Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.

The Work

Systems analysts use information technology (IT) to help organisations work more quickly and efficiently. They investigate a business problem and then design a suitable computer system to improve they way the business works.  
 
Systems analysts work closely with people. At the start of a project, they talk to computer users and managers to find out what problems there are, and what the organisation wants to achieve by investing in a new or improved system. For example, a business may want to reduce costs or increase the speed or scale of production.  
 
The analyst carries out a detailed study of the organisation, its procedures and the needs of the people who use its systems. This is usually done as part of a team of users and IT personnel.  
 
Next, they look at the information gathered and design a computer system (or a number of systems) that meets the organisation's needs.  
 
To work as a computer systems analyst you need business knowledge, together with an understanding of computing and programming techniques. This is an interactive process that involves the members of the team working together to produce the best design.  

 
Analysts then write a system specification, describing how the new system will work, the new equipment the organisation will need to buy, and the level of training staff will need in order to use the system.  
 
Once an organisation's management has picked and approved the system it likes, the systems analyst starts to work closely with IT specialists, systems designers and programmers to create the system. Systems analysts are more likely to update or redesign an out-of-date system rather than introduce a totally new one.  
 
Although systems analysts often have an office from which they work, they usually have to travel to visit organisations that need their skills. They may also travel to meet representatives from companies that supply IT equipment.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
• Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
• Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.
• Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
• Consult with management to ensure agreement on system principles.
• Confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address.
• Develop, document, and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards.
• Train staff and users to work with computer systems and programs.
• Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organisation to increase compatibility so that information can be shared.
• Assess the usefulness of pre-developed application packages and adapt them to a user environment.

Further Information

• IT Systems Analyst - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• IT Systems Analyst - from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

While a degree in an information technology related subject may give you an advantage, some employers recruit graduates with degrees in non-related subjects, and provide all the necessary IT training. Business Studies is one of the most relevant non-IT subjects.  

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship IT/ Software and Tech development & support Comptia skills NFQ level 5 courses Search FET courses

FET Centre Post leaving cert Computer and Network Technician, Computer Networking, Computer Networks and Systems, IT Networking (Pre-Apprenticeship), Pre-University Computing, Networks & Software Systems NFQ level 5-6 PLC Course search

Ecollege Online IT skills & programming courses 

Apprenticeship Route

FIT - ICT Associate Professional Network Engineer is an IT apprenticeship-style (learn & earn) pathway to a career in the technology sector. FIT ICT AP is a ‘learning by doing’ format of ICT skills development which has been endorsed by the industry and government. This is a two-year programme during which candidates who are competent tech enthusiasts attain a Level 6 ICT and Professional Development Award, More

Higher Education CAO entry A Bachelor's degree is beneficial for career development and advancement. Relevant degree courses are available from most Institutes of Technology and a range of private colleges. Relevant subject areas include: Computer science, information technology, engineering and computer-related fields 

Professional Development 

Springboard courses ICT sklills coversion courses NFQ level 6-9 Search Springboard courses 

Post graduate study: Information & Network Security, Engineering - Computer Engineering, management courses at NFQ level 9 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €85k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Sigmar / CPL / Morgan McKinley/ Indeed

Last Updated: April, 2023

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The negative average annual employment growth rate over the five-year period for this occupation is partly related to changes in the LFS in 2017; however, employment has declined annually since 2020. Those employed were primarily male, working full-time and held third-level qualifications. The share of non-Irish citizens employed far exceeded the national average (41% compared to 19% nationally).

Despite the decline in employment, over 3,500 new employment permits were issued in 2022 across a range of roles including IT analysts/engineers (cloud, security, systems, network, test), There was a high volume of mentions in the Recruitment Agency Survey for network/security and site reliability engineers while vacancies for software testers were cited as difficult to fill by employers in the Skills for Growth data, particularly for those with cybersecurity, cloud computing and HTML skills. The number of online job adverts declined by 12% in 2022, predominantly due to the fall in postings for systems analysts which alone accounted for nearly half the total decline in ICT job postings in 2022.

Despite falling employment numbers, strong demand remains evident across the indicators in key areas such as network/cloud and security engineering. The move to remote working since the onset of the pandemic, along with the war in Ukraine, have increased the prevalence of cybersecurity threats39 with demand for these skills likely to persist. The fall in online vacancy advertisements indicates a slowing in demand but shortages remain, at least in the short-term.

Shortage: IT analysts/ engineers

• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • Click Here

• ICS - The Society for Chartered IT Professionals in Ireland

  • 87-89 Pembroke Road, Dublin 4
  • (01) 237 7788
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Technology Ireland

  • 84/86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 605 1500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here