Business Intelligence isn't a role or position but rather is the domain of using business data to drive effective business decisions. Data Analyst is a role within the field of Business Intelligence. More on reddit.com

Lucky for you, I actually am in the program! There are about 60 of us total, and they're looking to expand to around 80 I think. I'm entering my third (and final) semester in the fall. I came to Stevens straight out of undergrad (a different technical school, very similar to Stevens). If it helps, right now I'm interning at Verizon Wireless. I'm writing from my cubicle now! I'm on a short break :). On the program itself: I'm sure this goes for most programs, but there are good classes and bad classes. As there are also good and bad teachers. The program is 12 classes, 8-10 of which are set in stone. You will be learning several "programming languages". I use quotes because they aren't typical programming languages like Java (with the exception of Python). Programs I've come across so far and have used are: R, SAS, SPSS, Tableau, Weka, and Python. A good background in Excel is also useful. There might be others that I have forgotten. The demand for these skills is definitely high right now, and the opportunities are there too. There is an advisory board that has people from many large companies on it, including: Google, Pfizer, IBM, and Verizon (among others, that I can't remember right now). I know there is a teacher who used to work in the program who is now at Facebook, and I think he comes back too. My boss here at VZW is actually on that board. Unfortunately you are from Australia, which will make getting an internship a little more difficult, something with sponsorships...I don't know...I didn't have that issue :). But I know some international students who have gotten internships fairly easily. I think there is also a Facebook group for the program if you want to search for it. I can come back later and give you the name. Feel free to message me also! Sorry if this is kinda scattered around, I just threw it all together. More on reddit.com

I'm also interested.

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Your best value is to join a business unit and get subject matter experience there. Part of true business intelligence is actually understanding the business side of things. The tech/hard skills will only make you more valuable on those teams. In addition, Most want a high level visual to identify where to investigate, action items, and then the ability to drill to tables with details to understand. It’s typically not that complex but what’s key is understanding how they use the applications they have and what gaps exists in those workflows. More on reddit.com