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In 2025, which is better to learn as a beginner in the data field—DBT or Power BI ?
Which one has more demand and job opportunities in the current market?
17 answers
Updated
Cesar’s Answer
I learned Power BI about 2 years ago and it came to me pretty naturally but that was after many years of using Excel. What I like most about Power BI is the ability to "simplify" of large data sets relatively quickly through visuals. I've presented quick products to critical stakeholders and the most consistent feedback I've gotten was "thank you for making sense of this". People just want to know the "so what" of complex data and information and Power BI definitely helps.
Within Power BI is Power Query and that is a great gateway to learn Python, SQL, and other languages that would help you take the next step(s).
Within Power BI is Power Query and that is a great gateway to learn Python, SQL, and other languages that would help you take the next step(s).
Thank you, Cesar!
Anjali
Updated
Payal’s Answer
Hi Anjali,
If you are interested in Data Visualization business intelligence, and reporting, then Power BI should you be preference. It is beginner friendly is you are familiar with Microsoft tools. With an expertise in Power BI, some of the career paths that you can aspire for are Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, or Reporting Specialist.
You can DBT if you are interested in data transformation, analytics engineering, and building scalable data pipelines . I would say it is more technical and you may need to be familiar with SQL and basic data engineering concepts.
Career paths with DBT are Analytics Engineer, Data Engineer, or Data Analyst in companies with modern data infrastructures.
Overall, I would suggest, go for Power BI first, to get a grip on the basics.
All the best!
If you are interested in Data Visualization business intelligence, and reporting, then Power BI should you be preference. It is beginner friendly is you are familiar with Microsoft tools. With an expertise in Power BI, some of the career paths that you can aspire for are Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, or Reporting Specialist.
You can DBT if you are interested in data transformation, analytics engineering, and building scalable data pipelines . I would say it is more technical and you may need to be familiar with SQL and basic data engineering concepts.
Career paths with DBT are Analytics Engineer, Data Engineer, or Data Analyst in companies with modern data infrastructures.
Overall, I would suggest, go for Power BI first, to get a grip on the basics.
All the best!
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Hi Anjali,
If you’re just starting out and wondering whether to learn DBT or Power BI first, I’d recommend starting with Power BI.
Power BI is a piece of software that allows you to transform raw data into fantastic, interactive dashboards and reports. It's actually very visual, easy to pick up, and you don't need to be able to code in order to work with it. You can drag and drop charts, play around with data, and see the results of your work immediately. And loads of companies use Power BI, so there are loads of entry-level jobs and internships that prize this skill.
DBT, though, is more low-key. It's a tool you're going to use to reformat and format data prior to anyone ever even seeing it in a report. You need to know SQL (a programming language used for databases) in order to work with DBT, and it's mainly utilized by people who already have a solid feel for working with data and are interested in getting into data engineering or analytics engineering. It's a great skill, but it's a bit more involved and not quite as visual or introductory as Power BI.
In terms of career opportunities, personally, I believe Power BI is more needed right now, especially as a data analyst or business intelligence expert. DBT is gaining popularity, but the firms that require it tend to expect you to already have some experience with data and SQL.
So, if you're just starting, Power BI is the route to take. You'll learn to analyze and visualize data, which is a great foundation for any data profession. Once you're comfortable, you can always learn SQL and DBT later if you want to dive deeper into the tech side.
If you’re just starting out and wondering whether to learn DBT or Power BI first, I’d recommend starting with Power BI.
Power BI is a piece of software that allows you to transform raw data into fantastic, interactive dashboards and reports. It's actually very visual, easy to pick up, and you don't need to be able to code in order to work with it. You can drag and drop charts, play around with data, and see the results of your work immediately. And loads of companies use Power BI, so there are loads of entry-level jobs and internships that prize this skill.
DBT, though, is more low-key. It's a tool you're going to use to reformat and format data prior to anyone ever even seeing it in a report. You need to know SQL (a programming language used for databases) in order to work with DBT, and it's mainly utilized by people who already have a solid feel for working with data and are interested in getting into data engineering or analytics engineering. It's a great skill, but it's a bit more involved and not quite as visual or introductory as Power BI.
In terms of career opportunities, personally, I believe Power BI is more needed right now, especially as a data analyst or business intelligence expert. DBT is gaining popularity, but the firms that require it tend to expect you to already have some experience with data and SQL.
So, if you're just starting, Power BI is the route to take. You'll learn to analyze and visualize data, which is a great foundation for any data profession. Once you're comfortable, you can always learn SQL and DBT later if you want to dive deeper into the tech side.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Anjali
Updated
Velu’s Answer
Hi Anjali! If you want to land a job quickly, start with Power BI. For building long-term data skills in engineering and analytics, choose DBT.
Power BI (great for entry-level jobs):
- High demand in business and data analyst roles
- Easy to learn, excellent for creating dashboards and reports
- Widely used in businesses and government
DBT (ideal for advancing later):
- High demand in modern data teams, especially startups and tech companies
- More technical, useful for data modeling, SQL, and version control
- Perfect if you want to become an analytics or data engineer
Strategy:
- Begin with Power BI to get your foot in the door
Power BI (great for entry-level jobs):
- High demand in business and data analyst roles
- Easy to learn, excellent for creating dashboards and reports
- Widely used in businesses and government
DBT (ideal for advancing later):
- High demand in modern data teams, especially startups and tech companies
- More technical, useful for data modeling, SQL, and version control
- Perfect if you want to become an analytics or data engineer
Strategy:
- Begin with Power BI to get your foot in the door
Thankyou so much for your advice! This was very helpful.
Anjali
Updated
Yashwanth Reddy’s Answer
In 2025, if you're starting in the data field, Power BI is a great choice. It’s a user-friendly tool used widely by companies for creating dashboards, reports, and visualizing business data—making it ideal for roles like Business Analyst, Data Analyst, and BI Developer. It’s also deeply integrated with Microsoft products, which are common in enterprise environments, so the job market for Power BI skills is strong.
DBT is more specialized—it’s used in data engineering for transforming raw data in warehouses like Snowflake, Big Query, or Redshift using SQL. DBT is powerful but assumes you’re already familiar with data modeling and SQL-based workflows. It’s best suited if you plan to become a Data Engineer or work with modern data stacks.
So, if you're starting out and want quicker job opportunities, go with Power BI first. If you grow into a technical role later, DBT is a great next step.
DBT is more specialized—it’s used in data engineering for transforming raw data in warehouses like Snowflake, Big Query, or Redshift using SQL. DBT is powerful but assumes you’re already familiar with data modeling and SQL-based workflows. It’s best suited if you plan to become a Data Engineer or work with modern data stacks.
So, if you're starting out and want quicker job opportunities, go with Power BI first. If you grow into a technical role later, DBT is a great next step.
Thank you for your time to answer my question.
Anjali
Updated
Vinod’s Answer
Don't get attached to tools but you can definitely start with these two and then expand to other tools. Learn about different Data Transformation and reporting tools in market, their popularity so you know which one's are the best in the market. Note that these tools will not sustain life long as they will get replaced with newer products in market. Hence focus should be on use-case and then decide which tool will be a better choice. Also once you join a company, they might have already purchased a tool and you may have to learn and work with it.
Thankyou for the advice, Sir. You mentioned that the focus should be on the use-case—could you please elaborate a bit more on what that means in this context?
Anjali
Let me give you an example.....when you join a company, your job is to solve problems and they can be as simple as loading data from a particular source to target. Now any ETL tool can do this job but based on the complexity, Data Quality checks, features and eventually the license cost, you may have to guide the company in picking the right tool of value for them. Note this is applicable, if they haven't purchased an ETL tool or current tool has some deficiencies. So based on use case, you may have to come up with different options which are cost effective.
Vinod Panicker
Got it.. thank you Sir!
Anjali
Updated
Ronan’s Answer
For beginners in 2025, start with Power BI. It’s easy to learn, builds essential data skills, and the concepts you master will make it much easier to pick up similar analytics tools or more advanced platforms like DBT as you progress.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Anjali
Updated
Daamini’s Answer
Hi There!
I believe Power BI has more demand in the job market.
Power BI is used in visualization (creating dashboards and reports) to share Data insights.
Once you have gained knowledge, you can look for roles like Data / business Analyst, reporting analyst.
Resources: Microsoft Power BI, Data Camp, Coursera.
I believe Power BI has more demand in the job market.
Power BI is used in visualization (creating dashboards and reports) to share Data insights.
Once you have gained knowledge, you can look for roles like Data / business Analyst, reporting analyst.
Resources: Microsoft Power BI, Data Camp, Coursera.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Anjali
Updated
Janavi’s Answer
Hi All
if you are a beginner, I would suggest Power BI is the best tool for data experimenting. In Power BI you can analyze, module and enhance the data visualizations. Power BI tool is also very user friendly, and many videos are available on YouTube on how to build and start using.
if you are a beginner, I would suggest Power BI is the best tool for data experimenting. In Power BI you can analyze, module and enhance the data visualizations. Power BI tool is also very user friendly, and many videos are available on YouTube on how to build and start using.
Calixto Gutierrez
Data Analyst and Project Manager
3
Answers
Updated
Calixto’s Answer
Hi Anjali!
PBI continues to be one of the most popular tools but it's preferable if you don't get attached to a particular tool. At different jobs you'll find they use one tool or another depending on which one they pay the rights to use and most tools share a lot of similarities in how to process and display data.
If possible, try to get acquainted with the most popular tools and that will prepare you better for what's to come. You don't have to become an expert in every tool but the knowledge you get from one will surely translate to the next tool you use, and it will become easier to learn new ones as well.
PBI continues to be one of the most popular tools but it's preferable if you don't get attached to a particular tool. At different jobs you'll find they use one tool or another depending on which one they pay the rights to use and most tools share a lot of similarities in how to process and display data.
If possible, try to get acquainted with the most popular tools and that will prepare you better for what's to come. You don't have to become an expert in every tool but the knowledge you get from one will surely translate to the next tool you use, and it will become easier to learn new ones as well.
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Hi Anjali, The prevalent thought in coming to a decision is to choose a course in the technology itself. There are many sources of instruction online which can help you by providing insight into the use and operation of different software offerings.
Pick a course that is engaging and fits your timetable.
You will find a range of offerings from introductions to advanced techniques where you will be be able to evaluate the the tools, and the plusses and minuses for each.
Also, you will be able to discover your own natural skills and those you will have to work on to sharpen.
It is important that you are able to allocate enough time to spend on tackling the content and testing yourself . So choose a platform and find the time to follow a course that fits your time lines.
Then, be prepared to practice the things that you learn with as much repetition you need to develop the intuition so that it comes naturally.
If you enjoy solutions and what you are able to achieve, then continue pursuing it at a larger scale.
Lastly, if you find that you want something different, there are many paths to choose!
Pick a course that is engaging and fits your timetable.
You will find a range of offerings from introductions to advanced techniques where you will be be able to evaluate the the tools, and the plusses and minuses for each.
Also, you will be able to discover your own natural skills and those you will have to work on to sharpen.
It is important that you are able to allocate enough time to spend on tackling the content and testing yourself . So choose a platform and find the time to follow a course that fits your time lines.
Then, be prepared to practice the things that you learn with as much repetition you need to develop the intuition so that it comes naturally.
If you enjoy solutions and what you are able to achieve, then continue pursuing it at a larger scale.
Lastly, if you find that you want something different, there are many paths to choose!
Thanks! Your advice is really helpful.
Anjali
Updated
Murat’s Answer
If you enjoy working with data pipelines and transformations, begin with DBT. If creating reports and visualizing data for business insights is more your style, start with Power BI. Both skills are important, and mastering both will make you very versatile in the data field.
Updated
Edward’s Answer
PBI is a great choice for beginners, just like everyone here suggests! Start by exploring data sets online and try visualizing them. Watching a video tutorial on YouTube with a step-by-step guide can also be a fun way to begin. PBI skills are in high demand and can open doors to many exciting career opportunities!
Thanks for your suggestion !
Anjali
Updated
Velu’s Answer
Hi Anjali! start with Power BI if your goal is to get a job fast
go with DBT if you want to build long-term data skills in engineering/analytics
📊 power bi (better for entry-level roles):
more demand in business analyst + data analyst roles
beginner-friendly, strong for dashboarding + reporting
used widely in enterprise and government
🛠️ dbt (great for leveling up later):
in high demand in modern data teams, especially in startups + tech
more technical — helps with data modeling, SQL, version control
great if you're aiming for analytics engineer or data engineer roles
🚀 strategy:
learn Power BI first to get a foot in the door
go with DBT if you want to build long-term data skills in engineering/analytics
📊 power bi (better for entry-level roles):
more demand in business analyst + data analyst roles
beginner-friendly, strong for dashboarding + reporting
used widely in enterprise and government
🛠️ dbt (great for leveling up later):
in high demand in modern data teams, especially in startups + tech
more technical — helps with data modeling, SQL, version control
great if you're aiming for analytics engineer or data engineer roles
🚀 strategy:
learn Power BI first to get a foot in the door
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Anjali
Updated
IBM’s Answer
From what I've seen, PBI is really useful. It's easy for any organization, whether big, medium, or small, to use. PBI can grow with the company, making it a great choice. Plus, there are many MS Train certifications available, and you can learn them at your own speed.
Thanks for the advice.
Anjali
Updated
Deepak’s Answer
If you are just starting out your career and you want to learn about data visualizations and dashboarding, Power BI is a great tool, but don't get stuck on just Power BI. Tableau is another great tool that is very popular now. For more data analytics focus, SAS is always a crowd favorite along with R. Learning SQL programming is also a strong skill to have. You can then market yourself in using Snowflake, SAS, and other tools where SQL can be used.
Thank you for the advice, Deepak.
Anjali
Updated
Carlos’s Answer
PBI is a great tool to begin with because it is part of Microsoft products and works well with other Microsoft Office apps, especially Excel. It's widely used in the industry and is also budget-friendly.
Take PBI Training
Carlos recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much!
Anjali
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