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Requirements Analyst Duties and Responsibilities

The role of a requirements analyst will differ depending on the employer, but some tasks are almost always associated with the job. Our perusal of job listings reveals the following as responsibilities typically given to requirements analysts:

Understand Needs To get a project rolling, the requirements analyst talks with clients or internal stakeholders to discuss the purpose. What do they want to achieve? What should the software do? By listening to their ideas and concerns, the requirements analyst can start formulating a vision. Terms are documented to clearly state what was agreed upon by both sides.

Translate Requirements Taking the information gathered, the requirements analyst puts it into a form that software developers can decipher. Oftentimes, this involves using Unified Modeling Language (UML) to create diagrams that enable visualization of the system’s design.

Monitor Projects To ensure that what the client wants is being created, requirements analysts frequently check on the project’s progress and performance. They even may be involved in creating tests to judge how well the software is performing and then looking at data derived from those tests. If questions or problems arise, the requirements analyst acts as a liaison between the end user and the tech department. This may involve negotiating changes to the agreement, such as setting up a new timeframe or securing a greater budget.

Update Status Stakeholders and company brass alike want to know how things are progressing. Thus, requirements analysts prepare regular reports for all interested parties.

Inspect Software Before presenting the final version, the requirements analyst will thoroughly check out the software to ensure it meets the agreed-upon demands. The analyst may also consult with colleagues in quality control to verify performance.

Follow Up When software is put into actual use over a period of time, bugs might be spotted or ideas for improvement can be realized. Requirements analysts seek feedback and see if developers might be able to make modifications to enhance performance.

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Requirements Analyst Skills and Qualifications

Some critical skills for getting this job done include:

  • Communication skills – collecting and transmitting information, listening to a client’s needs, and explaining technological concepts in understandable terms all require these analysts to be exceptional communicators
  • Collaboration skills – requirements analysts are part of a team and must work seamlessly with clients, managers, tech staff, and other colleagues
  • Multitasking skills – the duties requirements analysts take on are often managed simultaneously throughout the day, which means they must be able to prioritize tasks
  • Tech knowledge – designing diagrams of what the client desires and conveying that information to the people who will construct the software demands requirements analysts “speak” the right language and understand what can and cannot be done
  • Organization skills – staying on top of things and handling requests and information coming in from various directions is essential to seeing projects through from start to finish
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Requirements Analyst Education and Training

Requirements analysts typically hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science or management systems. Some employers prefer candidates with advanced degrees in these fields (or related ones) or an MBA. Healthcare insurance, retirement plans, and paid vacation can be part of a compensation package for requirements analysts.

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Requirements Analyst Salary and Outlook

According to Glassdoor.com, requirements analysts earn an annual average salary of $82,211. The lowest paid bring home roughly $55,000 per year, while professionals at the high end of the pay range make about $118,000 each year.

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Helpful Resources

Continue exploring a career as a requirements analyst with these sources:

Requirements Analysis: From Business Views to Architecture – This book helps readers understand what it takes to bring a software project from start to finish.

International Institute of Business Analysis – From continuing education opportunities to industry research, this association helps requirements analysts and related professionals improve their skills and careers.

Requirements Gathering for the New Business Analyst – Gain insight on what requirements analysts do and the challenges they commonly face with this book.

Requirements Management and Analysis – Network and learn more about the field by connecting with the members of this LinkedIn group.