While proper training and educational degrees in business intelligence (BI) or business analytics are important, they may not always be necessary to become a business intelligence director. Degrees in business administration, computer science, information systems and informatics can also be useful. Previous experience in the areas of business intelligence processes may be just as important, if not more so. Necessary skills to become a business intelligence director include the ability to create business models, to integrate information from all areas of a business into an easily understandable big picture, to assess work flow, develop and implement information technology in order to maintain effective corporate operations.
There are colleges and universities that offer course work, certificates, undergraduate and graduate degrees in business intelligence. These courses focus primarily on providing training for business managers and business analysts to understand how to use the information stored in corporate databases and warehouses. The techniques taught in these courses explore data modeling, data mining methods, and online analytical processing. They are designed to help managers and directors use emerging technology and data to make better decisions about businesses
Proficiency in information technology is necessary skill to become a business intelligence director. Becoming familiar with and acquiring training in software and information systems used in business intelligence systems is a good place to start. Most colleges and universities can provide the training and course work needed for this position. Understanding data warehousing as well as extract, transform and load (ETL) functions is also likely to be required. Most employers who are hiring a BI director require that you have some expertise in certain programs, so be sure to check with each employer to get the specific details.
To become a business intelligence director, you may have to become involved in a company's sales processes. Some BI directors may actually be required to increase or optimize the sales process by becoming directly involved by making contacts, performing sales calls, and even visiting or presenting ideas or proposals to clients. Other BI directors may gather information that can be used to increase sales or maximize efficiency. These types of responsibilities require that a BI director be able to communicate effectively, work with many different types of people at various levels, and know how to relate to people on both a personal and professional basis. Encouraging collaboration and building teams are also necessary skills for this position.
