Business Intelligence Careers

Business intelligence professionals manage data analysis and other critical information to provide a holistic view of business operations. These careers require technical acumen to deliver data-driven business analytics that help companies fix problems and implement more efficient processes.

Potential careers for a business intelligence major include analyst, specialist, consultant, and project manager. Professionals in this field can work in the private or public sectors.

Our guide outlines more information about careers in business intelligence, including job projections and career advancement opportunities. We also highlight common courses and useful publications available in this field.

Individuals who pursue careers with a business intelligence degree are typically analytical thinkers with a talent for numbers and data collection. These professionals usually work in an office environment and use computers to collect, store, and analyze data to determine the effectiveness of a business.

A career in business intelligence requires an individual to be self-motivated and possess excellent communication skills, as they must report their findings to those with less expertise in this field.

Many companies use business intelligence to reduce costs or find new customers. Business intelligence professionals might work on their own or as part of a team. Some professionals may even advance to managerial positions.

Salaries and job outlook data for business intelligence careers vary depending on the location of the job and the level of experience or education of the employee. Readers can find job-specific statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

For example, the BLS reported that cost estimators earned a median salary of $65,250 in 2019, and this field has a projected growth of 9% from 2018-2028. Meanwhile, market research analysts earned a median salary of $63,790 in 2019, and the projected growth for this position is 20%.

The table below shows median annual salary values for common careers for a business intelligence major based on work experience.

Source: PayScale

Business intelligence degrees impart a broad set of skills, preparing graduates to thrive in myriad professional settings. Aside from the competencies built through coursework, degree-seekers can hone their knowledge through internships, by joining student clubs and organizations, and by seeking relevant certification programs. Graduates develop many important skills while moving through their programs, including those listed below.

Because the business intelligence field covers such a wide array of disciplines and industries, it is common to find programs that prepare you for specific career paths. For example, some students may feel drawn to working in financial intelligence, while others want to work in the technology or marketing worlds. Whatever your interest, make sure you take the time to find a school that caters to your needs. The paths highlighted below give a glimpse of what’s available, but this list is far from exhaustive.

Most business intelligence careers require a degree from a postsecondary institution. Market research analysts, financial analysts, and management analysts all need a bachelor’s degree to gain an entry-level position. Earning a four-year degree gives graduates the necessary skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the workplace.

Some professionals may earn a master’s or doctoral degree, even if the job does not explicitly require one. Advanced degrees look good on resumes and can help candidates stand out in a competitive job market. Professionals can also use a master’s or Ph.D. to advance their careers, such as moving from an analyst position into a managerial role.

One of the best ways professionals can advance their career is by returning to school and earning another degree. However, those with careers in business intelligence can also find other methods of career advancement, such as by pursuing certification, continuing education, and/or networking through professional organizations. These methods typically cost less and take less time than earning another degree.

The following sections discuss a few alternative methods of career advancement. Readers should keep in mind that not all jobs set the same hurdles for advancement. Professionals should research their specific careers or talk to their employers to discover how best to increase their prospects of advancement.

Certification can provide a means for professional advancement. Certifications can offer additional training and skills and keep professionals up-to-date about the technologies and standards of their industry. Some workers in this field — such as entrepreneurs looking to start their own business intelligence company — may also need a license.

Professionals should always research potential certification options and ensure they meet the standards for employment in their industry and state of residence.

Financial analysts should consider earning a chartered financial analyst (CFA) certification from the CFA Institute, while management analysts should pursue certified management consultant certification from the Institute of Management Consultants. Additionally, market research analysts can find certification through the Insights Association’s professional researcher certification.

Continuing education options include earning a second degree. Some professionals choose to return to college for a master’s or a doctorate. Graduate degrees teach advanced and specialized skills, preparing professionals for career advancement after graduation. However, these programs can be expensive and may take several years to complete.

Professionals who want to pursue continuing education without committing to a full degree can take advantage of certificate programs or enroll in massive open online courses (MOOCs). Professional organizations or postsecondary institutions may also offer fellowships at no or minimal cost to the participants.

Certificate programs, special workshops or training, and online courses often require payment from participants. Readers should reach out to their employers to determine if their workplace will cover any professional development expenses.

Professionals in careers that require a business intelligence degree can find many ways to keep their skills sharp and develop new knowledge in their field. Beyond certification and continuing education opportunities, readers should consider other options for professional development.

Networking helps professionals connect with their peers, exchange ideas, and forge relationships that may help with career advancement. Many professional organizations offer networking opportunities for members through conferences and online forums.

Most fields feature an industry-specific professional organization. Readers should investigate options such as the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals and the Digital Analytics Association.

As this guide demonstrates, careers for business intelligence degree graduates can be found in many fields, from business and healthcare to technology and finance. Learners who are still unsure of their target career path can review the common industries below to get a sense of the possibilities.

Sources: BLS and PayScale

Business intelligence professionals can find many resources for development and continuing education. The sections below offer a brief list of professional organizations that can help your career in business intelligence; examples of free, open courseware; and a description of several professional publications related to the industry.