UCLA Health Business Intelligence Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

UCLA Health is a leading healthcare system that combines advanced technology with exceptional patient care to deliver outstanding health services across Southern California.

In the Business Intelligence role at UCLA Health, you will be responsible for providing advanced data and analytical support to enhance operational efficiency and improve patient outcomes. Key responsibilities include developing and managing databases that comply with regulatory standards, offering data support for performance improvement initiatives, and preparing insightful reports and dashboards using tools like Tableau. You will also manage data-driven projects, applying methodologies like PDCA and Lean to identify critical issues and devise effective solutions. Success in this role requires a strong foundation in statistics and analytics, along with proficiency in programming languages and tools such as Python, SQL, and R. Ideal candidates demonstrate critical thinking, project management skills, and an ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. A passion for leveraging technology to support world-class patient care aligns closely with UCLA Health's mission.

This guide will equip you with targeted insights into the role and prepare you to effectively showcase your qualifications and understanding of the company's values during your interview.

The interview process for the Business Intelligence role at UCLA Health is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several key stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step in the interview process is an initial screening call, usually conducted by a recruiter or an associate director. This conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and motivation for applying to UCLA Health. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role, ensuring that candidates understand the expectations and environment they may be entering.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates are required to complete a technical assessment. This assessment is often conducted in a timed format, typically lasting around one hour. Candidates may be asked to demonstrate their proficiency in relevant tools and methodologies, such as SAS, SQL, or Tableau. After completing the assessment, candidates will need to explain their approach and the methods used to the interviewers, which may include a biostatistician and an associate director. This step is crucial for evaluating both technical skills and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.

3. Panel Interview

The final stage of the interview process is a panel interview, which usually involves multiple interviewers, including the director and other team members. This interview is designed to delve deeper into your experience, problem-solving abilities, and how you would fit within the team. Questions may cover your understanding of healthcare industry issues, project management skills, and your approach to data-driven decision-making. The panel format allows for a comprehensive evaluation of how candidates interact with various stakeholders and their ability to articulate their thoughts in a collaborative setting.

As you prepare for your interview, it's essential to be ready for the specific questions that may arise during these stages.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at UCLA Health typically involves multiple stages, including an initial screening call, a technical assessment, and a final interview with higher management. Familiarize yourself with this structure so you can prepare accordingly. Be ready to discuss your experience and skills in detail, especially during the technical assessment where you may need to demonstrate your proficiency in SAS and other analytical tools.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Given the emphasis on technical expertise in this role, ensure you are well-versed in the required tools such as Python, SQL, Tableau, and SAS. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you utilized these skills, and consider practicing common technical problems or assessments that may be similar to what you could encounter during the interview. Highlight your ability to develop databases and create insightful reports and dashboards, as these are crucial aspects of the job.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

While technical skills are essential, UCLA Health also values cultural fit and interpersonal skills. Expect behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, providing clear examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in previous roles.

Emphasize Your Understanding of Healthcare

Demonstrating a solid understanding of the healthcare industry, including regulatory requirements and current trends, will set you apart. Be prepared to discuss how your analytical skills can contribute to performance improvement projects within UCLA Health. Showing that you are not only technically proficient but also knowledgeable about the industry will resonate well with your interviewers.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Effective communication is key in this role, as you will be presenting findings to health system leaders and teams. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when explaining complex data analyses or methodologies. Be confident in your abilities, but also be open to feedback and questions from your interviewers.

Be Ready for a Panel Interview

If your interview involves multiple interviewers, such as a panel, be prepared to engage with each person. Make eye contact, address each interviewer when responding, and ensure you are inclusive in your answers. This demonstrates your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with diverse teams.

Reflect on Company Culture

UCLA Health's culture may not be as warm and homey as some other organizations, so it's important to align your expectations. Be genuine about your career goals and values, and consider how they align with the organization's mission. This will help you assess if UCLA Health is the right fit for you while also showing your potential employers that you are thoughtful about your career choices.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interview, consider sending a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Use this as a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and briefly mention any key points from the interview that you found particularly engaging. This not only shows your professionalism but also keeps you top of mind for the interviewers.

By following these tips, you can approach your interview at UCLA Health with confidence and clarity, positioning yourself as a strong candidate for the Business Intelligence role. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Intelligence interview at UCLA Health. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their analytical skills, technical expertise, and understanding of healthcare data management. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data analytics tools, project management methodologies, and your ability to communicate findings effectively.

Technical Skills

1. What SAS procedures are you most comfortable with, and how would you rate your skills on a scale of 1 to 10?

UCLA Health places a strong emphasis on SAS proficiency, so be ready to discuss your experience with specific procedures and your self-assessment of your skills.

How to Answer

Discuss the SAS procedures you have used in past projects, highlighting any complex analyses you performed. Be honest about your skill level, but also express your willingness to learn and improve.

Example

“I have extensive experience with PROC SQL and PROC MEANS, and I would rate my SAS skills as an 8. I have used these procedures to analyze clinical data and generate reports for performance improvement projects. I am always looking to enhance my skills further through online courses and practical applications.”

2. Can you describe your experience with SQL and how you have used it in your previous roles?

SQL is a critical skill for this role, and interviewers will want to know how you have applied it in real-world scenarios.

How to Answer

Provide specific examples of how you have used SQL to extract, manipulate, and analyze data. Mention any complex queries you have written and the impact of your work.

Example

“In my previous role, I used SQL to create complex queries that aggregated patient data from multiple sources. This allowed us to identify trends in patient outcomes, which informed our quality improvement initiatives. I am comfortable with joins, subqueries, and window functions.”

3. How do you approach data visualization, and what tools do you prefer?

Data visualization is key in communicating findings, so be prepared to discuss your approach and preferred tools.

How to Answer

Talk about your experience with tools like Tableau or Power BI, and explain how you ensure that your visualizations are clear and actionable.

Example

“I prefer using Tableau for data visualization because of its user-friendly interface and powerful capabilities. I focus on creating dashboards that highlight key performance indicators and trends, ensuring that stakeholders can easily interpret the data and make informed decisions.”

4. Describe a challenging data analysis project you worked on. What was your approach?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex data challenges.

How to Answer

Outline the project, the challenges you faced, and the steps you took to overcome them. Highlight your analytical thinking and any methodologies you applied.

Example

“I worked on a project analyzing patient readmission rates, which required cleaning and merging data from various sources. I used Lean methodologies to streamline the process, and after identifying key factors contributing to readmissions, I presented my findings to the leadership team, which led to the implementation of targeted interventions.”

Project Management

5. How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple data-driven projects?

Effective project management is crucial in this role, so be ready to discuss your strategies for prioritization.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to prioritizing tasks based on urgency, impact, and stakeholder needs. Mention any tools or frameworks you use.

Example

“I prioritize tasks by assessing their impact on project goals and deadlines. I use project management tools like Trello to keep track of progress and ensure that I allocate time effectively. Regular check-ins with stakeholders also help me adjust priorities as needed.”

6. Can you give an example of how you have used Lean methodologies in a project?

Lean methodologies are important for process improvement, so be prepared to discuss your experience with them.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a project where you applied Lean principles, focusing on the problem, your approach, and the results.

Example

“In a recent project aimed at reducing patient wait times, I applied Lean methodologies by mapping the current process and identifying bottlenecks. By implementing changes based on my analysis, we reduced wait times by 20%, significantly improving patient satisfaction.”

Communication Skills

7. How do you ensure that your findings are communicated effectively to non-technical stakeholders?

Communication is key in this role, so be ready to discuss your strategies for conveying complex information clearly.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to tailoring your communication style to your audience and any techniques you use to simplify complex data.

Example

“I focus on using clear visuals and straightforward language when presenting to non-technical stakeholders. I often summarize key findings in bullet points and provide context to help them understand the implications of the data. This approach has been effective in ensuring that my insights lead to actionable decisions.”

8. Why do you want to work at UCLA Health, and how do you align with our mission?

This question assesses your motivation and cultural fit within the organization.

How to Answer

Express your passion for healthcare and how UCLA Health’s mission resonates with your values and career goals.

Example

“I am drawn to UCLA Health because of its commitment to leveraging technology to improve patient care. I believe that my background in data analytics and my passion for healthcare align perfectly with your mission to enhance patient experiences and outcomes.”