Becoming a Systems Analyst - skills and career pathways

Amidst the Industry 4.0 revolution, the demand for skilled Systems Analysts has surged as new technologies emerge and smart technologies evolve. So integral to the booming technology sector, Systems Analysts are the lifeline for billion-dollar companies who want to navigate the ever-challenging landscape and continue to thrive.  So, what is a Systems Analyst and what does the career path look like? According to JobOutlook, people who perform this role “evaluate processes and methods used in existing ICT systems, propose modifications and additional system components or new systems to meet user needs, as expressed in specifications and other documentation.”

When it comes to securing employment, completing an IT degree or upskilling with a masters will put you ahead of other candidates. Research shows that most employers seek Systems Analysts with a postgraduate qualification in information technology. According to Good Universities Guide, 48.5% hold a bachelor's degree, while 27.9% have a postgraduate qualification. 

Systems Analyst's roles and responsibilities

Once you’ve gained your credentials, what exactly can you expect from this next stage in your ICT career? There are eight key tasks Systems Analysts are sure to perform, according to JobOutlook. These are:

• Identify, investigate and analyse processes, procedures and practices
• Identify and evaluate inefficiencies and recommend solutions for improvement
• Project management
• Deploy functional solutions whilst maintaining quality and integrity of the system
• Create user and trainer documentation, and conduct formal training classes
• Utilise data and process modelling techniques
• Act as a central reference and information source within systems projects

As you can see, it’s a role with a broad range of responsibilities. One that combines your existing skills in data and technology with essential leadership capabilities such as problem-solving and effective communication.

Core skills needed to be a successful Systems Analyst

In a recent blog, Why study a Master of Information Technology, we touched on the fact that our course satisfies the SFIA framework for the Systems Analyst role by addressing these three skills: 

• Consultancy
• Systems design
• Programming/software development

But it doesn’t stop there. Here are some other skills of equal importance, identified by Robert Half Talent Solutions:

• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Written and verbal communication
• Project management
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines

These skills have become increasingly vital during Industry 4.0, whereby the advancement of technologies have revolutionised the way businesses operate. If you look at the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report from 2020, you’ll notice that the skills mentioned directly align with the learning outcomes delivered under our Master of Information Technology. Building these skills of the future is an investment in your success, with employers turning to candidates who possess these capabilities. 

In their Demand & Impacts on Tech & Digital Skills report, the Australian Computer Society also acknowledged these qualities, identifying programming/software development, relationship management, systems design and consultancy among the top 15 skills professionals need to perform in the technology space.

Enter a growing role and industry

The technology sector is growing fast, particularly with Industry 4.0 at full steam, with the market expected to reach a value of US$337.1 billion by 2028. According to the Technology Impacts on the Australian Workforce report, technology adoption and implementation could lead to an extra 1.2 million new technology jobs by 2034. No doubt, Systems Analysts will reap the benefits of the industry’s evolution. 

Artificial intelligence, internet of things, cloud automations, augmented reality and many more. These are just some of the exciting smart technologies that are taking over society and progressing the way in which we do things. Take artificial intelligence as an example, with such advancements, you can now make critical marketing decisions based on big data analytics from social media. Interesting right? Well, all these technologies are things you’ll be able to leverage and utilise in a role as a Systems Analyst.

In fact, over the next five years, the Systems Analyst role will experience "very strong" future growth, according to JobOutlook. Seek agrees, estimating a 27.7% projected growth rate over the same period. In fact, as of November 2021, there are around 2300 Systems Analyst-related jobs listed on Seek. 

The Systems Analyst role can also act as a pathway into more senior and management positions down the line. Maybe your end goal is to become a Chief Technology Officer. Working as a Systems Analyst provides you a wide array of skills that we touched on earlier, such as leadership skills, setting you up perfectly to progress in your career.

Systems Analyst's earning and salary potential

While salary expectation is tied to many factors, the most common salary for Systems Analysts is $110,000, however, roles on seek have been seen advertised with salaries of up to $170,000. With the right experience and skillset under your belt, there’s no doubt this can increase even further given the invaluable asset this role provides to any business. 

Ready to get started?

All things considered – industry growth, salaries, skills, roles and responsibilities – does the Systems Analyst career path sound right for you?

Check out our Master of Information Technology (Advanced). Co-designed with industry and aligned to the Australian Computer Society, this course enables IT professionals to advance their career by expanding their repertoire with skills of the future.