Want to become a Power BI Developer? Start here

Point #1: Learn the Core Concepts

Why this matters: To become a Power BI developer, you must have a firm grasp of the core concepts and tools used in the field.

Picture this: An aspiring developer unfamiliar with the core concepts of Power BI will struggle to create a meaningful sense of data. In contrast, a well-versed developer will easily navigate the software, making data-driven decisions with ease.

The mini transformation occurs when you invest time learning the basics, giving you the confidence to tackle more advanced projects.

The core concepts:

1. Data Modeling: involves organizing data from various sources to create a coherent model, including building relationships and hierarchies and defining measures with DAX.
2. DAX: The formula language used in Power BI for creating custom calculations, measures, and columns, essential for advanced and dynamic reports.
3. Data Visualization: Present data in a graphical format using charts, maps, and tables in Power BI to communicate information effectively.
4. Power Query: The data transformation tool in Power BI that enables importing, cleaning, and transforming data from multiple sources using the M query language.
5. Power BI Service: The cloud-based platform for sharing reports, collaborating on projects, and managing data refresh schedules.

Point #2: Gain Hands-On Experience

Why this matters: Practical experience is essential for building your skills and understanding how to apply Power BI concepts in real-world scenarios.

Picture this: Consider the difference between someone who's only read about Power BI and someone who's used it to create reports for a company. The hands-on developer has a deeper understanding of the challenges and intricacies involved in data visualization, making them a more valuable asset to any team.

Hands-on experience means: Stop reading and start doing.

Here's a nice challenge to start with:

You're creating a sales report for a high-ranking manager.

1. Go to Kaggle and download this sales data set.
2. Load the data to Power Query.
3. Within Power Query, delete the "PRICEEACH" column, then try to calculate the sales price again yourself.
4. Work out why the "SALES" column is a decimal number (does it need fixing or explaining?).
5. Within Power Query, transform the date columns (MONTH_ID and YEAR_ID) into your local date format (e.g. MM/DD/YYYY). Append a 1 to the Day to make all dates the 1st of the month.
6. Create a Calendar table in DAX and link to the date column you created above.
7. Create a dashboard showing an overview of sales metrics.
8. Use graphs such as bar, line, and scatter.
9. Link-related items with colour.
10. Identify the highest-selling product for each year (how would you plot this?).
11. Are there any patterns in the timing of cancelled orders? Any other patterns the manager needs to know?
12. Load the report to Power BI Service.

If you can do the above, you're on a solid path to becoming a Power BI Dev.

Point #3: Build a Portfolio

Why this matters: A well-crafted portfolio demonstrates your abilities, showcases your work, and helps you stand out in the job market.

Picture this: Two candidates applying for the same job: One has an impressive portfolio filled with Power BI projects, while the other has none. The candidate with the portfolio is more likely to be noticed by hiring managers, as their work is tangible proof of their expertise and experience.

Build, build, build: Even without a paid license, you can load reports into Power BI Service. If you can't access Service, take snapshots of your reports and save them in a document.

Build within functional departments: sales (oh look, you already have the one you built above), procurement, logistics, Finance (a note on Finance - people are not very good at building finance reports in Power BI, hint-hint).

Build something for the job you're in now? It can be a big win, especially if your team works within Excel (literally, use the Excel file as the base of your Power BI report).

Point #4: Network with Professionals

Why this matters: Networking with others in the Power BI community can help you learn from experienced developers, uncover job opportunities, and stay current with industry trends.

Picture this: The difference between someone who networks and doesn't. The well-connected developer will have a network of professionals to turn to for advice, support, and potential job leads, while the isolated developer may struggle to find new opportunities.

Network with: For starters, you should network with me at @powerbiplaybook or email me at hello@powerbiplaybook.com. I'm just like you; I started with no idea what I was doing and progressed - like you.

Ensure you have your LinkedIn profile up to date. Link with people on projects within your own company. Attend meet-ups.

Get busy.

Main Point #5: Pursue Certifications

Why this matters: Earning Power BI certifications can validate your skills, increase your credibility, and improve your chances of landing a job in the field.

Picture this: Two Power BI developers: One has a relevant certification, while the other does not. As a result, the certified developer is more likely to be seen as a reliable expert, with a higher chance of being considered for higher-level positions.

Get certified: I've got a guide on your certification study plan here.

So all that's left to do is the doing itself.

So do it, and remember you're just trying to do it better than before (i.e. don't worry about other people).

Get it, son.

In this post, I will explain the first steps to becoming a Power BI developer.

Understanding the path to becoming a Power BI developer is crucial for anyone looking to enter the field. By following the advice below, you'll be well on your way to mastering the necessary skills, expanding your professional network, and creating a solid foundation for a successful career.

Let's get it.