We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Technology

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Become a Business Intelligence Developer?

By D. Nelson
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,935
References
Share

Businesses in all industries depend on increasingly complex business intelligence systems, which are designed to allow employees to record and share valuable information. To become a business intelligence developer, your first step should be to get a background in computer programming. For most people, the easiest way to do this is to enter an academic program, where you can learn from established professionals and benefit from access to sometimes expensive software. Others may choose to educate themselves, since experience and professional certification might be more valuable than academic preparation. After you earn professional certificates relevant to your aspirations, you can begin distributing resumes and cover letters to potential employers.

A business intelligence developer is an Information Technology (IT) professional able to design databases and reporting systems that can be used by businesspeople in a number of different contexts. A developer also might be able to consult business managers and help them to find IT solutions that make it easier for workers to access data. Business intelligence developers usually work for consultant firms, though they also may work for individual companies that have in-house IT departments and which require high degrees of complex business intelligence development.

To become a business intelligence developer, it is necessary to become proficient in software design. Aside from understanding the logical aspects of programming, however, it also important that you understand practical application of software solutions. Training in IT with an emphasis on management of business systems can be valuable for a person who wants to become a business intelligence developer.

Whether or not you earn an academic degree in a computer science related field, it might be necessary also to earn professional certification. Many software manufacturers offer globally recognized certificates that illustrate your proficiency designing and optimizing business intelligence software. You can begin researching requirements for earning certification. In most cases, you can benefit from using recommended study resources. It can be expensive to take certification exams and to purchase study guides, so make sure you research prices and give yourself time to save.

Once you have the earned necessary certification, you can research business intelligence firms that are hiring. It is common to find that employers prefer applicants who have experience or training with particular kinds of software and who are comfortable working with certain business functions. Tailor your resume to meet the preferences of each firm to which you apply. For example, if a potential employer prefers an applicant who can become a business intelligence developer who provides Human Resources solutions (HR), list education or experience relevant to working with HR professionals.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon346346 — On Aug 27, 2013

I want to change my career from being a software tester to a business intelligence analyst. My husband says I should take a t-SQL certification and master MS excel. This should help me get the job as a BI Analyst. Can you please guide me on how should I proceed with changing the career?

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-become-a-business-intelligence-developer.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.