What is a System Analyst

In the IT world, system analysts are a very common yet crucial position, but what do system analysts do?

A system analyst bridges business needs and technology, turning complex requirements into workable IT solutions that support daily operations and long‑term strategy. In Hong Kong’s government and enterprise environment, this role is central to designing, improving, and maintaining mission‑critical systems.

What do system analysts even do?

A system analyst typically participates in all phases of IT projects, including feasibility study, requirements gathering, systems analysis and design, implementation, testing, rollout, and ongoing maintenance. Typical responsibilities include analysing user needs, specifying system components, preparing technical documentation, coordinating testing and user acceptance, and monitoring system performance and resource usage.​​

System analysts also act as a key communication bridge between business users, developers, project managers, and vendors. In public‑sector T‑contract projects, they may be seconded to bureau or departments to support large applications such as HR, finance, or citizen‑facing e‑services, ensuring compliance with government standards and security requirements.​​

Qualifications and skills required

Under the TCON framework, a Systems Analyst (Staff Category 3) is expected to hold at least a relevant degree or higher diploma in IT or a related discipline plus several years of post‑qualification experience in the computing field. The role usually requires a minimum of four years’ experience, including hands‑on work in similar posts and in comparable environments. Experience with common platforms and tools (for example Java, .NET, SQL databases, and Windows/UNIX/Linux environments) is highly valued.​

Beyond technical skills, strong analytical thinking, stakeholder communication, and documentation skills are essential to translate business issues into system requirements. Exposure to project management, quality assurance, and security or networking concepts is also desirable, especially for government or large‑scale enterprise projects.​​

Growing your career as a system analyst

EDPS regularly recruits System Analysts and related roles under government T‑contracts, and a useful backgrounder is the Technical Corner article “Understanding TCON: Your Pathway to Impactful Government IT Careers,” which explains TCON categories and experience levels, including Systems Analyst positions. This gives candidates a clear view of how the role fits into the wider government IT talent framework and typical career progression from Analyst Programmer up to Senior Systems Analyst and beyond.​​

To strengthen your profile, structured online learning is a good complement to project experience. A good place to start is Coursera, Coursera is a global online learning platform offering flexible, affordable courses, certificates, and degrees from top universities and companies to help people develop job‑relevant skills anywhere

(To learn more about what courses that can help you build a future proof career, see 5 Cutting-Edge IT Certifications to Supercharge Your Career in Hong Kong). 

Courses such as “IBM’s Introduction to Systems Analysis” are value adding courses and certifications that can help aspiring and practicing system analysts build job‑ready skills that align well with the current market.

Tempted to make a move? Find out more about job opportunities at  https://www.edps.com.hk/jobseekervacancy.