If computers were your world, then being a Systems Analyst would be the equivalent of a city planner, architect, and maintenance department combined in one. A System Analyst coordinates the construction, maintenance, and growth of an organization’s computer systems.

Their work brings them together with all departments within the organization to understand their individual IT needs, then propose the technical direction in which the company should proceed. Systems analysts must rapidly become experts in the company’s and each department’s functions and learn how to use IT systems to satisfy their needs. Thus, flexibility, strong interpersonal skills, and a friendly disposition are highly valued traits in this industry.

The job may look simple, but in reality is fraught with challenges. IT requirements of departments may change very rapidly as technology progresses. This is made more challenging by the need to ensure that legacy systems are able to work with new ones being introduced. Furthermore, Systems Analyst will be the first to learn of systems crashes and missing data, and are expected to resolve them in the shortest time possible. The demands of the job are great and those without strong technical skills find themselves quickly outpaced by the expertise their job demands.

However, for those who can make the most of limited resources and listen carefully for the distinction between what people want and what people need from their computer systems, a Systems Analyst is an excellent profession.

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