Who is a Business Intelligence Analyst and How to Become One?

Introduction

Suppose you are a representative of a particular company that’s lead to the board of directors making important decisions about the corporation. The main role in decision-making reflected in this choice is assigned to Business Intelligence Analyst who provides relevant information to be used in decision-making. This role is very crucial in the ability to convert, for lack of a better word, raw data into intelligence gain that propels growth and efficiency.

If you have ever felt the desire to know how to be that one, who can transform the business constructs into the tools for success, then this article is for you. The following article provides information about what exactly Business Intelligence Analyst is, or what they do, as well as the guidelines that will help you to become such a professional.

Learning Outcomes

• Know the duties of Business Intelligence Analyst.
• Discover more on the education required to be a BI Analyst.
• Explore more information relating to the usual route of progression and promotional avenues within the BI occupation.
• Get to know more about the BI Analysts tools and technologies.
• Check how the role of BI Analysts is specified and what education and training one needs in order to become one.

Who is a Business Intelligence Analyst?

A Business Intelligence Analyst is an expert who makes use of business intelligence methodologies to assist in decision making in an organization. They capture and sort the big data then they try to look for some patterns, trends and anomalies. Using these opportunities, BI Analysts contribute to the effective management of business processes, increase performance, and achieve key objectives.

What Does a Business Intelligence Analyst Do?

With role of business intelligence analyst comes lot of responsibilities. Let us look into those one by one.

• Data Collection and Analysis: BI Analysts collect data from different sources, then preprocess it and analyze for efficient information delivery. They have an analytical bent of mind that enables them to use statistical tools and methodologies to analyze data and make useful recommendations.
• Reporting: Sitting down with the higher command and presenting the results in the written form, as well as in the form of diagrams and charts. These include the uses of Tableau, Power BI, and excel for purposes of developing dashboards and presentations.
• Performance Metrics: Setting up goals and objectives of a business, and then consistently monitoring the business outcomes in an effort to determine which among the proposed goals and objectives are relevant to the business. This assists in revealing how well an organization is performing in relation to the set objectives.
• Data Modeling: Setting up and defining the various data models required for business reporting requirements. BI Analysts also have the responsibility of arranging data to fit a layout that makes analysis easier and more efficient.
• Collaboration: Co-ordination with various different departments in order to identify their requirements and what kind of reports and analyses are required from the available data. Another general responsibility of BI Analysts is that they are in-between IT and business departments.
• Forecasting and Trend Analysis: Obliviously, this is the basis of most statistical models that use historical data to forecasts future trends. This assists various companies especially in the process of strategizing for the future.
• Data Governance: Hard Work data accuracy, consistency and security. Hiring BI Analysts provides the organization with a sense of professional responsibility when it comes to the handling of the data.
• Training and Support: Supplying information about BI to other members of the team besides teaching them the necessary tools and techniques.

What is the Salary of Business Intelligence Analyst?

Therefore, the average pay that has been set for the Business Intelligence Analyst varies with region, experience level, and industry. On average:

• Entry-Level: $55 000 – $75 000 yearly.
• Mid-Level: $75,000-$95,000 per Annum
• Senior-Level: $95,000 to $120,000+ for each year

It should be mentioned that earnings can go significantly higher in some industries, such technology and finance, as well as in places with high cost of living.

How to Become a Business Intelligence Analyst?

To become a BI Analyst one has to have a solid education background, technical skills, and experience. BI Analyst is an important role that enables organizations to leverage on data analysis to make sound business decisions thus the need for business acumen and communication skills.

Obtain a Relevant Degree

• Bachelor’s Degree: A Bachelor’s degree is usually needed in Computer Science or Information Technology, Mathematics and Statistics, Business Administration or other related fields. These are information management, statutory, statistics, and business classes and courses.
• Advanced Degrees and Certifications: Although not mandatory, having a master’s degree or certification in data science, business analytics or similar fields will be helpful. Certifications like Microsoft Certified: A Data Analyst Associate, CBIP – Certified Business Intelligence Professional, and Tableau Certification are useful.

Develop Technical Skills

• Learn SQL: It is necessary to know the basic knowledge of SQL in order to manage and inquire about databases. Everyone who wants to become a BI Analyst, knows that working with SQL is a necessity at the moment.
• Master Data Visualization Tools: The report Wizard, Report Builder, and Chrystal reports are other tools used in generating reports; however, tools such as Tableau, Power BI, and QlikView are other essential tools in generating interactive and appealing reports.
• Understand BI Software: It is crucial to know such BI software as SAP BusinessObjects and Microsoft Business Intelligence.
• Forecasting and Trend Analysis: For forecasting and trend analysis, tools like R, Python (with NumPy, Pandas, and StatsModels), and Tableau are highly effective. For data modeling, consider using ER/Studio, Oracle SQL Developer Data Modeler, and Microsoft Visio.

Gain Practical Experience

• Internships: Intern in areas of data analysis or as entry-level in business intelligence departments. It can also be said that it is extremely useful to try all this in action.
• Projects: To incorporate the skills you have learned into practice you could do projects based on real life or actual cases.

Pursue Certifications

While not always necessary, certifications can enhance your credentials and improve job prospects. Consider certifications such as:

• Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate
• Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP)
• Tableau Certification

Build Analytical Skills

• Enhance Statistical Knowledge: Deepen your understanding of statistical methods and data modeling.
• Improve Problem-Solving Abilities: Develop the ability to think critically and solve complex problems using data-driven approaches.

Develop Soft Skills

• Communication Skills: The ability to explain data analysis findings to executives who lack technical understanding of the topic is a must for BI analysts.
• Business Acumen: Business operations and how data fits into them and how it is used to achieve organizational goals.

Network and Continue Learning

• Join Professional Communities: Having a connection with the professional networks and communities to update the prospects of the career.
• Continuous Education: Make it a practice to attend new and updated BI information from various workshops, webinars, and advanced courses.

Career Path and Advancement

The career path of a BI Analyst can vary, but generally follows a progression through several stages:

• Entry-Level Positions: beginning by being in the position of a data analyst or junior business intelligence analyst. These roles are more involved with mastering the elementary skills of data analysis and business intelligence.
• Mid-Level Positions: So, proceeding to the positions like BI Analyst, Data Scientist, or BI Developer. At this stage, professionals receive promotions and take on more tasks and challenging assignments.
• Senior-Level Positions: Things like Senior BI Analyst, BI Manager and Director of Business Intelligence or positions like that. Senior positions emphasize strategic management, focusing on planning, leading, and making significant decisions.

Advancement Opportunities

BI Analysts can advance their careers by:

• Gaining Experience: Accumulating hands-on experience with data analysis and BI tools. This helps in building expertise and credibility.
• Continuing Education: Pursuing advanced degrees or professional certifications. Staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in business intelligence.
• Networking: Establishing a professional network via internet forums and industry events. Networking can lead to new opportunities and insightful information.
• Specializing: Focusing on specific industries or types of analysis to become an expert. Specialization can make a BI Analyst more valuable to employers.

Tools and Technologies used by Business Intelligence Analyst

BI Analysts use a variety of tools and technologies to perform their duties, including:

• Database Management Systems: SQL, Oracle, MySQL. These are essential for managing and querying data.
• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, QlikView. These tools help in creating interactive and visually appealing reports.
• BI Software: SAP BusinessObjects, Microsoft BI. BI software platforms provide comprehensive solutions for data analysis and reporting.
• Programming Languages: Python, R. These languages are used for more advanced data analysis and automation.
• Spreadsheet Software: Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets. Spreadsheets are widely used for data manipulation and basic analysis.

Also Read: Top 9 Business Intelligence Tools to Use in 2024

Conclusion

Attaining the status of a Business Intelligence Analyst entails the giving of technical skills, the mastery of business knowledge, and passion in the area of data analysis. BI Analyst is a wonderful chance to take the primary information and turn it into business benefits that can help the organization evolve. However, education is necessary if it is done rightly and one can acquire the necessary social skills, hands on experience, and update himself with recent technological advancement in the field he or she is into then this field is rewarding. Regardless of the level at which one is and career path that they are in, the career of a BI Analyst promising future that holds a lot of variety for the holder and can be of great value.

Also Read: Top 9 Business Intelligence Tools to Use in 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

ayushi9821704 02 Aug, 2024

My name is Ayushi Trivedi. I am a B. Tech graduate. I have 3 years of experience working as an educator and content editor. I have worked with various python libraries, like numpy, pandas, seaborn, matplotlib, scikit, imblearn, linear regression and many more. I am also an author. My first book named #turning25 has been published and is available on amazon and flipkart. Here, I am technical content editor at Analytics Vidhya. I feel proud and happy to be AVian. I have a great team to work with. I love building the bridge between the technology and the learner.