How to become a business intelligence analyst

Over the last decade, job opportunities in business intelligence analysis have grown. Business intelligence analysts are typically methodical, inquisitive, and decisive professionals who help companies improve efficiency and profitability through data analysis. Read on if you're considering a career as a business intelligence analyst.

What does a business intelligence analyst do?

Business intelligence analysts are responsible for several primary tasks, including:

• Compiling and cleaning data
• Analyzing data
• Making recommendations to organizational leadership based on findings

Analysts may use Excel, Microsoft BI, and Tableau to process and visualize information. Knowledge of coding languages such as Python is also relevant, as automated software allows users to perform advanced data analysis quickly and easily.

Additionally, business intelligence analysts should be comfortable communicating their findings and speaking in public since they frequently relay their findings to leadership.

Steps to become a business intelligence analyst

To become a business intelligence analyst, you must typically earn a degree, gain relevant experience, and consider pursuing a certification. Read on to learn more about each of these steps.

Step 1: Earn a degree

A bachelor's degree is typically required to become a business intelligence analyst. Some relevant fields of study include:

• Statistics
• Computer science
• Business administration
• Data analytics
• Information systems

While a master's degree in business analytics is not always required to become a business intelligence analyst, a graduate degree may help you stand out to employers, giving you a competitive edge. Some schools may offer MBA programs tailored explicitly to business intelligence analysts.

Step 2: Gain relevant experience

It is important to gain the requisite experience as a business intelligence analyst. One way to do this is through an internship. Internships usually offer part-time work to students or recent graduates, allowing them to acquire the necessary skills in the field. Internships also allow participants to build a portfolio of work to present to a potential future employer to prove their proficiency.

Check with your university or search online job boards to find an internship.

Step 3: Consider a certification or certificate program

Although not typically required by an employer, certification and certificate programs allow business intelligence analysts to further their education and distinguish themselves from other job candidates. Some of the more prestigious certifications include:

• Certified Business Intelligence Professional: Offered by Transforming Data With Intelligence, this certification program allows analysts to specialize in one of four areas: business analytics, business integration, data design, or leadership. It is a good choice for business intelligence analysts currently employed and looking to further their education.
• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate: Google offers this certificate, which is available to beginners or those looking to further their careers. It primarily covers SQL, data analytics, data visualization, and data cleaning.

Get started on edX

If you think you have the requisite attributes to enter the world of business intelligence analysis, consider enrolling in a program with edX. edX offers a variety of relevant certificate programs, including those in business intelligence analysis, Python, and data visualization.