Burns & McDonnell Business Intelligence Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Burns & McDonnell is a full-service engineering, architecture, construction, environmental, and consulting solutions firm dedicated to making a positive impact on the communities they serve.

The Business Intelligence role at Burns & McDonnell entails delivering analytics services and supporting consulting projects across various industries, with a primary focus on the Utilities sector. Key responsibilities include developing data visualizations and dashboards, designing and implementing data pipelines, and building analytics models to drive business outcomes. The ideal candidate will possess strong skills in data analysis, requirements gathering, and leveraging business intelligence tools to enhance data value. A collaborative mindset, excellent communication abilities, and a passion for storytelling with data are essential traits for success in this dynamic environment. Candidates should have a solid understanding of data ingestion processes and a desire to grow their technical capabilities in the realms of data visualization and analytics.

This guide will equip you with the necessary insights and strategies to impress interviewers and demonstrate your fit for the Business Intelligence role at Burns & McDonnell.

The interview process for the Business Intelligence role at Burns & McDonnell is structured to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates are well-rounded and fit for the collaborative environment of the company.

1. Application and Initial Screening

The process begins with an online application, followed by an initial screening interview conducted by a recruiter. This screening typically focuses on your resume details, motivations for applying, and your understanding of the company’s mission and vision. Candidates may also be asked to articulate their skills and how they align with the role.

2. Technical and Behavioral Interviews

Following the initial screening, candidates usually participate in a series of interviews that may include both technical and behavioral components. These interviews often involve discussions with various team members, including project managers and technical leads. Expect to answer questions related to your past experiences, particularly in data analysis, project management, and the use of business intelligence tools. The emphasis is often on your ability to communicate effectively and demonstrate leadership and organizational skills.

3. Final Interview Round

The final round typically involves a more in-depth interview with senior management or directors. This stage may include scenario-based questions to evaluate your problem-solving abilities and how you would approach specific challenges in the role. Candidates may also be asked to present their past work or projects, showcasing their analytical skills and ability to tell stories with data.

Throughout the process, candidates are encouraged to ask questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and specific projects they may be involved in, as this demonstrates genuine interest and engagement.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise during these discussions.

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

Emphasize Leadership and Organizational Skills

During your interview, be prepared to discuss your leadership and organizational skills in detail. The interviewers at Burns & McDonnell are particularly interested in how you manage projects and lead teams. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully led a project or improved a process. Highlight your ability to coordinate with various stakeholders, as this role will require collaboration across different teams.

Showcase Your Technical Proficiency

While the interview may focus on management skills, do not underestimate the importance of your technical abilities. Be ready to discuss your experience with business intelligence tools, particularly Power BI, and any data analysis projects you've completed. Prepare to explain how you have used data visualizations to drive business outcomes. Familiarize yourself with the technical aspects of data ingestion and transformation, as these are crucial for the role.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a range of behavioral questions that assess your motivations, mission, and vision. Reflect on your career journey and be ready to articulate why you want to work at Burns & McDonnell. Consider how your personal values align with the company’s mission and how you can contribute to their goals. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear and concise examples.

Understand the Company Culture

Burns & McDonnell has a unique culture that can vary by office location. Research the specific office you are applying to and understand its culture. If possible, connect with current employees to gain insights into their experiences. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses to demonstrate that you are a good cultural fit for the team.

Be Ready for a Multi-Stage Process

The interview process may involve multiple stages, including phone screenings and in-person interviews with various team members. Be prepared to discuss your resume in detail and answer questions about your past experiences. Since the interviewers may be from different backgrounds, adapt your communication style to resonate with each individual, whether they are technical or managerial.

Show Your Passion for Continuous Learning

Burns & McDonnell values employees who have an insatiable appetite for learning. Be sure to express your desire to grow your technical capabilities and your interest in advancing within the company. Discuss any relevant courses, certifications, or self-study initiatives you have undertaken to enhance your skills. This will demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional development.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interview, send a personalized thank-you note to each interviewer. In your message, reference specific topics discussed during the interview to reinforce your interest in the role and the company. This not only shows your appreciation but also keeps you top of mind as they make their hiring decision.

By following these tips, you will be well-prepared to make a strong impression during your interview at Burns & McDonnell. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Intelligence interview at Burns & McDonnell. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, experience in data analysis, and your ability to communicate insights effectively. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, your approach to problem-solving, and how you can contribute to the team.

Technical Skills

1. Can you describe your experience with data visualization tools, particularly Power BI?

This question assesses your familiarity with essential tools used in the role.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you utilized Power BI, focusing on the types of visualizations you created and the impact they had on decision-making.

Example

“In my previous role, I developed a series of dashboards in Power BI that tracked key performance indicators for our sales team. By visualizing the data, we were able to identify trends and adjust our strategies, resulting in a 15% increase in quarterly sales.”

2. How do you approach data cleansing and transformation?

This question evaluates your understanding of data preparation processes.

How to Answer

Explain your methodology for ensuring data quality, including any tools or techniques you use to clean and transform data.

Example

“I typically start by assessing the data for inconsistencies and missing values. I use SQL for initial data extraction and then apply Python scripts to automate the cleansing process, ensuring that the data is accurate and ready for analysis.”

3. Describe a time when you built an analytics model. What was the outcome?

This question looks for practical experience in building models that drive business decisions.

How to Answer

Share a specific example, detailing the model's purpose, the data used, and the results achieved.

Example

“I built a predictive model using historical sales data to forecast future demand. The model improved our inventory management, reducing excess stock by 20% and ensuring we met customer demand more effectively.”

4. What is your experience with SQL and how have you used it in your previous roles?

This question gauges your technical proficiency with databases.

How to Answer

Discuss specific SQL queries you’ve written and how they contributed to your projects.

Example

“I regularly use SQL to extract and manipulate data from our databases. For instance, I wrote complex queries to join multiple tables, which allowed my team to analyze customer behavior patterns and tailor our marketing strategies accordingly.”

5. How do you ensure that your data-driven insights are communicated effectively to stakeholders?

This question assesses your communication skills and ability to convey complex information.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to storytelling with data and how you tailor your communication to different audiences.

Example

“I focus on creating clear and concise visualizations that highlight key insights. I also prepare a narrative that explains the data in context, ensuring that stakeholders understand the implications for their specific areas of responsibility.”

Project Management and Leadership

1. Describe your approach to managing multiple projects simultaneously.

This question evaluates your organizational and multitasking skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively.

Example

“I use project management tools to track progress and deadlines. I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact, and I hold regular check-ins with my team to ensure we stay aligned and address any roadblocks promptly.”

2. How do you handle conflicts within a project team?

This question assesses your leadership and conflict resolution skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific example of a conflict you managed and the steps you took to resolve it.

Example

“In a previous project, two team members had differing opinions on the direction of our analysis. I facilitated a meeting where each could present their viewpoints, and we collaboratively reached a compromise that incorporated the best elements of both ideas, ultimately enhancing our project outcome.”

3. What motivates you to work in the field of business intelligence?

This question seeks to understand your passion and commitment to the role.

How to Answer

Reflect on what excites you about data and its potential to drive business decisions.

Example

“I am motivated by the power of data to uncover insights that can transform businesses. I find it rewarding to help organizations make informed decisions that lead to tangible improvements in their operations and strategies.”

4. How do you stay updated with the latest trends in business intelligence and analytics?

This question evaluates your commitment to continuous learning.

How to Answer

Discuss the resources you use to keep your skills and knowledge current.

Example

“I regularly attend industry webinars and conferences, and I follow several thought leaders in the business intelligence space on social media. I also participate in online courses to deepen my understanding of emerging tools and techniques.”

5. Why do you want to work for Burns & McDonnell?

This question assesses your interest in the company and its values.

How to Answer

Express your alignment with the company’s mission and how you see yourself contributing to its goals.

Example

“I admire Burns & McDonnell’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the utilities sector. I believe my background in data analytics can help drive impactful projects that align with the company’s vision for a more efficient and sustainable future.”