What are the skills and knowldege that a good systems analyst requires?
A Systems Analyst requires a wide range of skills to be successful. Cashman (Shelly, Cashman, Rosenblatt, 2006, p.26) characterises these skills as;
a) Good technical knowledge,
b) Strong written communication and oral skills,
c) Good analytical ability, and
d) An understanding of business operations and processes.
However, a variety of factors have a bearing on the level of skill required. The organisation structure, the type of organisation (Product or Service or both) and the business profile (Cashman et al, 2006, p. 29) will also have a bearing on the mix of skills required for the task. An E Commerce business may require an analyst to have a very strong technical knowledge while a business that sells products may require an analyst who has a very good understanding of business processes. Clearly the type of business plays a significant role in determining the skills and knowledge base required of a Systems Analyst.
Certification is an area that should not be overlooked; certification by a recognised institution demonstrates a certain level of knowledge and skills to potential employers. In addition it is an excellent method of honing skills in a specific areas. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification courses are just a few that are available. While not essential, many employers view certification as being an important facet in a hiring decision.
How do you plan to develop these skills?
In my job as a Systems Administrator, I am finding that a generalist degree is simply not specific enough for the complex network environment that I work with on a day to day basis. A MCSA course hopefully should provide me with the skills that I need to come to grips with the complexities of my job.
In addition, I am finding the need for highly developed communication skills to be an absolute necessity for my job. I aim to continue developing my written and analytical skiils while completing this course and also to gain an insight into the various business models that can be used to represent my employer’s business processes. I am also hopeful of gaining useful information about my current job and also about this course by being an active participant in the Discussion Forum on the course website.
Give a brief outline of your experience with the development or use of Information Systems.
While I have little Systems Analysis experience, I have had considerable experience in the use of Information Technology, having first become aware of it in the early 1990’s. From studying Information Technology at both TAFE and University to owning and operating my own IT repair business in the late 1990’s, it has been a major part of my life for many years. Of all the things I have learned with regard to IT over the years, two stand out as being the most important for me; the need to continually update my skills and the need for excellent communication skills so as to determine what my clients are asking for. I am hopeful that this course will assist me in meeting these needs.
