5 Steps to Become a Business Intelligence Analyst in 2024

With the enormous increase in digital transactions, social media interactions, and the Internet of Things, a remarkable volume of data is generated in businesses. This data drives business decisions, uncovers trends, and gives companies a competitive advantage. However, this abundance of information can become overwhelming and underused without proper tools and expertise.

This is where the role of a Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst becomes vital. As a BI Analyst, you are responsible for converting raw data into actionable insights that can guide strategic decisions, improve operations, and fuel growth.

In this article, you will learn five essential steps to becoming someone who can identify market trends, measure performance, or predict future outcomes from raw data.

How to Become a Business Intelligence Analyst

Step 1: Obtain a Relevant Educational Background

To become a business intelligence analyst, one must complete a four-year bachelor's degree program. Common majors in business intelligence analysis include computer science, data science, statistics, business administration, economics, and related fields. Regardless of the major chosen, coursework in statistics, technology, and data analysis is highly beneficial.

Although advanced degrees are not always required, having a Master’s in Business Intelligence, Data Science, or an MBA with an analytic focus is advantageous in enhancing your qualifications and competitiveness in the job market.