How to Become a Business Intelligence Analyst?
A business intelligence analyst uses data a company has collected and analyzes it to help the company make informed decisions to help improve efficiency. A business intelligence analyst typically uses various tools and techniques to query databases, identify trends and produce reports for management. One goal is to use a mix of big data and an understanding of the business to create actionable insights to help give the company a competitive edge. Keep reading to learn more about how to become a business intelligence analyst.
SPONSORED SCHOOLS
What Is a Business Intelligence Analyst?
If you’re searching for the answer to “what is business intelligence” or “what does a business intelligence analyst do,” read on. Business intelligence is a field that combines data analytics with business acumen. You may want to think of it as applied statistical analysis. The analysis aspect calls on skills in data management, statistics and computer science. The business intelligence aspect comes into play by using data to answer questions and understand trends that are useful for management to guide the company’s strategy.
A business analyst may combine technical and non-technical skills to bridge the gap between management and business analytics. Business intelligence involves understanding the company’s past performance to understand the current state and influence future actions.
Retailers tap business intelligence data to understand which products customers are likely to buy next based on their purchase habits. Another example could be a warehouse company identifying the most frequently shipped products and placing those closest to the packing tables for faster fulfillment.
Business intelligence analysts use data, statistical analysis and data visualization to develop predictive statistical models that inform decision-making. They typically analyze past data to understand the results.
A business intelligence analyst may look at data and identify insights to improve the organization’s ability to make well-informed decisions about future actions. If you’re interested in becoming a business intelligence analyst, you may want to seek courses to learn the following skills:
- Descriptive analytics
- Predictive analytics
- Data collection methods
- A/B testing
- Forecasting
- Correlation and causation
- Regression analysis
- Data visualization and interpretation
Other skills include problem-solving and communication.
Business intelligence analysts may work in a variety of industries including marketing, finance or accounting.
Five Common Steps to Become a Business Intelligence Analyst
The career path for a business intelligence analyst often begins with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, business mathematics, statistics, economic, accounting or related fields, though different career paths are possible. The role requires both hard skills such as data modeling and statistics as well as soft skills like problem-solving and communication.
Obtain a Professional Certificate
One way to get started is obtaining a professional certificate that reflects your skills and expertise.
Depending on the specifics of your undergraduate preparation, data science bootcamps or online business analytics courses may help prepare you for opportunities in your chosen position. Courses may offer a certificate that confirms your participation and completion of the course work. These programs may help you develop specific skill sets or how to use standard business intelligence software tools and data analysis techniques.
Try looking for certifications for specific tools such as
The Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP) certification from Transforming Data with Intelligence is tailored to business intelligence practitioners. Before they can take the exam, applicants must meet the requirements, including at least two years of full-time experience and at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Depending on your score on the test, you can complete it at either the “practitioner” or “mastery” level. The certification may help you distinguish yourself professionally with a test-based credential.
Obtaining a professional certificate may help boost your career to find the first job in the field or transition to a new role.
Pursue an Advanced Degree
An advanced degree, such as a master’s in business analytics, may help prepare professionals to advance in their careers. Depending on the desired career path, a master’s in business administration (MBA) may also give students the education they need to continue to rise in their careers.
A master’s in business analytics degree focuses on prescriptive and predictive techniques to help companies understand what they should do in the future and what may happen next in their industry. In comparison, a master’s in data science concentrates more on machine learning, cloud computing and database systems. A business analytics degree typically covers data extraction, manipulation and visualization to answer business operations questions and provide insights for improving performance. Similar to business analytics programs, online master’s in data science programs are available too.
SPONSORED SCHOOL