Job Spotlight
How to become a Systems Analyst
Increase efficiency and productivity
What do Systems Analysts do?
Systems Analysts are responsible for analysing, improving, and maintaining business and IT systems for businesses and organisations. They evaluate the programs and procedures currently in use, identify any problems, and propose and build solutions to increase efficiency and ease of use. Systems Analysts will often collaborate with other important stakeholders, such as Business Analysts, management, and other IT professionals, as well as end users.
If you are thorough and analytical, have a knack for everything tech, and want a job in a fast-growing area, becoming a Systems Analyst could be ideal.
About you:
- Excellent attention to detail
- Analytical and precise
- Great communicator
- Extensive tech knowledge
- Can work in teams and independently
- Organised and efficient
- Fantastic time management skills
- Proactive and quick thinker
The job:
- Identifying and analysing current systems in place
- Evaluating errors and inefficiencies in current systems
- Creating solutions to improve business and IT systems
- Programming and implementing new applications and systems
- Collaborating with others to ensure systems are fit for purpose
- Maintaining and improving new and old systems
- Providing on-the-spot debugging and problem solving
- Educating others on how to use systems
Lifestyle Impact: Low
- Part Time opportunities: Very low – only around 10% of Systems Analysts work part-time (source: joboutlook.gov.au).
- Average hours for full-time workers: 42 hours a week, which is average (source: joboutlook.gov.au).
- Systems Analysts’ salary (average) $100,000* per year (source: seek.com.au). *Salaries vary depending on your skills and experience.
- Future career growth: Very strong (source: joboutlook.gov.au).
- Most of your work will be done indoors, and you will be doing lots of work with computers. You might work in-house for a business or organisation, or be hired externally under a contract.
- You might be expected to work overtime to fix critical issues, and sometimes work odd hours (early mornings or late nights) to ensure there is minimal disruption to systems during business hours.
Systems Analysts are most in demand in these locations:
This is a large occupation, with around 34,100 people working as ICT Business and Systems Analysts in Australia in 2020 (source: joboutlook.com.au). Demand for Systems Analysts is spread fairly evenly across Australia, with a large share of workers in Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory. Most Systems Analysts work in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry.
How to become a Systems Analyst in Australia
You will most likely need a formal qualification in order to work as a Systems Analyst in Australia. Without one, you will need to be able to demonstrate extensive experience.
Step 1 – Complete Year 12 with a focus on English, Maths and IT.
Step 2 – Complete a VET course, such as a Diploma of Information Technology.
Step 3 – Consider upskilling with an undergraduate course, such as a Bachelor of Computer Science or Bachelor of Information Technology.
Step 4 – Take short courses to build other essential skills, such as coding, programming, and database management.
Step 5 – Start working as a qualified Systems Analyst and continue to build your skills and knowledge.
Find out more here –
Similar Careers to Systems Analyst
Business Analyst
Data Administrator
Database Developer
Find out more about alternative careers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do Systems Analysts do?
Systems Analysts use their combined tech and business knowledge and skills to improve and implement new systems for a business or organisation.
Which industries employ Systems Analysts?
Systems Analysts are mostly employed in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Service industry.
What options are there for career progression?
You might start out working on small projects for small businesses, before eventually moving up to work on large-scale projects for some very important clients.
Do I need to go to university to become a Systems Analyst?
Many employers are seeking people with formal qualifications. You might be able to find work without one, but you will need to demonstrate lots of hands-on experience.
Where do Systems Analysts work?
There is demand for Systems Analysts across most of Australia, particularly in Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory.
What are 3 things I can do right now to help me become a Systems Analyst?
If you’re in high school and you’d like to find out if a career as a Systems Analyst is right for you, here’s a few things you could do right now:
- Start taking short courses to build on important skills, such as coding and database systems. There are lots of courses you can take online, or even at your local TAFE or VET provider.
- See if you can find work experience in an IT or business-based setting. This will help you see if you might enjoy the work, and can help you start building important contacts for the future.
- Talk to a Systems Analyst to see what a day in their life is like. If you don’t know anyone, see if you can watch videos or documentaries about a career in IT or business.