We are living in an era where no matter what you know about or don’t, everyone knows that data is being generated at a highly rapid pace and in gigantic quantities. This data is full of potential, especially to help businesses grow, but how you utilize it is what really matters.

Considering this staggering revelation, it comes as no surprise that the need to implement and instill Business Intelligence (BI) tools has risen too. Today, some of the most sought-after job titles in the tech world include data scientists, information security analysts, full-stack developers, BI developers, AI engineers, and so on. Each of which would benefit with skills in BI tools.

In this blog, we are going to talk about one of the leading Business Intelligence tools - Microsoft Power BI. We will also cover Power BI Training Developer skills required to excel in your career. Let’s begin!

An Introduction to Power BI Developer

We believe that Power BI needs no introduction. This suite of business intelligence and business analytics services from Microsoft equips the user with various advanced analytic and interactive visualization capabilities. Hence, smart decisions can be made in real-time.

(As of April 2023, Microsoft Power BI was the most widely preferred and used BI tools in leading companies)

As a Power BI Developer, you will know this tool inside-out. Your duties will include converting raw data into highly meaningful insights via easy-to-understand and interactive reports and dashboards. As a Power BI Developer, you will be an asset to any organization due to your executive, managerial, and strategic role and responsibilities.

Let us take a look at the top five Power BI skills you must have to ensure a bright future in this field.

What are the Essential Power BI Developer Skills?

Every professional must have a certain skill set that justifies their job title. When it comes to Power BI, there are a few essential Power BI skills, which are a must have. These skills ensure you are truly equipped with all the knowledge and prowess needed to carry out your job responsibilities.

Power BI Skills - Technical

These five technical skills are the basic necessities. The list keeps on expanding as per your experience and expertise

1. Data Modeling

Data modeling is the underlying principle behind any data analysis system. Hence, prior to understanding the technicalities of the product or Power BI Desktop, you must get started with this. It will ensure your Power BI reports are fast, easy to maintain, flexible, and successful.

2. Data Transformation & ETL

ETL stands for Extract, Transform, and Load. Herein, data is extracted from the source system, transferred to the intended shape, and loaded into the destination, which generally is either a Power BI dataset, a data mart, or a data warehouse. This skill varies depending upon the different transformation technologies and the various source systems.

3. Analytical Language

Since Power BI is an analytical tool, it is important you gain knowledge of its analytical language. Generally, this means getting started by learning DAX or Data Analysis eXpression Language. However, you can also go with additional ones like PowerQuery, T-SQL, or MDX. Learning an analytic language will help you get calculations done in certain layers, reducing pressure on the runtime engine in the Power BI model.

4. Visualization

Visualization makes up the front end of your business intelligence system. This is what ensures that your users are gaining all the acquired information in the best way possible. While visualization seems like an easy feat, it must be done right for greatest impact. Thus, knowing its principles and best practices is integral.

5. Big Data

While not every data set is Big Data, you might find yourself in a situation where you have to work with billions and trillions of data rows. If you are certain you will not need it anytime soon, then you can also skip this part as of now. However, we still recommend you to get acquainted with these concepts -

• Big Data

• Aggregations

• Azure Synapse (+ other Big Data technologies)

• Analyzing large datasets

• Performance tuning

Power BI Skills - Soft

When it comes to perfecting yourself for the job title of a Power BI Developer, there are a lot more things to learn than just the technical aspects. Key Power BI skills are also associated with soft skills, and here are a few of them.

• Strong communication skills

• Listening, speaking, writing & reading skills

• Team worker

• Presentation qualities

• Swift switching between business and technical aspects of working

• Account management

• Project management, etc.

Conclusion

While we have provided only the top five Power BI skills you need to get started with, there is no end to how skillful or knowledgeable you can get. As you mature in experience and expertise, as you climb the stairs of success, and rise in position, you will yourself realize the need to expand your skill set.

Get started with these today, and keep on reinventing yourself and investing in yourself.

FAQs

Question. What is the future of BI Developers?

The future of Power BI developers is certainly bright as more companies are investing in integrating top business intelligence tools. The ROI of these professionals is great and thus, more organizations are investing in hiring BI developers.

Question. What skills are required to be a Power BI developer?

The key skills required to be a Power BI Developer includes proficiency in data analytics, business intelligence, and data science.

Question. What were your 3 key responsibilities as a BI developer?

The key responsibilities as a BI Developer entails

• Designing, developing, and maintaining key BI solutions

• Presenting data via visualization and reports

• Formulating & executing queries for data requested