating system then the Software Engineering Major would be more beneficial.

So let us briefly describe the role of a systems analyst. A systems analyst is a problem solving specialist who analyses functions and problems identified within an organisation, using a systems approach, to produce a more efficient and functional system.

The analyst is usually the first contact a business has with a software house once management has agreed to a preliminary assessment of the users perceived requirements.

During the new systems requirements activity, the systems analyst follows a sequence of tasks which involves interviewing users, modeling the existing system and applying the understanding of the application of software packages and when it is, or is not, appropriate to consider computerisation as a solution.

The analyst must be a detective carefully studying the structure and workings of the existing system . The analyst must continually challenge and question existing solutions trying all the time to come up with fresh approaches for dealing with the problems and so meet the objectives of the organisation.

Sometimes great diplomacy is required when resistance to change is encountered or conflict among users and the organisation surfaces. By dealing with each situation in a creative way the analyst must aim to achieve the needed cooperation.

This is a job for the communicator who has a very organised and creative approach to problem solving and is a master of the data flow diagram etc. This is very much about being part of the team!

Updated: 11 December 2012