Computer Systems Analyst
Careers Explorer:
Look at a company or organisation’s IT infrastructure and work out where to make improvements.
Overview
A Computer Systems Analyst is an advisory role that provides a critical layer of challenge and scrutiny for organisations looking to improve or implement new systems.
You’ll have excellent knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software and know what’s going wrong with them, what’s working and come up with solutions as to how to make them better.
In this multi-faceted role, you’ll have to carry out significant investigations and analysis to determine the inner workings of an organisation, identify and understand any issues and challenges it may face and then ensure that the right ICT solution is chosen.
Top 5 Tasks
- Engage in pre-project analysis and identify the challenges and opportunities
- Look at processes and see what’s working and not working
- Determine and present solutions
- Carry out testing
- Work with other teams.
Salary
The average salary in the UK is £40,000, with entry-level positions offering an estimated £34,500, mid-level positions offering £40,000 and £56,000 for experienced professionals.
Those more senior can often earn up to £80,000 if they have the right skills and experience.
Am I Suited?
- Technically-minded
- Logical thinker
- Excellent communicator
- Works well under pressure
- IT geek
There is a digital skills gap in the UK, with more digital jobs than there are professionals to fill them.
Qualifications
Individual employers will set the selection criteria, but this is likely to include five GCSEs; other relevant qualifications and experience; or an aptitude test with a focus on IT skills.
Then typically, you’ll need a degree in a relevant discipline, such as business information systems or business computing systems and then work your way up.
