Becoming a Business Intelligence Analyst
If you’re interested in becoming a business intelligence analyst, you must first decide on your educational background. While most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, some are open to applicants with a non-traditional degree. For example, if you’ve worked as a data analyst before, your undergraduate degree can also be an asset. In addition, a bachelor’s degree in finance, mathematics, or data science can be an excellent choice. Moreover, a master’s degree may be a good choice if you’ve worked in such a role before.
The job of business intelligence analyst involves implementing various analytical tools and solutions. Some companies use case studies and puzzles to test the abilities of candidates. The questions may have no definite answer, but they may require applicants to use problem-solving skills and approaches to problems with uncertain parameters. A good knowledge of coding languages is another asset. Depending on the position you’re seeking, you may also be asked to demonstrate knowledge of data science tools.
Before beginning a career as a business intelligence analyst, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field. These fields could include computer science, data science, or business information systems. However, many entry-level positions don’t require an MBA or other graduate degree. In some cases, an undergraduate degree can be sufficient. The skills you’ll learn will be useful in your career. So, consider your educational background carefully before making a decision.
The salary range for a business intelligence analyst is relatively high. According to Robert Half’s Drew, the median salary for a BI analyst is about $75,000. However, salary levels may vary depending on the employer’s location and industry. Check with your prospective employer to see what others are offering for a job similar to yours. If your education is primarily in computer science or data science, you may be eligible for a high-paying job in this field.
A good way to differentiate yourself from the rest is by taking professional certifications. The Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Associate certification demonstrates your expertise in SQL, a programming language used to build data warehouses. You can also become certified in SAS or a specific computer language, such as R. Certifications in business intelligence are beneficial in increasing your earning potential and demonstrating that you’ve obtained additional training in the field. Besides, you can also increase your earnings potential by earning various industry-related certifications.
Other than certification, a BI analyst can work in a variety of industries. They may work in health care, education, finance, or even law enforcement. Many BI analysts also have technical backgrounds and can work for smaller companies. However, these roles often require more responsibility than other IT jobs. They can also be systems administrators. The job description of a business intelligence analyst depends on your educational background and experience. If you’re looking for a career in business intelligence, be sure to read more about the field.
In addition to technical expertise, a BI analyst must have the ability to communicate their findings to others. For example, if you’ve worked as a BI analyst for at least five years, you should mention your previous employers and the company where you’ve worked. Additionally, you should include any education, certifications, or side projects that you’ve worked on. By being familiar with these tools and software programs, you can present your abilities to a potential employer and impress them with your qualifications.
