What is a Business Intelligence Developer?
For businesses to thrive in a fast-moving marketplace it is key that they are adept at turning raw data into valuable insights. A 2023 report estimated that 73,000 exabytes of data were produced by businesses globally that year, with only 10% of data categorized as structured. The remaining 90% of data were unstructured data sources like emails, images and business records requiring organization.
Data scientists, data analysts and business leaders need reliable access to the insights found in this data for their work. The role of the business intelligence developer is to design solutions for data research and visualization. Let’s dig deeper into what a business intelligence developer is and how you can make this your career.
What Does a Business Intelligence Developer Do?
Business intelligence developers translate real-world business requirements of their clients or employers into well-designed technical solutions. They work with data engineers to meet these requirements from the data source to the end user. Business intelligence tools created by developers may include:
- Data warehouses
- Data visualization
- Data dashboards
- Data models
Developers create documentation for their customized solutions for easier adoption by end users. They monitor reports on their work and troubleshoot errors or coding issues as they emerge. Ongoing collaboration with data analysts and data scientists identifies new uses for data sources and methods for improving user experiences.
The work done by business intelligence developers reinforces good data practices in their workplaces. A 2024 BARC report identified the most important data management trends in the global market. Developers keep their organizations ahead of trends in areas like:
- Data security & privacy
- Data quality management
- Data governance
- Data-driven culture
- Data literacy
Case Studies for Business Intelligence Solutions
Business intelligence projects by major corporations help explain what a developer does. Their work can decrease costs, increase insights and improve outlooks for their employers. We can look at Univision and Delta Airlines for examples of how data-driven decisions support business goals.
Spanish-language broadcaster Univision wanted to convert search and social media data into insights for its programmatic advertising initiative. By harnessing this information, they were able to more intelligently target digital ads to users based on their interests and who were more likely to engage with the brand. This approach increased Univision’s ad yield by 80% in the first quarter after its implementation.
Delta Airlines generates substantial amounts of data through surveys and customer interactions. Performance monitoring dashboards with sentiment analysis support exceptional service by flight attendants and customer service representatives. The airline reported a 20% increase in first call resolution due to newly implemented business intelligence solutions.
Career and Salary Prospects for Business Intelligence Developers
The business intelligence industry is expected to grow substantially in the short term, driving demand for developers. A 2024 market analysis estimated that the global market for business intelligence software will grow from $35.8 billion to $112.4 billion by 2032. Increased availability of cloud-based solutions and greater adoption of business intelligence concepts by small businesses will create new opportunities for developers.
Greater demand for business intelligence solutions should translate into above-average salaries for developers. The U.S. Department of Labor identified a median salary of $108,020 for data scientists, a category that includes business intelligence professionals. This salary places well above the $48,060 median salary for all occupations because of the advanced skills needed by analysts and developers.
Business Intelligence Skills and Career Development
Business intelligence developers need strong technical skills to make data accessible for users. A core skill for developers is SQL proficiency because structured queries are essential to the Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) components of business intelligence. Additional technical knowledge for successful developers includes:
- Online analytical processing design
- Data visualization tools like Power BI and Tableau
- Cloud platforms like AWS and Azure
- Programming languages like Python and R
A great deal of planning and collaboration is involved in creating business intelligence solutions. Developers need to be effective communicators who can explain technology and data to different stakeholders. They also need to be practical problem solvers and analysts who can develop solutions at the pace of new technology.
Becoming a Business Intelligence Developer
A good starting point for a career in business intelligence development is a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Developers may hold undergraduate degrees in computer science or information technology. It is also possible to build acumen through a business program focusing on data analytics or business intelligence.
Entry-level positions in the profession may focus on front-end or back-end development for one business function. With experience, developers may move into team lead and development management roles with greater responsibilities. Senior developers may seek out executive positions or start consulting businesses.
Educational expectations for business intelligence professionals will only grow with time. A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from a reputable program anticipates future needs while preparing you for data leadership roles. Marymount University offers an innovative degree for those who want to lead and innovate in business intelligence.
Learning Business Intelligence Solutions at Marymount University
Marymount University’s Online DBA in Business Intelligence prepares experienced business professionals for data-driven roles. Well-qualified program applicants hold MBAs or master’s degrees from accredited universities in business or technology disciplines. This 100% virtual program can be completed in less than three years of study.
The Online DBA curriculum was built on the pillars of business, innovation, leadership and technology (BILT). Experienced faculty work with candidates on applied dissertation research within their areas of expertise. This research happens at the same time as coursework covering topics like:
- Ethical Leadership for Success in Uncertain Times
- Maximizing Digital Transformation
- Strategy in a Changing Business Climate
Marymount University’s reputation for academic excellence, as confirmed by U.S. News & World Report, helps graduates in the job market. Aspiring business intelligence leaders benefit from Marymount University’s proximity to decision-makers in Washington, D.C. The Online DBA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Become an expert in business intelligence with an Online DBA from Marymount University.