My first time...considering career change

Big-JJ

Hi experts,

I have been working as an IT auditor for 2.5 years and been seriously considering my first career change. I am very confused and I want to hear from you guys.

When I was in undergraduate IT auditor was something that I always wanted to be. However, I started questioning myself as time went by. I was trying to stay motivated but it became obvious that I lost my passion and desire to move forward with my current career.

It was my mistake not fully considering what IT audit is really about and what it entails. Before it is too late I am considering my first career change.

Business intelligence, data analytics, and big data got my attention. Currently, I have been doing some research and I have some rough/basic ideas of what it involves (although it might be different depending which direction I want to go within BI field) and what skills are required. I would like to be a BI consultant in the future.

My rough plans are the following:
-practice SQL and learn programing languages (Java)
-take SQL reporting courses at a local school
-work toward Microsoft BI certification
-accumulate knowledge on BI software/products…SAP, IBMCognos etc

What do you guys think? What are the important skills required for BI career?

Thank you for your opinions and advice…!

neo9006

Personally if your young, I wouldn't just give it up just yet, 2.5 years is experience don't get me wrong, your going to have times where you do not like your job, trust me I been like that for more than a few years. I am 40 and changing fields while I have some time left, I would stick to your plan and go for it, you have to have some motivation and look at things for down the road. I tend to do that now look at the overall picture not too much on the short term of things. Keep your head up.