Systems analyst
Examine and improve IT systems and processes.
About the job
What it's like
You would be employed by a company to examine their IT systems and processes, and recommend improvements.
Your work could range from integrating the phones and computers in a call centre, to making a bank’s databases safer.
You would:
Work out the client’s needs
Draw up plans for a better IT system
Carry out feasibility studies of proposals and make recomendations
Work closely with programmers to build the system
Oversee installation and testing
Correct problems before the final version is released
Offer staff training and instruction manuals for the new system
An important part of your job would be to make sure that your designs can adapt as the organisation or business grows.
You would use various computer assisted software engineering (CASE) tools and programming methods in your job.
Hours
You would normally work 37 to 40 hours a week. You may have to work overtime, including weekends, in order to meet deadlines or solve technical problems.
Environment
You would be office-based, working either at your employer's premises or at your client's site.
Travel
You would have to visit each client's premises. Some jobs may require stays away from home.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Digital technologies
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- systems analysis
- functional specification
- database development
- pl/sql
- relational database management systems
- oracle apex
- integrity testing
- oracle development
- rest api development
- autodesk construction cloud
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- negotiating
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- problem solving
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Computing Science
Maths (Mathematics)
Foundation Apprenticeship: Hardware and Systems Support
Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Most entrants are graduates (SCQF level 9/10) with technical skills, although you may get in with a Higher National Diploma (HND) (SCQF level 8) and suitable experience.
To enter relevant courses such as computer science, information management systems, business information systems or maths at Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) level, you would need National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers (SCQF level 6).
To enter a degree course (SCQF level 9/10) requires national 5 qualifications and at least four Higher subjects including maths.
Applicants with degrees in other fields would be able to take a postgraduate 'conversion' course which could then lead to a Diploma or a MSc in a relevant subject.
You may start as a programmer and, after two to three years' experience, move into systems analysis.
Work-based qualifications such as Scottish Vocational Qualification in ICT (SVQ level 2/3/4).
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