Employers

Business intelligence analysts are employed in various industries, such as health care, technology/software, banking, finance, insurance, manufacturing, government, and education. Many types of businesses hire intelligence analysts to help them have a realistic view of their past and current business operations, with the aim to improve efficiency and profits. Business intelligence analysts may also work as management analysts or operations research analysts. There are approximately 684,470 management analysts and 104,200 operations research analysts employed in the United States, according to the Department of Labor.

Starting Out

Business intelligence officers often get their start through an internship or part-time job. They may have a background in information technology, business management, or human resources. They find internship and job opportunities through their career services office while in school, through professional associations, and through employment agencies and Web sites.

Business intelligence analysts with years of experience advance to senior-level roles. They oversee staff and take on more complex projects that require deeper knowledge and skills. They may also be responsible for developing more business from existing clients and seeking out new clients. An analyst who has proven to be an asset to their company may eventually be named a partner in the business. Advancement may also come in the form of leaving a full-time position to start a business intelligence consulting business. Analysts may also expand into other areas, such as speaking at conferences, teaching, and writing.

Read articles on business intelligence to learn more about what's happening in the industry, the current technologies being used, and other issues that affect the field. Find information at https://tdwi.org/research/list/tdwi-business-intelligence-journal.aspx.

Get an internship, part-time, or summer job at a company that provides business intelligence services.

Conduct an informational interview with a business intelligence analyst to learn more about their everyday tasks and to see if this is something that interests you.

Attend a conference or event for business intelligence professionals to meet others in the field and learn about possible employment opportunities.