A systems analyst is an IT professional who analyzes, designs, and implements information systems to solve business problems. The primary role of a systems analyst is to study organizational problems and needs to determine how people, methods, and technology can be combined to improve the organization. Systems analysts must develop analytical, technical, managerial, and interpersonal skills. They work with users to define requirements, help design and test solutions, and ensure new systems are implemented smoothly and train users.

1. System Analysts
A systems analyst, also known as business technology analyst, is an information
technology (IT) professional who specializes in analyzing, designing and
implementing information systems. A systems analyst is a person who uses analysis
and design techniques to solve business problems using information technology.
Role of System Analyst
 The primary role of a systems analyst is to study the problems and needs
of an organization in order to determine how people, methods, and
information technology can best be combined to bring about improvements in
the organization.
 A systems analyst helps system users and other business managers define
their requirements for new or enhanced information services.
 Systems analysts are key to the systems development process. To succeed
as a systems analyst, you will need to develop four types of skills:
1. Analytical
2. Technical
3. Managerial
4. Interpersonal
1. Analytical skills
- It enables you to understand the organization and its functions,
to identify opportunities and problems, and to analyze and solve
problems.
- `One of the most important an-
alytical skills you can develop is systems thinking, or the ability
to see organizations and information systems as systems.
- Systems thinking provides a framework from which to see the
important relationships among information systems, the
organizations they exist in, and the environment in which the
organizations themselves exist.
2. Technical skills
- It helps you understand the potential and the limitations of
information technology. As an analyst, you must be able to
imagine an information system that will help users solve
problems and that will guide the system’s design and
development. You must also be able to work with programming
languages such as C and Java, various operating systems
such as Windows and Linux, and computer hardware platforms
such as IBM and Mac.

2. 3. Management skills
- It helps you to manage projects, resources, risk, and change.
4. Interpersonal skills
- It helps you to work with end users as well as with other
analysts and programmers.
- As a systems analyst, you will play a major role as a liaison
among users, programmers, and other systems professionals.
- Effective written and oral communication, including
competence in leading meetings, interviewing end users, and
listening,are key skills that analysts must master.
- Effective analysts successfully combine
these four types of skills,
Examples:
Let’s consider two examples of the types of organizational problems you could face
as a systems analyst.
First,
you work in the information systems department of a major magazine company. The
company is having problems keeping an updated and accurate list of subscribers,
and some customers are getting two magazines instead of one. The company will
lose money and subscribers if these problems continue. To create a more efficient
tracking system, the users
of the current computer system as well as financial managers submit their problem
to you and your colleagues in the information systems department.
Second,
you work in the information systems department at a university, where you are
1called upon to address an organizational problem such as the mailing of student
grades to the wrong addresses.
Responsibilities of System Analysts:
- System Analysts are responsible for improving company IT
systems while ensuring high levels of performance and security.
- They gather user requirements, perform tests and design software
solutions that meet business needs.
-
For this role, look for candidates who understand the full software
development life cycle and are able to integrate new and legacy
systems.
- Software documentation is an important duty of the System
Analyst.

3. - Keep an eye out for candidates who can explain technical terms in
simple language. These individuals also work closely with other
teams that include System Engineers and Product Managers.
Focus on candidates who understand design, budget and deadline
requirements.
- Implements computer system requirements by defining and
analyzing system problems; designing and testing standards and
solutions.
Systems Analyst Duties:
 Defines application problem by conferring with clients; evaluating procedures and
processes.
 Develops solution by preparing and evaluating alternative workflow solutions.
 Controls solution by establishing specifications; coordinating production with
programmers.
 Validates results by testing programs.
 Ensures operation by training client personnel; providing support.
 Provides reference by writing documentation.
 Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading
professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in
professional organizations.
 Accomplishes information systems and organization mission by completing
related results as needed.
Systems Analyst Skills and Qualifications:
C, COBOL, Software Design, Software Documentation, Software Testing, Software
Maintenance, Software Development Process, Software Requirements, Teamwork,
General Consulting Skills, Software Architecture
A Good System Analyst Must be Able to Answer Following Questions in Best Way
Possible :
Operational and Situational questions
 How would you manage frequent changes in user requirements?
 How do you persuade a doubtful manager to get on board with your
suggestions?
 How would you reconcile different opinions on the deployment date of a new
program?
Role-specific questions
 What SAP software applications have you used?
 What is a DHCP server?
 Walk me through the process of analyzing an existing system.
 How do you explain user scenarios in a technical document?

4.  What’s the difference between technical and functional requirements? How do
you gather each?
 How do you perform a software audit on a PC or Mac?
Behavioral questions
 Do you have experience designing a new system with limited resources? If so,
how did you do it?
 Describe a time when you worked with a team to tackle a tough project. What
was your role?
 Describe a time when you had to deliver a presentation. How did you explain
technical details to a non-technical audience?
 Have you ever implemented a cost-reducing system? What was it and how did
you come up with the suggestion?