How to become a Computer System Analyst

System Analyst or computer system analyst is seasoned personnel studying an organisation's current computer systems and designing new solutions or recommending modifications to enhance existing systems and integrate new features to improve the organisation's productivity and efficiency. Aspirants must be knowledgeable about current business trends and be adept in technology ideas, tools, applications, and procedures. A system analyst evaluates the present system, operations, and procedures and then advises customers on the best and most successful IT solutions.

Due to the versatility of the role of a system analyst, employability opportunities can be found in a wide range of industries such as Computer systems design and related services, Management of companies and enterprises, Information, Banking and Finance, State and local government, excluding education and hospitals, among others. A computer system analyst works in a constantly evolving environment due to technological advances and must constantly brush up on the technical skills and abilities to keep abreast with the trends.

The role of a system analyst typically depends on the educational background, experience, skill sets and area of specialization. Generally, system analyst job description comprises of the following tasks: 

• Conduct and oversee tests to make sure that all the systems work efficiently
• Analyze the systems to find any errors, bugs or faults
• Investigate and research new technologies
• Decide if the existing system needs to be upgraded and which technologies would be best suited for it
• Prepare a cost analysis and feasibility report of the proposed system or up-gradation for the management to decide if it is worthwhile
• Oversee the new installations and customize it to suit the company’s needs

To flourish in the industry, a system analyst must have specific essential skills and inclinations and an appropriate educational background. Aspirants must be outstanding problem solvers with good communication skills, versatility, natural love for technology and gadgets, and a quick, analytic mind. A system analyst also works in very stressful work conditions, with both solo project work and team engagement, which is why candidates must have leadership abilities, teamwork skills, and the capacity to perform effectively under pressure.

System analyst positions need a reasonable contribution of engineering principles, ingenuity, and logical idea application, and hence applicants must demonstrate these qualities to some level. To do credit to the function of a system analyst, aspirants must also have commercial knowledge of the business in which they operate, as well as stay up with developing technology.

In order to enroll into a Bachelor’s program at an esteemed university, aspirants are expected to clear the JEE main and subsequently, the JEE Advance exam which makes the aspirant eligible to apply anywhere in India. It is a very difficult and challenging exam to crack that requires hard work as well as rigorous and consistent preparation. Some states have their own entrance exams that are admissible in their respective universities. Many educational institutes conduct their own entrance tests.  

Aspirants may apply for the following system analyst job profiles: 

• Computer systems engineer.
• Database administrator.
• Business intelligence analyst.
• Security Analyst
• Security Architect
• Systems designers
• Software quality assurance (QA) analysts
• Programmer analysts