Who is a Business Intelligence Analyst?
Career as a business intelligence analyst, is one that involves using data to positively influence and support an organization’s productivity. A business intelligence analyst analyzes complex datasets within a company to determine the needs and make recommendations for business improvement and growth.
It involves collection, compilation, presentation, representation, analysis of both numeric and non-numeric data, and making recommendations to the management teams for improvement on company’s operations.
According to Arizona State University, “A business intelligence analyst analysis data to produce finance and market intelligence reports. These reports are used to highlight patterns and trends in a given market that may influence a company’s operations and future goals.”
Specialties of BI Analysts
There are different specializations in business intelligence analysis.
Business Intelligence Analysts are classified into different specialties such as Strategy Analyst, Business Architect, System Analyst, Data Analyst, etc
Qualifications to Become A Business Intelligence Analyst.
To become good business intelligence analyst, you need to posses the right educational qualifications, technical skills, and professional experience.
To become a Business Intelligence Analyst, you need to have Bsc or Masters qualification in Computer Science, Statistics or Mathematics, Economics or Econometrics, Business Analytics and other related disciplines. Note most universities offer Business Analytics, and Econometrics as postgraduate programs.
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Job of a Business Intelligence Analyst
The work of a BI analyst topically involves data collection, compilation presentation, representation, analysis and communication of the information to the management team or client for effective business decision making.
Data Collection: Business Intelligence Analyst starts his work by collecting business intelligence data from different sources such as industry reports, public information, field reports or purchased findings. In addition to gathering data related to market and consumers, you need to gather information on relevant technology trends or emerging markets in your industry.
Data Compilation and Presentation: The data which are gathered from different sources and format need to be sorted and organized in an understandable form. Store the data in your company’s database, and update regularly. You may also need to establish operational procedures to utilize the database and provide technical support or software maintenance for any unique programs.
Data Analysis/ Analytics: Here you analyze the data to identify any new trends that could impact your company’s or client’s business strategies.
Utilize the results of the analysis to support recommendations for action to improve or even grow the company.
Reporting: Prepare analytical reports to summarize findings
Recommendation: In your analytical reports, include logical actionable recommendations that would improve and grow your business
Communication: Share your findings and recommendations with the appropriate company stakeholders through established communication processes. Analytics can be a very technical field but as a professional, you must be able to communicate your findings clearly to stakeholders in all departments for positive business policies and strategies formulation.