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Systems Analyst

Study an organization's computer systems and specify improvements for engineers to build.

analysisbusinessprocessdocumentation
Start with: STEM Foundations: The Universal Skill StackTake the career survey

Career facts

Preparation
Considerable preparation needed · most need a bachelor's degree
Ways in
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Industry certification
  • Portfolio of projects
Field
Software, data & cyber

About this career

Systems analysts interview staff about how work is done, document current systems and their problems, and write requirements and diagrams for the changes engineering teams will build or buy. They use flowcharting and modeling tools, SQL to inspect data, and cost-benefit analysis to compare options. Entry is usually a bachelor's degree in information systems or computer science; business analysis certifications help.

Learning path

Take these courses in order, from beginner to mid-level.

  1. Step 1: STEM Foundations: The Universal Skill Stack

    The shared base every STEM career uses: working with numbers and units, testing ideas fairly, handling data and code, and explaining your work.

    Level: Beginner4 modules · 12 lessons · 7h 18mAlso used in 34 other careers

  2. Step 2: Digital Literacy for Tech & STEM Work

    The everyday computer, internet, safety and AI skills every tech and STEM job assumes you already have.

    Level: Beginner4 modules · 12 lessons · 6h 8mAlso used in 34 other careers

  3. Step 3: Professional Communication & Teamwork

    Write clear emails and documents, present and run meetings, work well on teams, and navigate résumés, interviews and networking.

    Level: Beginner4 modules · 12 lessons · 7h 24mAlso used in 34 other careers

  4. Step 4: Math for Tech & STEM

    The practical math behind tech and STEM work: numbers, algebra, functions, geometry, logic and counting, with short code exercises.

    Level: Beginner5 modules · 15 lessons · 7h 32mAlso used in 34 other careers

  5. Step 5: Spreadsheets for Data Work

    Clean tables, correct formulas, lookups, pivot tables and honest charts in Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc or Excel.

    Level: Beginner3 modules · 9 lessons · 6h 35mAlso used in 16 other careers

  6. Step 6: SQL Fundamentals

    Query, summarise, join and change data in a relational database with SQL, practised in your browser.

    Level: Beginner4 modules · 12 lessons · 5h 44mAlso used in 11 other careers

  7. Step 7: Networking Fundamentals

    Learn how data moves between computers: layers, IP addresses and subnets, ports, DNS, DHCP, HTTPS, and the tools to troubleshoot it.

    Level: Beginner3 modules · 9 lessons · 5h 11mAlso used in 8 other careers

  8. Step 8: Project Management Fundamentals

    Plan and run small projects: scope, stakeholders, work breakdown, schedules, estimates, risks, status reports and closure.

    Level: Beginner3 modules · 9 lessons · 5h 39mAlso used in 4 other careers

  9. Step 9: Foundations for Software, Data, Design & Tech Education Careers

    Understand tech roles and career ladders, pick a realistic learning route, build portfolio evidence, and navigate postings, interviews and your first 90 days.

    Level: Beginner3 modules · 9 lessons · 7h 22mAlso used in 20 other careers

  10. Step 10: Cybersecurity Fundamentals

    Think like a defender: network attack surface, threat modeling, the OWASP Top 10, core controls, identity, cryptography, frameworks and the rules of ethical testing.

    Level: Intermediate4 modules · 12 lessons · 5h 50mAlso used in 4 other careers

  11. Step 11: SQL for Analysis

    Go beyond the basics with subqueries, CTEs, window functions and the analytics patterns analysts use every day, practised in your browser.

    Level: Intermediate4 modules · 12 lessons · 7h 18mAlso used in 5 other careers

  12. Step 12: Business & Systems Analysis

    Discover what a business really needs and turn it into clear requirements, process maps, user stories, data models and a gap analysis.

    Level: Intermediate3 modules · 9 lessons · 5h 9mAlso used in 1 other career

  13. Step 13: Agile Delivery: Scrum & Kanban

    Deliver work in short, steady cycles: agile values, Scrum roles and events, Kanban flow, backlogs, sprints, retrospectives, metrics and tools.

    Level: Intermediate3 modules · 9 lessons · 4h 34mAlso used in 2 other careers

  14. Step 14: Solution Design & Integration

    Design how business systems fit together: map the landscape, draw data flows, choose build or buy, specify integrations and data migrations, and deliver with UAT and change management.

    Level: Mid-level3 modules · 9 lessons · 4h 25m

Skills you'll build

Problem Solving

Breaking big, vague problems into small concrete steps. The most transferable skill in tech.

SQL

The language for asking questions of relational databases. Used everywhere.

UX Fundamentals

Principles of designing screens people can actually use — accessibility, hierarchy, feedback.

Networking

How computers talk to each other — TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP. Required for any backend or security role.

Free resources to get started

Hand-picked courses and reading from trusted free providers.

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