Business intelligence (BI) is a rapidly growing field, and Tableau and Power BI are two of the most popular tools used for data visualisation and analysis.
BI is more important than ever for businesses as we head into the possibility of a recession and an uncertain future, and so will be an in-demand skill for 2023. Up skilling in one or both of these platforms can open up a wide range of career opportunities in BI, such as Data Analyst, Data Scientist, or Business Analyst. We’ve outlined below the steps you can take to upskill in Tableau or Power BI and prepare yourself for a career in the exciting world of Business Intelligence!
Before diving into Tableau or Power BI, it's important to have a basic understanding of BI and the role it plays in an organisation. BI is a process of collecting, storing, and analysing data to make better business decisions. This process involves extracting data from various sources, cleaning and transforming it, and then visualising it in a way that is easy to understand. Many businesses will be looking for BI's with clear attention to detail who can take this (often) convoluted data and transform it into a format that even the least tech-savvy people can understand.
Tableau and Power BI are both powerful tools for data visualisation and analysis, but they have different features and use cases. Tableau is known for its drag-and-drop interface and advanced visualisation capabilities, while Power BI is more focused on data modelling and integration with other Microsoft tools. Before you begin learning a specific tool, decide which one aligns more with your career goals and interests. In recent years, PowerBI has overtaken Tableau in many ways owing to its integration with other elements of the Microsoft Suite, making it a tool that is recognisable and useable across business platforms.
The next step is to familiarise yourself with the software. Both Tableau and Power BI have free trials that you can use to explore the basic features of the tool. You can also find many online tutorials and courses that will walk you through the basics of the software. LinkedIn Learning and YouTube both feature extensive tutorials and run-throughs to help you get familiar with the interface and functionality of both software, enabling you to master it in no time.
The best way to up skill in Tableau or Power BI is to simply practice using the software as much as possible. Find a dataset that interests you and try to create different visualisations and analysis. You can also try to recreate visualisations you've seen in other places and try to make them better. In your current role, consider what types of reports or information sharing you have to do on a daily basis, and see how this could be integrated into Tableau or Power BI for better visualisation. Start upskilling and practicing with the tools you already have, to help prime yourself for a shift into a Business Intelligence role.
Once you have a solid understanding of the basics of the software, it's time to start learning more advanced features. Both Tableau and Power BI have a wide range of advanced features that can be used to create more complex visualisations and perform more sophisticated analysis. You can find online tutorials and courses that focus on advanced topics, such as data modelling, data blending, and data storytelling. These facets of the software enable you to take data to the next level, and provide more certain outlooks and projections.
Getting certified in Tableau or Power BI can help you stand out in the job market and show potential employers that you have a solid understanding of the software. Both Tableau and Power BI offer certification exams that test your knowledge of the software. By taking the initiative to get certified, you'll be well placed to show kiwi employers that you have the tools and knowledge necessary to bring BI to their business.
Upskilling in Tableau or Power BI can open up a wide range of career opportunities in BI. As leaders in the New Zealand market alongside SQL, these tools are what kiwi employers are looking for in 2023. By understanding the basics of BI, deciding which tool to focus on, getting familiar with the software, practicing, learning advanced features and getting certified, you can be well on your way to a career in BI. We're currently recruiting for loads of BI positions, and would love to chat to anyone who is considering a shift into this skillset. Send us a message and let's get things underway.
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