Top 5 Professional Skills Every Aspiring Qlik Developer Needs

In today's data-driven world, the role of a Qlik Developer is becoming increasingly pivotal. As organizations strive to harness the power of data, Qlik Developers stand at the forefront, transforming raw data into insightful visualizations and analyses that drive decision-making. For those aspiring to enter this dynamic field, mastering a specific set of skills can set you apart and pave your way to success. This guide covers the top five professional skills every aspiring Qlik Developer needs.

The Importance of a Qlik Developer

Qlik Developers specialize in using Qlik's suite of products to develop state-of-the-art business intelligence solutions. These professionals are not only adept at creating interactive visualizations but also skilled in understanding and interpreting data trends, providing a critical edge in strategic planning and operational efficiencies. However, succeeding as a Qlik Developer requires more than technical knowledge; it demands a combination of analytical skills, creativity, and communication abilities.

Skill 1: Proficiency in Qlik Sense and QlikView

At the heart of a Qlik Developer's toolkit are Qlik Sense and QlikView. Proficiency in these tools is non-negotiable, as they form the basis for creating powerful dashboards and complex data models. Understanding the nuances between these two platforms is essential, as each serves unique purposes within different organizational contexts.

Qlik Sense

Qlik Sense offers a more modern approach to data visualization and analysis. Its self-service capabilities allow users to create personalized reports and direct data discoveries with ease. Aspiring Qlik Developers should focus on understanding its drag-and-drop system, advanced analytics, and the integration of third-party applications to extend its functionality.

QlikView

On the other hand, QlikView is more traditional and developer-centric. It enables developers to design more detailed and controlled guided analytics applications. Gaining expertise in QlikView involves mastering its scripting language, set analysis, and data modeling capabilities.

Skill 2: Data Modeling and Database Management

Data modeling is fundamental to any Qlik Developer's role. It involves structuring databases to ensure data integrity and accessibility. Proficiency in SQL and understanding of various data storage and retrieval systems is crucial.

Why Data Modeling Matters

Effective data modeling provides the foundation on which data-driven decisions are made. It optimizes the performance of the dashboard, reduces loading times, and ensures accuracy in data representation.

Key areas to focus on include:

• Entity-relationship diagrams (ERDs)
• Normalization and denormalization concepts
• Star and snowflake schema designs

Skill 3: Analytical and Critical Thinking

Beyond technical skills, a Qlik Developer must possess strong analytical and critical thinking abilities. This skill involves the capacity to interpret complex data sets, identify patterns, and derive significant insights that can inform business strategies.

Analytical and critical thinking skills enable developers to:

• Identify target metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Analyze data trends and project future implications
• Develop dashboards that answer strategic business questions

Developing these skills ensures you'll provide value beyond basic data reporting, positioning yourself as a strategic asset to any organization.

Skill 4: Problem-Solving and Creativity

One of the primary functions of a Qlik Developer is to solve problems. Whether it's troubleshooting a dashboard issue or devising a creative solution to visualize a new data type, problem-solving skills are essential.

The Role of Creativity in Qlik Development

Creativity comes into play as developers brainstorm and implement innovative ways to display information. This could range from choosing the right visualization types to show data most effectively or designing intuitive user interfaces. Creative problem-solving skills allow Qlik Developers to make their dashboards engaging and accessible to a broad audience.

Skill 5: Communication and Collaboration

Communication forms the backbone of collaboration within any development team or project. As a Qlik Developer, you will often interact with stakeholders to understand requirements, explain technical concepts to non-technical team members, and collaborate with data analysts and IT professionals to ensure seamless data integration.

Effective communication means:

• Gathering and understanding user requirements successfully
• Translating technical jargon into layman's terms
• Clearly presenting data findings and insights

Aspirants should also hone their teamwork skills, as developing a successful Qlik application is rarely a solo endeavor. This involves working collaboratively in a multifaceted environment and fostering a collaborative culture that enhances the team’s productivity.

Conclusion: Setting Yourself Up for Success

Becoming a successful Qlik Developer requires more than just technical expertise. It's about blending your knowledge of data visualization tools like Qlik Sense and QlikView with soft skills like communication, creativity, and critical thinking. By mastering these five professional skills, you'll be well-equipped to harness the power of data, drive organizational success, and carve out a rewarding career path as a Qlik Developer.