BI Developer Roadmap

A step-by-step BI Developer roadmap: the full stack, the skills to learn in order and the best places to learn each step.

The stack, end to end

  • Data: Excel, Formulas, Pivot tables, Data cleaning, Charts, Data warehousing, Star schema, Dimensional modelling, ETL vs ELT, Power BI, Tableau, DAX basics, Dashboard design, Data storytelling
  • Database: SQL, SELECT and WHERE, JOINs, GROUP BY and aggregates, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, Subqueries and CTEs, Window functions, Indexes, Query optimisation, Transactions, Stored procedures
  • Get hired: Portfolio projects, Technical resume, Interview preparation

  1. Spreadsheets and Excel

    Suggested pace: Start here

    Most analysis starts in a spreadsheet. Learn formulas, lookups, pivot tables, charts, cleaning messy data and building a clear summary sheet.

    Skills

    • Excel
    • Formulas
    • Pivot tables
    • Data cleaning
    • Charts

    Tips

    • Re-do a report you have already seen, from raw data, to check your numbers match.

    Where to learn

  2. SQL basics

    Suggested pace: Next

    SQL is how you ask a relational database questions. Learn SELECT, WHERE, ORDER BY, GROUP BY, aggregate functions, joins and how to create, insert, update and delete data.

    Skills

    • SQL
    • SELECT and WHERE
    • JOINs
    • GROUP BY and aggregates
    • INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE

    Tips

    • Practise on real-looking data. Write the query by hand before using any tool that writes it for you.

    Where to learn

  3. Advanced SQL and performance

    Suggested pace: Then

    Go beyond the basics: subqueries, common table expressions, window functions, indexes, reading execution plans, transactions and stored procedures. This is what separates a SQL developer from a beginner.

    Skills

    • Subqueries and CTEs
    • Window functions
    • Indexes
    • Query optimisation
    • Transactions
    • Stored procedures

    Tips

    • Learn to read an execution plan. It shows you why a query is slow.

    Where to learn

  4. Data modelling and warehousing

    Suggested pace: After that

    Learn how data is organised for reporting: facts and dimensions, star schemas, and the difference between a transactional database and a warehouse.

    Skills

    • Data warehousing
    • Star schema
    • Dimensional modelling
    • ETL vs ELT

    Tips

    • Model a small business (a shop, a school) as a star schema on paper.

    Where to learn

  5. Dashboards and BI tools

    Suggested pace: Later

    Turn data into dashboards people can use. Learn to choose the right chart, model data for reports, and build with Power BI or Tableau.

    Skills

    • Power BI
    • Tableau
    • DAX basics
    • Dashboard design
    • Data storytelling

    Tips

    • A dashboard should answer a question. Start from the decision it supports.

    Where to learn

  6. Build your portfolio, resume and interview skills

    Suggested pace: When you are ready

    Employers want proof. Finish two or three projects you can show and explain, put them on GitHub, write a clear resume that matches the jobs you apply for, and practise the interview questions for the role.

    Skills

    • Portfolio projects
    • Technical resume
    • Interview preparation

    Tips

    • Describe what you built, why, and what you would improve. That is what interviewers ask about.

    Build your resume · Check your resume (ATS) · Interview questions · Salaries · Browse jobs

Frequently asked questions

Where should I start with BI Developer?

Start at step 1 and work down in order, because later steps build on earlier ones. If you are signed in, the roadmap compares your resume with each step and marks where you could start.

Do I need a degree to work as a BI Developer?

It depends on the employer and the country. Many employers accept proven skills and projects, while others ask for a degree. Read the adverts for the roles you want and ask the employer if it is unclear.

How do I know I am ready to apply?

When you can build a small project from start to finish without copying a tutorial, and explain why you made your choices. Apply while you keep learning; you do not need to know everything.