Business Intelligence Analyst

Business intelligence is vital for the success of any company. Businesses strive to get ahead of their competitors by learning valuable data that will push them to the top. The term business intelligence was coined in an 1958 article by IBM researcher Hans Peter Luhn. He defined intelligence as “the ability to apprehend the interrelationships of presented facts in such a way as to guide action towards a desired goal.” Companies hire business analysts to uncover this data. The base pay for a business intelligence analyst is about $50,000, depending on the business intelligence analystís experience. A business intelligence analyst can earn almost twice this amount with increased experience.

In these times of increasing competition and economic hardship, the role of a business intelligence analyst is very important. The business analyst is involved in several aspects of business, such as information technology, insurance, finance, and retail. The knowledge taken from these different spheres will contribute to business leadersí decision making.

It is the business intelligence analyst’s main job to comprehend the challenges that face the company. He must consider what actions and processes have been helping the company in the past and which will be beneficial in the future. He must take into account the companyís strengths and weaknesses and provide insight to the business. Additionally, market research plays an important role. The business analysis tests the conditions of the market and provides a structured plan of action to the company.

Business analysis occurs at two different levels. The first level, called the macro level, is understanding the businessís needs and priorities in relation to a program perspective. The business analyst also examines at a micro level. He must understand the customerís needs and desires within the context of a single project.

The business intelligence analyst must be able to perform data analysis in order to provide the most relevant and useful information. This position requires the ability to be involved in many areas of business. Large corporations often hire business intelligence analysts. In these trying economic times, useful business information is more relevant than ever. The business analyst uses the information learned to lead a company to success.