What does a Software Analyst do?

A software analyst has three areas of responsibility: review software specifications, test, and document. He or she typically has a university or college degree in computer services, information technology systems, or computer programming.

People who enjoy working with technology, are focused on details, and can work on a team report the greatest satisfaction as a software analyst. Information technology professionals must work together, completing tasks independently, but ensuring that the work of the team can continue. The role of software analyst is critical to keeping all software development projects on schedule, while maintaining a specific level of quality.

The primary role of a person in this position is to review software specifications. This document provides details on the functions of the software, appearance, user interface methods, reporting, supporting platform, and other features. The business analyst, working closely with the end user or customer, typically develops the specifications. These specifications are fine tuned by the software analyst, and used to develop or write computer software.

System testing forms a large part of a software analyst’s daily work. There are two types of testing: functional and quality. Functional testing is simply to ensure that each command or program behaves as expected. Quality testing ensures that the data processed and returned is accurate, complete, and timely.

Documentation is the process of writing down the steps for using the software. Software documentation typically includes step-by-step procedural guides, overview material, field specific definitions, explanation of reporting functions, and training material. Internal documentation includes reports of all the tests conducted, the results, feedback to the developers, changes to the program, results of retesting, and final sign off.

Talk with people who work in the information technology industry, and they should be able to advise you about the work environment in this industry. In most software development firms, there is a department of software analysts. Information technology departments in large companies typically have two or three software analysts on staff. The size of the department and the number of analysts is dependent upon the type of software they are running, and if they are maintaining it themselves or working with a computer services company.

A career as a software analyst requires dedication to continuing education. The technology is constantly changing, and it is necessary to invest time and effort to stay current. Career advancement in this field typically requires further education in management or certification in a specific technology or hardware. This career is forecast to have a greater than average growth in the next five to ten years.