All companies depend on the right information to stay competitive which is why job seekers who desire careers in business intelligence have been pleasantly surprised in recent years by the job category’s growth rate. BI is the systematic way of identifying, collecting and analyzing data for the purpose of extrapolating information that can be used by corporate decision makers, according to the Computer World. Business intelligence has always been used to some extent by corporations that wanted to refine their business models and strategies to keep up with changing customer values, attitudes and behaviors. However, the digital age has brought about an increase in the frequency and quantity of corporate data, and many businesses grapple with how to convert large amounts of data into beneficial information that translates into greater profits or cost reductions. Here are three BI careers that help companies to gain efficiencies through the appropriate use of data.
Business Intelligence Analyst
One of the most popular business intelligence careers is the business intelligence analyst. Business intelligence analysts usually become experts on the products, services and industries that are associated with their companies. Subsequently, they analyze data from a variety of sources to identify trends within the marketplace. Resulting work products of business intelligence analysts help senior leaders to exploit market events to gain a competitive edge and to determine areas of risks. Sometimes decision makers can create entirely new opportunities for their companies that results in greater industry innovation. While most business intelligence analysts use software tools to quickly access data, they also exercise their communication skills to gain greater insight into their industry through interviews with customers, vendors and other stakeholders. Most business intelligence analysts also have good organizational skills, but the systematic approach that they use to conduct data analysis often comes from training and is usually not intuitive. Minimally, business intelligence analysts have undergraduate degrees in disciplines like computer science, applied mathematics or economics. Many business intelligence analysts have taken additional training and gained professional certifications like the Certified Business Intelligence Professional.
Business Intelligence Developer
BI development can be considered a subcategory of software development. Business intelligence developers generate the information technology solutions that are regularly used by business intelligence analysts. They have to understand the data analysis requirements of their organizations, current technology products available and how to create customized solutions. For example, business intelligence developers create analytical software tools and design database tables that allow business intelligence analysts and others to easily retrieve desired data in user friendly formats. Because business intelligence development requires extensive knowledge of programming and algorithms, most business intelligence developers have degrees in computer science. Those who want more job opportunities often gain professional certifications like the Microsoft Certified Solution Associate SQL Server.
Business Intelligence Program Manager
While most business intelligence professionals enjoy hands on analytical work, many opt to move into management roles such as business intelligence program manager after they have gained sufficient experience in other business intelligence roles. Business intelligence program managers help to establish business intelligence policies, plans and strategies that align with their organizations’ overarching strategic goals. These managers oversee multiple business intelligence projects and initiatives, and they help to make sure that resulting work outcomes adhere to established business intelligence policies and plans. Business intelligence program managers usually have undergraduate degrees in technical disciplines as well as advanced degrees in management.
Related Resource: Become a Business Analyst
Conclusion
Business intelligence presents skilled business professionals with a myriad of job opportunities that include highly technical positions as well as administrative roles. Despite the diversity in positions, above average salaries and high projected job growth rates are two things that most careers in business intelligence have in common.
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