Over 150 years after Frederick Taylor introduced a formalized business analytics system, the battle for data has become even fiercer. Businesses need data to make crucial decisions, improve their product or service quality, and ultimately beat the competition. In short, data is inevitable for their economic survival.
Considering the rise in the amount of big data produced annually, the need for business intelligence and analytics becomes clearer. Business executives are now prioritizing investments in analytics as a driver for business growth. According to a 2021 IDC report, the global spending on big data and business analytics solutions capped at $215.7 billion.
From the labor side of the market, this growth signals vast opportunities for business intelligence and data analysts.
If you’re looking to meet this demand, read on as we walk you through what business intelligence and analytics entail and how WeCloudData can help you launch a career in the industry.
WeCloudData’s Business Intelligence program teaches in-demand analytics skills and prepares for an opportunity-laden industry.
Register for the program here.What Is Business Intelligence?
Business intelligence uses advanced technology to analyze and draw actionable insights that inform strategic decisions. It employs data mining, cleaning, analytics, virtualization, and presentation techniques to transform raw customer and business data into useful information.
Business intelligence analysts often closely work with business executives to present critical insights. They help executives leverage data, spot unique opportunities, make calculated business decisions that help them achieve their business goals. They employ tools and languages like Excel, SQL, Python, Tableau, and Power BI to analyze data and present their findings in easy-to-understand forms.
As more businesses begin to leverage data to achieve growth and better customer satisfaction, the demand for business intelligence professionals is also rising. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects a 14 percent rise in the demand for business intelligence analysts between 2020 and 2030. That will account for approximately 124,400 new jobs.
Such impressive projections also come with added benefits, including better job security and fatter paychecks. PayScale reports the average salary for entry-level business analysts to be $60,584 as of March 2022. Looking at the numerous benefits that this career offers, the compelling question will be, “How can I become a business intelligence analyst?”
Well, look no further as WeCloudData, a data science and analytics bootcamp, launches its newest program yet: the Applied Business Intelligence course. Read on as we take a closer look at this program, from what skills you’ll learn to the other benefits you can expect to start your career in the field.
4 Reasons to Learn Business Intelligence at WeCloudData
WeCloudData’s Applied Business Intelligence program shows attractive offerings that drive excellent learning experiences and easy transition into a career in business intelligence. Some significant highlights are the emphasis on hands-on and interactive learning, ample support from day one, and a quality curriculum that teaches in-demand skills.
Here are some other unique characteristics of WeCloudData’s Business Intelligence program.
Part-Time, Live Online
The program allows people to learn without disrupting their regular daytime schedule, making it ideal for working professionals and parents. The program is 12 weeks long and features live online and interactive classes led by experienced faculty.
Classes are held four times weekly, from Mondays to Thursdays between 7pm and 10pm EST each day. That adds up to 160 hours of learning for the entire program. Students can also get live help from instructors and TAs on any issues they have with the topics or assignments during the “Ask Me Anything” period.
Project-Based Learning
Project-based learning is a strategy WeCloudData uses, wherein students complete several short tasks and eight real-world projects throughout the program. Such an approach exposes them to actual industry problems and strengthens their problem-solving abilities. It also provides vital work experience and serves as excellent additions to their portfolios.
The project-building activities hone not just their technical skills but also their soft skills, including how to communicate and collaborate with team members and how to approach problems from multiple perspectives.
One-on-One Mentorship
As a newbie in tech, you will need lots of support and motivation to scale through the hurdles. With one-on-one mentorship, WeCloudData matches you with successful big data professionals and subject matter experts who will mentor you throughout your training. This unique mentor-student interaction separates WeCloudData from other unsupervised learning options.
Drawing from their personal experience in the industry, your mentor will advise you on proven ways to succeed as a business intelligence analyst. They may also help you around several technical concepts and challenges you may face while completing your projects. Not to mention, they help to keep you motivated through your learning journey at WeCloudData.
Career Support
Despite the vast career opportunities available, breaking into the tech industry can be challenging, especially when you do not have adequate support and guidance. WeCloudData provides six-month career support after graduation to help with skills crucial for finding a tech job.
You will learn how to build or update your resume to fit industry standards in those six months. That also goes for your portfolio and professional branding with LinkedIn. Finally, you get the chance to network with several companies via WeCloudData’s seminars, hiring panel discussions, and hiring partner demo workshops.
WeCloudData’s Business Intelligence Program Curriculum Overview
WeCloudData’s Business Intelligence program’s curriculum features well-rounded training that covers in-demand technical and interpersonal skills. Students will master Excel, SQL, PowerBI, Python, and Tableau and apply them when solving diverse business problems. Learning new skills may be challenging, so WeCloudData’s instructors, teaching assistants, and mentors will be available to give you adequate support.
Here is a closer look at some things you can expect to learn during the program.
Excel
Microsoft Excel remains the most popular spreadsheet program among businesses. And it’s especially a favorite among business analysts who use this to analyze and visualize data. At WeCloudData, you will learn multiple Excel features and their applications in business and analytics. You’ll also explore advanced reporting tools and formats, database functions, logical tests, Pivot tables, and what-if analysis.
SQL
SQL is a vital programming tool for business analysts who use this language to handle structured data. This module will teach students to query databases using SQL. They will learn basic SQL commands, data types, functions, and data filtering and aggregation. Some other topics in this module include dataflow automation and translating business problems for valuable datasets.
Python
Used in tandem with SQL, Python is another programming language you should learn if you want to become a business analyst This course teaches Python basics and their application in analytics. They will then apply this knowledge in multiple data cleansing, manipulation, and preparation techniques.
Tableau
This training phase will introduce students to Tableau and its application in data visualization. The topics will cover forecasting, basic and advanced calculations, quadrant analysis histogram, box plot, and tips on setting up charts.
PowerBI
This course teaches students to use PowerBI for all their analytics needs, especially data visualization and storytelling. They will learn to collect data from multiple databases, clean them, and build data models. They will also learn to track the performance of a business and make calculated projections.
At the end of each module, students will be required to complete some projects before advancing to the next course. The program then caps with students having to complete eight cases, each mimicking a challenge in a select industry. These industries include fintech, digital transformation, supply chain analytics, digital marketing, Microsoft 365 workflow automation, credit risk analytics, marketing analytics, and eCommerce.
Who Can Apply for WeCloudData’s Business Intelligence Program?
WeCloudData’s Business Intelligence program accommodates anyone interested in helping businesses make data-driven decisions. It also serves those interested in building strong data sense and business acumen, not minding their background. Put simply, it’s ideal for fresh graduates, career switchers, or others looking to broaden their skillset.
To apply, you will have to fill out and submit the registration form on the website. The form will require that you schedule a date and time for a counseling meeting where a program advisor will help you determine if the program suits you. Next, you will have to pass the technical challenge to get a spot at the bootcamp.
Learn How to Generate Business Insights with WeCloudData
More people are switching to data careers as they respond to the increasing demand for business analysts and data experts. While there are several alternative business intelligence courses, WeCloudData’s program is designed to help you stand out from the competition.
The well-rounded curriculum and hands-on, project-based learning ensure that you develop in-demand skills alongside vital interpersonal skills. Following this is six months’ worth of career prep as well as one-on-one support from data analysts, business analysts, or data scientists, who will help you prepare for your job search.
WeCloudData offers flexible financing options, which include Income Share Agreement (ISA), as a way to increase accessibility to tech ed. The bootcamp costs $4,500 (5,600 CAD) when paid up front. On the other hand, the terms of the ISA agreement require students to pay $1,000 (1,253 CAD) up front with total repayments capped at $7,000 (8,773 CAD).
The new cohort for the Business Intelligence program starts on April 19, 2022. Early birds can get a discount of up to five percent if they register before April 19. So, hurry and register now to claim your discounts.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.