Competitive Intelligence Jobs

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Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Competitive Intelligence Jobs

Competitive intelligence jobs tend to fall into general categories that include research, client relations, and information technology. This type of work is performed by consulting firms that provide strategic management advice. If you are planning to start this type of business, you will need researchers, investigators, analysts, marketers, software developers, and technical support personnel.

Competitive intelligence jobs for researchers, investigators, and analysts involve collecting and preparing data on a client's competitors. Researchers use the Internet and other sources to locate published information. Investigators do the legwork, attending events, interviewing sources, and conducting competitive surveillance. Analysts take all of this information, distill it down to essential facts, and make the information presentable for the client.

Another important category of competitive intelligence jobs is in client relations. This category includes all of the staff that cultivate new clients and manage the accounts of existing clients. The third category of competitive intelligence jobs deals with the firm's proprietary management of information. Positions can include software developers to create databases and Internet interfaces and technical support specialists to manage equipment and networks. If you are starting a new business in this field, you will not likely need to staff all of these positions until you develop a significant client base. Read more about competitive intelligence jobs from the links on this Business.com page.

Training for Competitive Intelligence Jobs

Job-seekers with the right training can find business intelligence jobs in a number of places. Competitive intelligence (CI) careers rely on good computer skills, extensive training in reading financial statements and using the Internet for research. Educational opportunities that include training in market research are desirable to advance in business intelligence careers.

Consider a degree in computers to get you started and add employment intelligence career development courses through training centers and trade groups. Take advantage of competitive intelligence job courses that include records management designations and investigative techniques to fatten your resume. Watch for training for competitive intelligence jobs in a number of places.

1. Find entry-level training for business intelligence jobs.

2. Seek advanced training for business intelligence employment.

3. Participate in trade groups for that offer additional professional development for competitive intelligence jobs.

Find basic training to start careers in competitive intelligence

Keep an eye out for the industry trends to know the training that you need now. Earn a bachelor's degree in competitive intelligence or one that focuses on research. Take computer courses that will prepare you for a position that relies heavily on the Internet and electronic analytical research tools.
Try: Find basic training that you can take at your own pace in many of the analytical IT products put out by Microsoft directly from their website. Johns Hopkins Carey Business School now offers a degree in competitive intelligence, as does the Amity Institute of Competitive Intelligence. You can also compare business intelligence online courses by reading descriptions and reviews at Training-Classes.com.

Look for advanced training courses to increase your competitive intelligence salary

Much of the current CI work is about IT research, so you should include advanced computer classes in your training. Look for courses that will add skills such how to read and dissect financial statements as well as advanced interviewing skills. Get training to move you into management with credentials such as the Certified Records Manager (CRM).
Try: The Association of Information Management Professionals offers training for the CRM certificate for professionals looking to find better jobs in business intelligence. Find advanced training in all aspects of the field at the Academy of Competitive Intelligence.

Join associations for training for careers in competitive intelligence

Most intelligence trade associations offer continuing education and professional development courses for their members. Some groups can guide you to special security certification courses that will help you advance your career while offering events and meetings at which you can meet other professionals.
Try: Get training and professional development while making contacts through the American Evaluation Association. Members can participate in high-powered professional development courses through the Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals.

Competitive intelligence careers require training in a wide number of skills that you can receive through a variety of different degree programs including journalism, finance and business.