Learning Microsoft Excel is a great way to get started organizing and cleaning data. This application is often used alongside other programming languages, data visualization tools, and project management platforms to transform data into actionable insights that drive change in an organization. This article will explore some possible learning options for those who have already studied Excel and want to continue their education.

SQL

A huge amount of data is being created every day. In 2020, an estimated 1.7MB of data were made each second. This number is expected to continue to grow as we rely more heavily on technology. For this reason, programming languages that organize this information are more important than ever. 

Structured Query Language (SQL) is commonly used to locate and organize data from relational or multidimensional databases. This language is considered to be the industry-standard for those working in the business sector. It provides an effective way for Data Analysts and others to access and analyze the data from large datasets in order for patterns to emerge from the numbers. The insights gathered from the data can be used to drive an organization’s decision-making process.

Every major database management system integrates with SQL, which makes this language widely used by anyone who holds a data-driven job. Some of the main uses of SQL are:

  • Retrieving data from databases.
  • Adding, updating, or deleting database records.
  • Creating tables and or databases.
  • Executing queries against databases.
  • Designating permissions for tables, views, or procedures.
  • Specifying storing procedures.

Python

Python is a programming language with a variety of applications that extend beyond data science. Statistica lists Python as the third most-used programming language of Developers around the world. This open-source coding language is popular because its syntax is considered to be very similar to English and thus easy to use, there are many packages and libraries available, and it has a robust online community. 

Here are just a few of the many benefits of working with Python:

  • It is a powerful language for handling data. Python’s library Pandas is often used for analyzing datasets. This open-source Python package is popular for data wrangling as well as repetitive tasks like statistical analysis, data inspection, data cleansing, and data normalization.
  • Python can create data visualizations. Python’s first data visualization, Matplotlib, remains the most-used library for data visualization. It has applications for creating charts like scatter graphs and line graphs. In addition, Seaborn can be used to make graphical representations like histograms or pie charts based on the information extracted from long lists of numbers. In addition, Python’s graphic library Plotly is helpful for creating professional-grade, interactive visualizations like box plots and heatmaps.
  • It has automation capabilities. Python script provides users with ample opportunities for creating automated solutions for repetitive tasks. It can be used to fill out Excel files or PDFs, calculate exchange rates, scrape data from websites and save it to a computer’s hard drive, send HTTP requests, and quickly execute math equations.
Excel Bootcamp: Live & Hands-on, In NYC or Online, Learn From Experts, Free Retake, Small Class Sizes, 1-on-1 Bonus Training. Named a Top Bootcamp by Forbes, Fortune, & Time Out. Noble Desktop. Learn More.

Other Microsoft Office Applications

In addition to Excel, most professionals also use other Microsoft 365 applications as well. Learning more about these apps not only opens professional doors but can lead to upward mobility in many professions.

Word

Microsoft Word is an application that was designed for word processing. It helps users create professional-looking documents like resumes, letters, or reports. Word users can either create their own documents or edit ones that have already been created. This application is the most popular word processing application worldwide, with 1.2 billion Microsft 365 users. 

Word can perform a variety of tasks, such as:

  • Real-time translating.
  • Document editing with Microsoft Editor.
  • Performing math, chemistry, or physics equations with the help of the Equation Toolbar.
  • Holding up to 24 items on the clipboard at any time.
  • Inspect documents using the Document Inspector to ensure the content is kept private.

PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint is a graphics application that’s used for creating presentations or slideshows that communicate important information to an audience in an engaging manner. This application includes tools for graphing, drawing, outlining, word processing, and managing presentations. PowerPoint is used by people of all ages and from all fields, and is considered to be intuitive to learn and use.

Here are just some of the benefits of making PowerPoint presentations:

  • If a PowerPoint user doesn’t want to create a presentation from scratch, this app provides over 40 templates that can be used, such as calendars, menus, address books, and newsletters.
  • Videos, images, and art can be added to presentations, as well as animation or cinematic motion.
  • PowerPoint presentations are easy to share with others for collaborative purposes.
  • This app offers a Presenter Coach to help users rehearse their presentations and offer feedback on pacing and word choice. 
  • Words spoken during presentations can be transcribed with PowerPoint, then placed in captions on the screen.
  • Documents can be imported into PowerPoint from other Microsoft 365 apps, such as Excel and Word.

Outlook

Microsoft Outlook is a software system used for managing both personal and professional information. Most often, Outlook is used for emailing purposes, but this app has a range of other features, like note-taking, web browsing, task and content management, calendaring, and journal logging. Outlook is a hugely popular application; in 2019, it had more than 100 million users just on iOS and Android Devices. 

Outlook provides Office users with many helpful tools and features:

  • Rather than having to sort through hundreds or even thousands of emails, Outlook provides a way for users to access messages in an organized manner. This app’s Focused Inbox ensures that the most important emails in the inbox are easy to spot. 
  • Folders in Outlook offer an additional way for users to organize messages and attachments based on content or subject.
  • Professional-grade formatting, advanced font options, and color themes are all included with Outlook.
  • Outlook’s calendar provides users with options for viewing their schedules on a daily, weekly, or monthly view. Additionally, meeting requests can be sent directly to contacts using the calendar feature.
  • Users can flag emails for follow-ups, as well as opt to delay sending them.
  • The information in a user’s Outlook calendar can sync with other devices or be shared with other Outlook users.

Access

Microsoft Access is a platform used for managing databases. It provides a variety of tools that are useful for creating database applications like data input forms, tables, and reports. In addition, this app provides a graphical user interface along with software development tools. Like Excel, Access users can save, access, and manipulate data. Most users consider Access to be more powerful than Excel, however, because it’s able to handle more data at any time. Whereas in Excel, users enter information directly into worksheets, Access provides pre-made forms and queries for making changes to databases. 

The following are some of this application’s most helpful tools:

  • Forms can be created for entering information into a database without having to use a spreadsheet. 
  • Both flat and relational databases can be created using Access. 
  • Access users can easily create custom reports using this app’s Report Wizard. This provides a way to group and label data.
  • Searching for information in Access is easy with the help of sophisticated query capabilities. Because databases often contain thousands of entries, this feature can save users valuable time.

Project

Microsoft Project is a tool that helps with project management. This suite has applications for managing projects as well as portfolios. Project provides tools for planning projects, managing resources, assigning tasks, and creating reports. This app is flexible enough for use on both small and large projects. The Project Guide feature streamlines the steps involved in a project and can keep track of tasks and generate project reports. In addition, the Wizard feature helps Project Managers and other users customize this suite to best suit their needs.

Here are just a few of the benefits of using Microsoft Project:

  • Project makes it easy to manage portfolios. It helps companies prioritize which initiatives should be completed first, and which can wait. Its intelligence features can model possible scenarios for better decision-making.
  • Resource management is streamlined, thanks to Project. It can foresee bottlenecks, anticipate resource needs, and ensure that projects are completed and delivered on time.
  • Scheduling tools facilitate optimal project management by listing and assigning tasks, as well as establishing a timeline for project duration and completion.

As the above article illustrates, there’s no need to stop learning once you master Excel. Using Excel alongside SQL, Python, or Microsoft 365’s other apps is a great way to show employers you are a well-rounded candidate. 

Start Learning Word with Hands-On Classes

For those who are looking to master Microsoft Word, Noble Desktop has you covered. Their onsite Microsoft Word classes are a great option for those in Manhattan who are new to using Word, as well as more seasoned Word users hoping to learn complicated features and functions. 

For students looking to learn the skills needed to better manage large projects, look no further than Noble Desktop’s Microsoft Project classes. If you are in the Manhattan area, there are several in-person Project courses available from Noble Desktop and its affiliate schools.

Students and professionals on the go may also consider signing up for in-person and live online Microsoft Access courses available through Noble Desktop or one of its affiliate schools. A variety of course options are offered, ranging in duration from seven hours to two days and costing between $229 and $670.

Or, if you are interested in learning PowerPoint, Noble’s PowerPoint Classes Near Me Tool can help you find learning options close to home.