Systems Analyst

Job overview
In any organisation, office, factory etc with a network of computers a systems analyst is responsible for ensuring that the network functions efficiently day and night.

What do people do in this job?
They have to liaise closely with the various departments, get to understand their needs and requirements, suggest to management the best technology solutions and design or adapt a computer network that will meet those needs to maximum advantage.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Those who are naturally inquisitive and inventive, with an eye for detail, a capacity for precision work and an ability to cope with the unexpected and analyse its causes.

What qualifications are needed?
Normally the first step towards becoming a systems analyst is to qualify as a network engineer, completing courses in computer languages, software and networks.

A number of such courses are available, including those offered by companies such as Cisco and Microsoft.

Then practical experience is needed of the various types of network and the software and other equipment running them.

A combination of these course and experience qualifies a person to be a systems analyst.