Business Intelligence (BI)

Career Overview

Business intelligence managers oversee the methodology, metrics, processes, and technologies that help businesses manage performance. Their work enables organizations to concentrate on moving forward rather than constantly analyzing current achievements and requires a strong understanding of modern technologies as they apply to a business environment.

Responsibilities

Business intelligence managers do a substantial amount of project management, working with a wide range of organizational team members all the way up to senior leadership. They are responsible of staying current on emerging technologies, evaluating business platforms, and interfacing with the technical department, as well as regularly using analytical and reporting tools. Business intelligence managers should have well-developed interpersonal skills for dealing with many different types of colleagues, as well as the ability to multitask in a productive manner.

Educational Requirements

An undergraduate degree in business is important for those wanting to enter the field of business intelligence. Many business intelligence managers also have an advanced degree in the field, such as a Master of Business Administration. It is particularly helpful to have a related focus such as information technology.

Areas of Specialization

There are three areas of specialization for business intelligence managers:

• Business focus, which is suited to professionals with knowledge of business function or process such as supply chains or finance. It is also valuable to have industry-specific knowledge to help craft strategy. Analyst positions fall into this category.
• Technical focus, which offers a range of opportunities for the more technology-oriented business intelligence managers. This focus involves intensive work with data integration and a range of software applications. Architects and software specialists fall into this category.
• Business-Technical focus, a blended approach that melds industry-specific understanding with technical savvy. This category includes project managers and data modelers.

Career Opportunities

Below is a list of possible career options for qualified business intelligence managers. This is not a complete list and serves only as a guide to potential career paths.

IT Architect
Business Analyst
Data Modeler
IT Project Manger
Software Specialist
Technical Architect

Salary Ranges

According to Vault.com, a typical base salary for a business intelligence manager is $95,000, with annual bonuses up to 15 percent. Regular pay raises are very strongly linked to performance.

Professional Organizations

Since networking is a huge part of the competitive business world, professional organizations offer a tremendous resource. Here are a few organizations for business professionals:

IABC – International Association of Business Communications
www.iabc.com

ABWA – American Business Women’s Association
www.abwa.org

NADCO – National Association of Development Companies
www.nadco.org

The Alliance of Women’s Business and Professional Organizations
www.womensalliance.org