HOW TO BECOME AN ICT BUSINESS OR SYSTEMS ANALYST

1. MANUFACTURING & TECHNOLOGY ICT BUSINESS AND SYSTEMS ANALYSTS - + - + - + INCOME FEES JOB PROSPECTS JOB PROSPECTS At a glance Job prospects for ICT business and systems analysts are good. Demand for employees in these fields has been growing, and there are not enough graduates to meet this demand. Both of these occupations are on Immigration New Zealand’s long-term skill shortage list, reflecting the fact there are currently not enough graduates to meet demand. Job prospects are likely to remain strong in coming years. Ɣ How to become an ICT business or systems analyst A business analyst (BA) examines the structure and functions of organisations in order to match them with business goals. An ICT business analyst looks primarily at how business goals can be met through the use of information technology. Where to study Most universities and polytechnics across the country offer degrees in information systems, information technology or computer science. Many other courses at different levels (such as certificates and diplomas) are available through polytechnics and other IT training organisations. Professional organisations and certification An ICT systems analyst examines the systems and procedures an organisation uses, and decides if and how computer applications could be used to improve business efficiency and productivity. Intermediate-level business analysts may apply for a Certification in Competency in Business Analysis through the International Institute of Business Analysts (IIBA). The IIBA is a professional association for business analysts, and has a chapter in New Zealand. Business analysts tend to look at an organisation’s functions from a high-level, broad conceptual perspective, whereas sys- tem analysts are more detailed, and focus on how systems and processes are put into action in the organisation. To get certification, an applicant must have worked for at least 3,750 hours as a business analyst, and then pass an exam. Qualifications needed The Institute of IT Professionals (IITP) is the professional or- ganisation for ICT professionals. Its services for members include mentoring and training workshops. It also operates the Informa- tion Technology Certified Professional (ITCP) programme, which provides internationally recognised professional certification for experienced ICT workers. You can find details about this scheme on the ITCP website. ICT business and systems analysts usually require a bachelor’s degree in one of the following subjects or similar: • information systems • information technology • computer science. Cost of study → IIBA, Certification: newzealand.iiba.org/certification → IITP: www.iitp.org.nz Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science → ITCP: www.itcp.org.nz/detail $20,000 over 3 years Average costs in 2014 for a domestic student. Costs vary between institutions. Further costs include materials and accommodation. Rents vary from place to place. Estimated market rents by re- gion, city and suburb are available on the MBIE Tenancy Services website. The StudyLink website provides general budget advice for students, and the Sorted website provides help with detailed budget planning. → Tenancy Services: www.tenancy.govt.nz → StudyLink: www.studylink.govt.nz → Sorted: www.sorted.org.nz/calculators/money-planner

2. MANUFACTURING & TECHNOLOGY ICT BUSINESS AND SYSTEMS ANALYSTS Completed qualifications 25,000 The number of students completing computer science or infor- mation systems degrees grew from 715 in 2007 to 1,250 in 2014 (up 69%). 20,000 Employment 15,000 1,000 10,000 completing qualification Number of students 5,000 0 500 2009 2014 2019 2024 Estimate Forecast Source: MBIE Estimates 0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Bachelor's Degree- Computer Science Bachelor's Degree- Information Science 2011 2012 2013 2014 Both ICT business and systems analysts appear on Immigration New Zealand’s long-term skill shortage list. If a job appears on the list, it means the government is actively encouraging skilled people in the role to come and work in New Zealand. A full list is available on the Immigration New Zealand website. Source: Ministry of Education Ɣ Income and employment prospects Income → Immigration NZ, skill shortage list: skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz In 2015, the average income for ICT business and systems ana- lysts was $84,700. Where to find job vacancies ICT business and systems analysts vacancies are advertised through public media such as the Trade Me Jobs and Seek web- sites, and also through many IT-specific recruitment agencies. Estimated average income $84,700 → Trade Me Jobs: www.trademe.co.nz/jobs Average income from Statistics New Zealand Income Survey → Seek: www.seek.co.nz Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in information systems earned $41,600 one year after their study ended. After five years, income had increased to $58,750. Career path ICT business and systems analysts often work their way into senior analyst positions. Many take a project management role, and these jobs are often seen as a route to enter higher management-level positions, such as an ICT manager. Median earnings after qualification completion One year Two years Three years Other related occupations include systems administrators and web designers. Ɣ Other information Links $41,600 $47,000 $58,750 Source: Ministry of Education The Absolute IT recruitment company publishes a report of median salaries for different roles in the IT sector. More information on ICT business and systems analysts is avail- able on the Careers New Zealand website. → Absolute IT: www.absoluteit.co.nz → Careers New Zealand: www.careers.govt.nz Employment and skill shortages → The Skills Organisation: www.skills.org.nz ICT Business and Systems Analysts’ employment Current Projected growth* 2013 2014 2014–19 2019–24 12,860 up 6.5% 4.6% per year 4.2% per year 12,070 * For the broader category of “Business and System Analysts and Programmers”. Employment has grown over the past several years, with employ- ment in ICT business and systems analysis increasing from 9,000 in 2007 to almost 13,000 in 2014. Strong growth is expected in the medium term.