IT project analyst
Pursue a career as an IT project analyst and you'll use your technical and analytical skills to design the IT systems that bring business projects to life.
Also known as: data analyst (computing)
About the job
What it's like
If you’re naturally tech-minded and a skilled number cruncher, you could be a budding IT project analyst. In this role, you’ll research and design IT solutions that solve important business challenges. You’ll also spend your time deep-diving into data on a quest to find opportunities to improve existing systems or launch new ones.
You’ll be responsible for applying the information you find – what should the new system look like? What knock-on effects would any changes have? Once you’ve answered these questions and more, you’ll create action plans and update processes.
IT project analysts need to be good with numbers as you’ll need to use statistical models to inform your recommendations. You’ll also need to pass on your findings to decision-makers, so confident leadership skills and a talent for communication will serve you well. If you can motivate people to embrace change – even if those changes redefine an entire process or service – this might be the job for you.
What you’ll do
Conduct research to understand the project’s needs
Analyse project data and write a report on your findings
Create accurate forecasts, budgets and timescales so everyone involved in the project knows what to expect
Prepare project proposals to make the case for introducing new systems
Give progress reports to decision-makers
Work with colleagues to implement new procedures
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Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- attention to detail
- researching
- problem solving
- working with technology
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Administration and Information Technology
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Business Management
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English
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Business Skills
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You can develop the necessary skills for this role through a variety of routes.
Many IT Project Analysts will have a degree in subjects, such as:
Business/project management
Management and information systems
Skills and qualifications in data analysis, computer science and business administration are of value, as well as strong business knowledge and communication skills. Some will also have postgraduate qualifications in project management.
Apprenticeships
You can gain skills and qualifications in the workplace through options such as:
Foundation Apprenticeships (FA’s) are chosen as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 but include hands-on learning at a local employer or college. They are the same level as a Higher.
You might want to consider an FA in areas such as:
Business Skills
Modern Apprenticeships (MA’s) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Project Management – Technical
Graduate Apprenticeships (GA’s) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
IT: Management for Business
Not all employers list specific qualification requirements but they might ask for relevant experience, usually work based, that show a range of transferable skills.
As you would be supporting the successful delivery of projects, you would be expected to demonstrate a good understanding of project management methodologies and operating systems, such as PRINCE2 (projects in controlled environments) or Agile.
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