Berkley Business Intelligence Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Berkley is a Fortune 500 company focused on leveraging data and technology to innovate the insurance industry, aiming to enhance the lives of its customers, shareholders, and team members.

The Business Intelligence Analyst at Berkley plays a vital role in developing and delivering timely and accurate information to stakeholders across the organization. This position requires collaborating with various teams to identify data-driven opportunities for improvement, managing multiple data sources, and executing robust reporting solutions. Key responsibilities include gathering requirements for reports, performing descriptive and diagnostic analysis, visualizing data through Power BI, creating and maintaining SQL queries, and ensuring data quality. Candidates should have a strong foundation in SQL, experience with data visualization tools, and a proven ability to communicate effectively across departments. A background in the property and casualty insurance sector is a plus, as it aligns with Berkley’s mission to innovate and improve customer experience in an evolving industry.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the role and the skills required for success at Berkley, ensuring you stand out as a strong candidate.

The interview process for the Business Intelligence role at Berkley is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, typically conducted by a recruiter over the phone. This conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and understanding of the Business Intelligence field. The recruiter will also gauge your alignment with Berkley’s values and culture, as well as your interest in the role and the company.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates will undergo a technical assessment. This may be conducted via a video call with a member of the Business Intelligence team. During this session, you will be asked to demonstrate your proficiency in SQL and your ability to analyze data. Expect to discuss your experience with data visualization tools, particularly Power BI, and how you have utilized SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) in past projects. You may also be presented with a case study or a practical exercise to evaluate your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.

3. Behavioral Interview

The next step is a behavioral interview, which typically involves multiple rounds with various team members. These interviews focus on your past experiences, teamwork, and how you handle challenges in a collaborative environment. You will be asked to provide examples of how you have contributed to data-driven decision-making and how you have worked with cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives. This is an opportunity to showcase your communication skills and your ability to work effectively in an agile setting.

4. Final Interview

The final interview is often with senior management or key stakeholders within the organization. This round may include a mix of technical and behavioral questions, as well as discussions about your long-term career goals and how they align with Berkley’s vision. You may also be asked to present a project or report you have worked on, demonstrating your analytical capabilities and your approach to data visualization and reporting.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the specific skills and experiences that will highlight your qualifications for the Business Intelligence role at Berkley. Next, let’s delve into the types of questions you might encounter during this process.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Company’s Vision

Berkley is focused on leveraging data and technology to innovate within the insurance industry. Familiarize yourself with their mission to make life better for customers and stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how your skills in business intelligence can contribute to this vision and how you can help drive data-driven improvements.

Highlight Your Technical Proficiency

Given the emphasis on SQL and Power BI in the role, ensure you are well-versed in these tools. Brush up on your SQL skills, particularly in writing complex queries and understanding data structures. Practice creating visualizations in Power BI, as demonstrating your ability to turn data into actionable insights will be crucial. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you utilized these skills effectively.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

The role requires a strong foundation in descriptive and diagnostic analysis. Prepare to discuss your experience in applying business logic to raw data and how you have used analytics to inform decision-making. Think of examples where you identified data quality issues and collaborated with teams to resolve them, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and teamwork.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication

Berkley values a collaborative work environment. Be prepared to share examples of how you have successfully worked with cross-functional teams. Highlight your ability to communicate complex data insights to non-technical stakeholders, as this is essential for the role. Show that you can bridge the gap between data and business needs.

Prepare for Agile Environment Questions

Since the company operates in an agile environment, be ready to discuss your experience working in similar settings. Share how you adapt to changing requirements and prioritize tasks effectively. This will demonstrate your resilience and ability to thrive in a fast-paced atmosphere.

Be a Self-Starter

Berkley looks for candidates who are self-motivated and eager to learn. Prepare to discuss instances where you took the initiative to improve processes or learn new skills independently. This will show that you are proactive and committed to your professional development.

Align with Company Culture

Finally, familiarize yourself with Berkley’s company culture, which emphasizes trust, collaboration, and pride in success. Reflect on how your personal values align with this culture and be ready to articulate this during the interview. Showing that you are a good cultural fit can significantly enhance your candidacy.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Business Intelligence role at Berkley. Good luck!

Berkley Business Intelligence Interview Questions

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Berkley Business Intelligence interview. The interview will focus on your ability to analyze data, create reports, and communicate insights effectively. Be prepared to demonstrate your proficiency in SQL, data visualization, and your understanding of business metrics.

SQL and Data Management

1. Can you explain the difference between INNER JOIN and LEFT JOIN in SQL?

Understanding SQL joins is crucial for data manipulation and reporting.

How to Answer

Discuss the purpose of each join type and provide a brief example of when you would use them.

Example

“An INNER JOIN returns only the rows where there is a match in both tables, while a LEFT JOIN returns all rows from the left table and the matched rows from the right table. For instance, if I want to list all customers and their orders, I would use a LEFT JOIN to ensure I include customers who may not have placed any orders.”

2. How do you optimize a slow-running SQL query?

Performance optimization is key in business intelligence roles.

How to Answer

Mention techniques such as indexing, query restructuring, and analyzing execution plans.

Example

“To optimize a slow-running SQL query, I would first analyze the execution plan to identify bottlenecks. Then, I might add indexes to frequently queried columns or rewrite the query to reduce complexity, ensuring it retrieves only the necessary data.”

3. Describe a time when you had to clean and prepare data for analysis. What steps did you take?

Data quality is essential for accurate reporting.

How to Answer

Outline your process for data cleaning, including identifying errors and standardizing formats.

Example

“In a previous role, I encountered a dataset with inconsistent date formats. I first identified the discrepancies, then used SQL functions to standardize the dates. I also removed duplicates and filled in missing values to ensure the dataset was ready for analysis.”

4. What are window functions in SQL, and how have you used them?

Window functions are powerful for advanced analytics.

How to Answer

Explain what window functions are and provide an example of their application.

Example

“Window functions allow you to perform calculations across a set of table rows related to the current row. I used them to calculate running totals and moving averages in sales data, which helped in identifying trends over time.”

5. How do you handle data discrepancies when working with multiple data sources?

Data integrity is critical in business intelligence.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to identifying and resolving discrepancies.

Example

“When I encounter data discrepancies, I first verify the data against the source systems. I then document the differences and collaborate with relevant teams to understand the root cause, ensuring that we implement measures to prevent future discrepancies.”

Data Visualization and Reporting

1. What are the key elements of a good data visualization?

Effective visualizations communicate insights clearly.

How to Answer

Mention aspects like clarity, relevance, and the use of appropriate charts.

Example

“A good data visualization should be clear and easy to understand, using the right type of chart to convey the message. It should also highlight key insights and allow the audience to grasp the information quickly without overwhelming them with unnecessary details.”

2. How have you used Power BI to create interactive dashboards?

Experience with Power BI is essential for this role.

How to Answer

Describe your process for building dashboards and the types of data you visualized.

Example

“I’ve used Power BI to create interactive dashboards that track key performance indicators. I start by gathering requirements from stakeholders, then I connect to various data sources, design the layout, and implement filters and drill-down features to allow users to explore the data dynamically.”

3. Can you explain how you determine which KPIs to track for a business?

Selecting relevant KPIs is crucial for effective reporting.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to aligning KPIs with business goals.

Example

“I determine which KPIs to track by first understanding the business objectives and the specific questions stakeholders want to answer. I then select metrics that provide actionable insights and can be measured consistently over time.”

4. Describe a challenging reporting project you worked on. What made it challenging and how did you overcome it?

This question assesses problem-solving and project management skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific example, focusing on the challenges faced and the solutions implemented.

Example

“I worked on a reporting project that required integrating data from multiple sources with different formats. The challenge was ensuring data consistency. I overcame this by creating a detailed mapping document and using SQL to transform the data into a unified format before generating the reports.”

5. How do you ensure that your reports are user-friendly and accessible to stakeholders?

User-centric reporting is key in business intelligence.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for making reports intuitive and easy to navigate.

Example

“I ensure my reports are user-friendly by using clear headings, logical layouts, and interactive elements like filters. I also gather feedback from stakeholders to understand their needs and make adjustments accordingly, ensuring the reports are tailored to their preferences.”