Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed by Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP, Dean, College of Business and IT
Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed by Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP, Dean, College of Business and IT
Business intelligence and business analytics are closely related, cross-functional disciplines. BI generally refers to the entire system used to collect and transform data into useful insights. Analytics, meanwhile, encompasses the specific data-science methodology within that system, which business analysts employ to find and interpret information from raw data.
Thanks to digitized, internet-connected operations, every type of company produces data. It’s no surprise, then, that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the demand for qualified BI analysts will increase 23% between 2023 and 2033.
The widespread adoption of BI means there are many specialties to choose from depending on your interests, skills, experience and knowledge. Here’s a look at a few business intelligence careers you can pursue if you have a data-based or business-related degree.
BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.
A computer systems analyst collects data and studies IT-related processes for a company. In this career, you look at existing systems and find ways to cut costs and increase efficiency. You can also deploy new tools, such as AI software, to automate specific functions.
As a computer systems analyst, you might suggest and test new systems, processes or hardware to see if it offers improvements over the current IT structure. You then create presentations and instructions so that non-technical staff can effectively use these tools.
As of May 2023, computer systems analysts earned between $63,230 and $165,700, with a median wage of $103,800, according to BLS. You typically need a bachelor’s degree in a field like computer science.
Because almost every industry relies on digital infrastructure for daily operations, the demand for specialists in this field is projected to grow 11% between 2023 and 2033.
Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.
Financial analysts are data analysts who study the money-related aspects of a business. In this BI-based career, you may examine current financial statements and find areas for improvement. As a financial analyst, you can focus on investments, asset allocation or the expenditures of daily business operations.
Though you can qualify for a financial analyst job with an accounting degree, the two professions are different. Accountants focus on record-keeping, reporting, compliance and budgeting. Financial analysts, on the other hand, look for ways to increase profits, decrease spending and invest income and assets more wisely. Degrees in finance or business can also help you qualify for this BI specialty.
As of May 2023, qualified financial analysts earned between $60,830 and $175,840, with a median wage of $99,010, according to BLS.
Demand for financial analysts is projected to grow 9% between 2023 and 2033.
Management analysts focus on improving a company’s operations, organization and decision-making processes through data-driven strategies. This is a broad data analyst career that can overlap with other BI specialties. For example, some management analysts may work on projects that involve financial analysis or higher-level operations research.
Specialists in this field aim to improve management decision-making or specific aspects of operations. For example, some BI professionals may concentrate on an area like inventory or human resources management. Others vary their focus from project to project.
Management analysts earned $50,190 to $163,760 as of May 2021, depending on experience, industry and location, according to BLS.
This field is projected to grow 11% between 2021 and 2031.
Market research analysts use consumer data to help companies understand and define their target market better. As a market research analyst, you will work with existing data to find trends and then create forecasts. This can be invaluable for planning the development and release of a new product or service.
In this specialty, you may also assess the effectiveness of current outreach or advertising campaigns using marketing analytics. As with all BI specialties, part of the job involves presenting findings in a non-technical report.
As of May 2023, market research analysts earned between $63,230, and $165,700, with a median wage of $103,800, according to BLS.
Demand for qualified applicants is projected to grow 11% between 2023 and 2033.
An operations research analyst uses BI tools to focus on improving business processes. Depending on the industry and nature of a company’s processes, this specialty can overlap with other BI fields.
Operations research analysts can come from a technical (math or computer science) or business background. A well-rounded education that brings both hard and soft skills is essential for succeeding in this career.
As of May 2023, operations research analysts earned between $52,930 and $148,920, with a median wage of $83,640, according to BLS.
BLS projects 23% job growth between 2023 and 2033.
Business intelligence careers require both hard and soft skills, which you can acquire through education and experience. Here is a look at skills needed in these in-demand specialties:
A combination of postsecondary education, internships, self-study and on-the-job experience is necessary to gain the diverse skills needed to succeed in business intelligence.
A starting point on the journey to a career in business intelligence may be a Bachelor of Science in Business degree program, which imparts fundamental business skills. A statistics, math or computer science degree can also be useful if you would like to focus on the technical aspects of business intelligence.
Undergraduate or postgraduate certificate programs can effectively supplement your knowledge in business or technical areas by focusing on the basics of a target subject.
Another option is to get an internship or entry-level job where you can learn the skills through hands-on experience.
If you’re eager to build your business knowledge and skill set, University of Phoenix offers a variety of business degree options. These are:
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at University of Phoenix where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology, Kathryn Uhles has served University of Phoenix in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining University of Phoenix, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in Phoenix.
This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.
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