What to Learn After Microsoft Access

Microsoft Access is a database management software and an excellent tool for beginners learning data management. If you already know how to use Microsoft Access, learning SQL Server is often considered a natural progression. Like Access, SQL Server is a database management program. However, it’s able to handle far more data than Access.

But you may be interested in other career choices beyond database management. After learning Microsoft Access, you might consider pursuing data analytics, application development, or project administration skills. We’ll cover the data management skills from each profession below so you clearly understand what skill you want to tackle next.

What is Microsoft Access?

Microsoft Access is a database management software. Access is part of the Microsoft 365 suite and is standard for business and enterprise users. Like Microsoft Excel, Access lets users view and manage data. However, Access is more powerful than Excel and can process more data at once. While Excel is appropriate for viewing and managing data in a spreadsheet format, Access is more suitable for managing entire databases. 

Access allows users to create several tables containing their own data that need to be tracked separately and connect those tables. These connected tables make up a database. And, just like with tables, users can connect databases to track relationships. Within Access, users can also query databases to find the necessary information. As with Excel, users can easily export reports from data within Access to create reports for printing and sharing with stakeholders. These multiple features included in Access allow entrepreneurs and businesses to gather large amounts of data, gain insights and take action on operations, projects, and performance.

Read more about what Microsoft Access is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Microsoft Access?

Microsoft Access is used to build simple database management systems where entrepreneurs and businesses can store large amounts of data. Users can create tables for managing data and can connect those tables to track relationships. The insights gained from these relationships allow businesses to acquire valuable insights regarding their financials, inventory and sales, productivity, and project management, among others. Databases also function for purposes such as keeping track of employee information or managing client/server forms.

When it comes to sharing data, Access makes it easy to compile data and format reports. Data converts into colorful charts and graphs, making this visualization of data helpful for presenting insights to stakeholders. Charts are also customizable to your needs, including interactive elements. Reports have a variety of options as well. They can be printed, exported to another file or program, or emailed as an attachment.

Access' simple interface and built-in tools make it an excellent resource for small businesses and entrepreneurs who may need more application-building experience. Access can also create desktop or web applications. Developers can create macros, build modules, and develop their own code libraries. Access is also helpful for larger companies that want to develop their own applications without the cost of outsourcing.

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SQL Server

SQL Server is often seen as the natural progression from Microsoft Access as it, too, is a database management program. SQL Server can handle larger quantities of data than Microsoft Access and receives recommendations for use by medium to large-sized businesses. Unlike Microsoft Access’s menu-based interface, SQL Server uses a command-line interface that suits those familiar with databases. SQL Server also contains additional features lacking in Access, such as rollback procedures and temporary tables used for querying.

While Microsoft Access is considered the ideal database management tool for beginners, SQL Server is considered the must-use tool for experts. Thus, if you’re interested in a career in database management, SQL is the natural next step in tool progression. If you’re interested in learning SQL, you can attend Noble Desktop’s SQL Server Bootcamp, which guides students from beginner to expert techniques.

Data Analytics

While Microsoft Access is primarily a tool for managing databases, working databases involves organizing and analyzing data. As you work with Access, you may develop an interest in data analytics as a whole, which could lead to a number of careers in areas such as business, financial, and data analytics, among others. You can learn more about data analytics from Noble Desktop’s learn hub. You may also be interested in attending Noble Desktop’s Data Analytics Certificate, which will teach you everything you need to start a new career.

Project Management

Microsoft Access can prove to be an excellent tool for project management. Access’s database management tools allow project managers to keep track of projects, their associated tasks, and the team members working on them. You may develop an interest in project management and related processes and tools by working with Microsoft Access.

Project management is a profession that can be found across industries, making it an accessible career for job seekers of nearly any interest. You can learn more about project management through Noble Desktop’s learn hub. If you’re interested in going beyond Microsoft Access and learning the methods and strategies of project management, you can attend Noble Desktop’s Project Management Bootcamp.

Application Development

Application Developers can work in nearly any industry and develop web, mobile, or computer apps. Microsoft Access aids in the creation of web and mobile database applications. While the purpose of these applications is solely for database management, creating them can be enough to pique an individual’s interest in the broader field of application development. You can learn about application development through Noble Desktop’s JavaScript learn hub. Once you’re sure of your interest in the career, you can attend Noble Desktop’s JavaScript Development Certificate, which will set you on the path to a position in application development.

Learn Microsoft Access with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

In today's busy world, live online learning can be a fast, engaging, and cheaper alternative to in-person classes. With live, hands-on training at Noble Desktop, Microsoft Access is easy to learn. Noble Desktop's classes are small, taught by expert instructors, and include free retake options.

Noble Desktop offers Microsoft Access classes at two levels. Microsoft Access Level I teaches beginners the fundamentals of the program. Students learn how to work with data and create tables and forms. Microsoft Access Level II teaches advanced techniques such as data validation, table structure improvement, and advanced reporting. Students build their own databases and learn efficiency tips and tricks. 

The Microsoft Access Bootcamp covers both Microsoft Access Level I and II. This class is ideal for beginners who wish to master the program in one comprehensive course. Students interested in becoming certified in Microsoft Access may want to attend the Access Specialist Certification Program. This course is offered through NYIM, an affiliate school to Noble Desktop, and combines Microsoft Access Level I and II with Access Certification exam training. 

Key Insights

• Learning Microsoft Access can lead to a number of career paths.
• SQL Server is seen as the natural progression from Microsoft Access as it’s a more powerful database management tool.
• Managing data through Microsoft Access can lead to a career in data analytics across industries.
• Microsoft Access can be an excellent project management tool and could spark a career in the project management field.
• Applications can be developed in Microsoft Access to assist with database management and can be a start in furthering a career in application development.