Business intelligence developer
Also called: Power BI developer, Data engineer
Builds the data models and dashboards that whole companies use to track performance.
What the work is
Business intelligence (BI) developers build the reporting systems that managers check every day. They design data models, write SQL, connect data sources and build reliable dashboards in tools like Power BI, Tableau or Looker. Data engineers, a close cousin, build the pipelines and warehouses that feed them.
This is a good route for people who enjoy both data and building things, and it is in demand wherever companies want a single view of their numbers.
A typical week
- Design data models and warehouse tables
- Write and optimise SQL
- Build and maintain dashboards
- Automate data refresh and check data quality
It suits people who
- Like structure and order
- Enjoy SQL and tools
- Care about accurate numbers
Your path to get there
School (Class 8-10)
- Keep Mathematics or Applied Maths
Class 11-12
- B.Tech, BCA, B.Sc or B.Com with computer skills
College or fresher
- Master SQL and one BI tool deeply
- Learn data modelling (star schema) and one cloud data platform
- Earn PL-300 or a Tableau certificate
Working or switching
- MIS and reporting staff move up into BI developer roles
- Analysts who like building move into data engineering
- Start with a skills refresh of 6 to 12 weeks: one short course and one TalentMeter assessment to show where you stand today.
- Use returnship and second-career programmes; many large employers in India run them for people back after a break.
- Explain the gap in one honest line on your CV and LinkedIn, and list what you did in it (caregiving, freelancing, courses, volunteering).
- Contract, part-time and freelance roles are a common way back in; they turn into full-time offers often.
Exams and certifications
| Name | What it is for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft PL-300 (Power BI) ↗ | BI skills | Any time |
| Tableau Desktop Specialist | BI skills | Any time |
Exam names, eligibility and dates change. Always check the official website for this year's notice.
Job market
Job titles to search
Who hires
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