If you’re looking to expand your skill set and become more employable, getting to grips with the Microsoft suite is the way to go. One of the most powerful and readily used pieces of software is Excel. Chances are, you have had to use this program at some point.
Learning how to use this vital spreadsheet software to a high level could supercharge your career. It may be more valuable than you imagine. In this quick guide, we will take a look at why you should learn how to use it and the benefits of Excel.
What is Excel, and what is it used for?
First things first, let’s talk about what Microsoft Excel is. Before you start to learn basic Excel, it’s worth better understanding what the program is and how it’s used. The simplest answer is that this is spreadsheet-based software that allows you to organise data.
That includes using formulas, calculating sums, and organising data into manageable chunks. The sheets consist of boxes, rows, and columns. There are plenty of different ways you can use this software to get the most out of your data. When you learn to use Excel, you can create unique spreadsheets to manage any information you please.
My role isn’t data-driven, can it still help me?
When you think of Microsoft Excel, you may think of data-driven roles. However, the truth of the matter is that a whole selection of professionals uses this program in their work. For example, an administrative assistant may track their daily progress using a timesheet on the platform. Similarly, a wedding planner can create a budget using an Excel sheet.
Microsoft Excel is all about keen organisation. Regardless of the industry in which you currently work, chances are you could do with streamlining it. That is where this program comes in. Through Excel courses, you can start applying it to your work tasks, budgeting, project management, and any other pieces of data you need to keep in check. Simple.
Why do I need to become qualified in Excel?
Ready to add Microsoft Excel skills to your repertoire? Before you start learning how to use this piece of software, you may want to know why it’s important. Out of all of the computer programs in the Microsoft Office family, Microsoft Excel has to be one of the most vital and most commonly used by businesses.
As we have already covered, one of the main benefits of Excel is that it allows you to organise a large amount of data you need to get access to. In most job roles, you need to deal with a high level of information and have a knowledge of some data analytics in order to get your head around it all. You can use the platform to help you do just that in the simplest of ways.
It doesn’t end there. Learning advanced Microsoft Excel techniques could help you increase your productivity. Should you feel as though you don’t get enough done during the workday, this approach may make all of the difference. Whether you want to work toward your own self-progression or expand your skill set, it’s worth considering.
Could learning Excel lead to new job opportunities or promotions?
Boosting your skill set has the added bonus of increasing your employability. When you’re looking to get ahead in the working world, the more strings you have on your bow, the better. When you learn how to use this program, it unlocks new aspects of your work life.
For example, your manager may give you more responsibilities around data management, accounting, time management, and organisation. All of the above has the potential to lead to a promotion later down the line. You can even learn shortcuts in the program, such as VLOOKUP, that make your existing job easier, meaning that you excel even further in your career.
Where should I start learning Excel?
Looking for Excel training? If you’ve never used the program before now or have little experience, you could study a course such as Excel – Excel Essentials and Formulas. These types of Excel courses help you get to grips with the basic parts of the program. You will learn how to create worksheets, use an Excel spreadsheet, and manage some core Excel functions too.
What should I do if I already have basic Excel knowledge?
If you already have some experience using the program, you can enrol onto a Intermediate Certificate in Microsoft Excel. This one will build on your existing know-how and allow you to learn Microsoft Excel to a greater level. You may learn how to manage large datasets, use conditional formatting, and deal with data analysis (i.e., use graphs, advanced formulas, and pivot tables).
The Excel course is taught and delivered by industry-leading trainers. That means that you will gain the industry-standard knowledge you need to confidently use the program. Since you already have some Excel skills, you can expect to add to them and hone your existing talents here.
Is there a limit to how much I can learn about Excel?
The short answer is no. If you already have a high level of Excel skills, you can keep learning. The wondrous thing about this program is that it has a whole variety of functions that you can use. Should you already feel confident using it, you can get started with a Excel – Excel Functions Including Pivot Tables and Lookups. This particular course is perfect for the advanced Excel user and also gives you vital insight into the useful tool, Xero.
Whether you have your sights set on becoming an informational clerk, data journalist, or project manager, this is the course for you. Thanks to simple tutorials and training, you will be able to perform a wide range of tasks by the end of the course. From keyboard shortcuts to high-end Excel functions and excel formulas, you will gain a wealth of knowledge over the weeks that will significantly boost your workflow.
Learning how to use Excel comes with a wide selection of benefits. No matter what industry you work in, learning how to use this powerful tool may increase your employability and could open up new roles, such as data analyst. Luckily, there are plenty of training pathways and online courses you can consider.
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