Best Part-Time Power BI Bootcamps

If you’re interested in enrolling in a Power BI bootcamp, one important consideration is whether you’d prefer studying full-time or part-time. Most providers offer study options in both formats to accommodate busy work schedules or other commitments. Each training format has unique benefits and drawbacks that all learners should weigh before making the final call. Keep on reading to learn more about the perks and challenges associated with each type of Power BI training, as well as some tips for making your bootcamp study as effective as possible.

Why Learn Power BI Part-Time? 

One important decision all learners will need to weigh when they embark on Power BI training is whether they want to complete coursework on a part-time or full-time basis. This decision is usually based on the student’s availability, as well as any scheduling constraints they must account for, including professional or family engagements. For those who work full-time or have busy personal lives, part-time coursework may be the only way to acquire professional Power BI training without interfering with other commitments. Part-time classes are often taught on weekends or weeknights, which will not disrupt traditional work schedules. Other learners with more flexible schedules may prefer a full-time study approach, which will allow them to completely immerse in their studies and complete their training much faster.

For those with schedules that permit part-time Power BI study, this type of training has many benefits. Students have the opportunity to spend a longer period with the content they’re learning, which can be an educational asset and lead to greater retention. Since part-time Power BI bootcamps can take weeks rather than days to complete, students have the time and space to practice the skills they’re learning and commit difficult Power BI skills to memory. In bootcamps and certificate programs that teach Power BI alongside other skills like 

statistics, data visualization software, computer programming languages, relational databases, and spreadsheets, students may even have months of part-time study under their belt when they graduate. This additional time is invaluable because it helps participants master complicated tasks like working with DAX or creating advanced data visualizations. These skills will be essential for them in the professional setting. 

Drawbacks to Learning Power BI Part-Time 

While part-time Power BI study has many benefits for most learners, this type of training also has several drawbacks. The first pertains to the length of time that will be required to finish coursework. Students who select full-time training complete their studies much faster than those who opt for part-time instruction. Certificate programs in data analytics may take only weeks to complete full-time, whereas they would require several months of part-time study to finish. Power BI bootcamps that teach this tool on its own can take several weeks to finish on a part-time basis instead of days of full-time study. Learners who need training for their current job or learn Power BI to finish a work project may have to wait much longer to acquire this training in a part-time bootcamp or certificate program. While this additional time can provide a great window for students to practice their Power BI skills, part-time study may not be the best option for those who want to learn to use this tool in a relatively short time frame. 

Another possible drawback to part-time Power BI training is that it requires remaining motivated and focused for an extended period. While extra time to devote to studying is a benefit for some learners, it can also pose challenges for some, especially those juggling their studies with work or personal commitments. Those who opt for part-time coursework will also have to wait longer to use the skills they’re gaining than those who select full-time study. Part-time study may pose challenges for those whose current jobs require them to possess this knowledge for a current or upcoming project, as well as individuals interested in listing their Power BI training on their current resume to apply for new professional opportunities. 

Is a Part-Time Power BI Bootcamp Right for You?

Before deciding whether part-time Power BI training is a good match for you, several important variables must be considered. The first pertains to the amount of flexibility your schedule can afford to accommodate your training. For those who have full-time jobs or busy personal lives, full-time coursework may not even be an option because it may require weeks of all-day study that would interfere with these commitments. For these individuals, part-time study would be the best choice since training could take place on weekends or weeknights. 

Another factor to weigh is how quickly you need to obtain Power BI training. If, for example, you must quickly learn how to make a waterfall chart for a current work project, it may not be viable to wait several weeks for part-time bootcamp or certificate coursework to progress to the point where this topic is covered. Instead, you may be better off opting for a skills class, which can be completed in just a day or two and will provide assistance with this skill. For learners who have the time and motivation to space their studies out over weeks or months (for certificate programs), however, part-time data analytics classes are an excellent way to receive hands-on training and have the time and space to put your skills to use.

Ways to Make Learning Power BI Part-Time Easier

Those interested in studying Power BI part-time can take advantage of several types of educational resources that can streamline their studies and help them get the most out of their training. Because of how many organizations currently gather data, many free online learning resources are available that can be used alongside part-time bootcamp study to help maximize training. YouTube videos and online tutorials can provide answers to specific Power BI questions without requiring hours. Those interested in learning a specific Power BI skill, such as connecting with a database, merging data, or publishing a report, can find short YouTube video content that provides guidance. Most Power BI videos are relatively short; learners can follow along in real time. Because these resources don’t require a monetary investment and are widely available, they’re a good supplement to part-time coursework. Noble Desktop and other trainers around the globe post free videos explaining key data analytics concepts and skills. In Noble’s free introductory data science webinar, students get an hour-long overview of how to analyze datasets and how Python is used in data science. 

Another good supplement for part-time Power BI coursework is reading online articles. Some top educators post educational articles on pertinent Power BI topics and skills, which can be a great resource for students at all learning levels. Noble Desktop’s Power BI Learn Hub provides well-researched content on the various uses of Power BI, career paths in which this tool is used, and how learning this skill set compares with other comparable tools. 

Those who want to ensure they’re getting the most out of a part-time Power BI bootcamp or certificate should make it a point to take full advantage of the supplementary resources in place to help with learning. For example, some programs include access to educational resources that are designed to help students get the most out of their coursework. Certificate programs often provide learners with access to 1-on-1 mentoring sessions in which they can revisit completed course concepts and receive additional support and clarification. Since these programs are available in a live format, learners also should take advantage of having access to an instructor in real time. Those enrolled should ask questions as they learn the ins and outs of Power BI. The more active participants are in their own learning process, the more benefits they’ll reap from part-time training.

Adhering to a set schedule is always a good practice in part-time coursework. Those enrolled will have longer to complete assignments and work with Power BI, which is an excellent way to optimize retention. For some, though, having this extra time may not equate to more practice if they don’t follow a set schedule. Devoting 15 or 30 minutes each day to practicing one skill, such as how to connect to a specific dataset, is likely to be a much more effective learning path than trying to cram coursework into one long chunk each week. If you consider this longer training format as an opportunity to spend regular time practicing and developing your Power BI skills, you’re likely to see immediate benefits from your efforts.

Choosing the Best Part Time Power BI Classes or Bootcamp

When you set out to select a part-time Power BI bootcamp, there are several important factors to consider that are unique to this form of training. First, there are general factors. Because part-time coursework can take weeks (for Power BI bootcamps) or months (for more comprehensive data analytics certificate programs) to complete, will you be able to regularly carve out the time to devote to your studies and to complete the assignments? Part-time study spans a longer timeframe than full-time study. While this means you’ll benefit from having longer to complete work and practice skills, this type of training will require you to be a self-motivated learner with the drive and follow-through to continue with your studies outside of the classroom. 

In addition to time commitment, cost is another essential factor to weigh when selecting which Power BI bootcamp is right for you. Bootcamps vary significantly in terms of scope and length. Some focus on just Power BI, whereas others teach this tool alongside other data analytics skills and applications. Shorter bootcamps are often much more affordable than longer programs. For some, spending $500 on a two-day bootcamp that focuses exclusively on Power BI Desktop may be a more financially viable study option than paying $15,000 for a longer and more involved program in data analytics. 

Another factor to weigh when selecting a Power BI bootcamp is whether the program will provide additional support beyond live class instruction. This variable is especially important if you’re looking to put your training to use professionally, either in your current job or to pursue another data-related career path. If you’re enrolling in a part-time bootcamp to break into a new job as a Junior Data Analyst, for example, a program that provides personal mentoring or other professional development services like resume reviews and access to networking events is a good investment because it can help you get a job. 

Finally, it’s important for some learners to find Power BI part-time coursework that’s close to home. If you live near a major city, odds are you will be able to find a designated training facility that provides hands-on Power BI instruction. Students will have access to a computer lab with the most up-to-date version of this business intelligence solution already installed and ready to use. However, if you lack reliable transportation or live far from training centers, live online part-time Power BI bootcamps are likely a better option. Some educators provide both in-person and live online study options, whereas others may only offer one or the other.

Learn Power BI with Noble Desktop

Are you ready to get started learning Power BI? If so, let Noble Desktop help. Noble offers several excellent training options for learners at all levels of Power BI proficiency. In Noble’s Power BI Bootcamp, students create interactive data visualizations like maps, graphs, and charts in which they present data findings in an engaging and colorful way. Instruction is provided on how to create dynamic dashboards and reports that covey data trends and patterns. This comprehensive program includes training in how to import data from sources like SQL, Text/CSV, and Excel, as well as how to work with Power Query. Students also learn how to aggregate data using MIN/MAX, COUNT, and SUM to gain further insights. By the end of this bootcamp, those enrolled will have the opportunity to work with the DAX language for visualizing data.

If you’re interested in earning Power BI certification for work-related reasons, an excellent study option is Noble’s Power BI Certification Program. This program is intended for those looking to become expert Power BI users and earn a Microsoft Certified Power BI Data Analysts Associate designation. This comprehensive class combines all the teaching benefits of the Power BI Bootcamp with six hours of additional private tutoring. Coursework takes students from introductory-level Power BI training up through advanced-level data skills. Participants work with Power Query to import data from a range of sources. They then learn to structure, filter, and analyze this information to create stunning data visualizations. Training then progresses into higher-level skills, such as data aggregation and training with the DAX language. Participants are encouraged to ask questions in real time and have the opportunity to interact with other learners in a supportive classroom environment. Learners can use their three private tutoring sessions to further explore topics of interest so they will be ready to pass the certification exam. Tuition includes the fee for the Power BI Data Analyst Associate Exam, test proctoring, and a free test retake (for those who need it). Learners who would prefer not to take the exam at the end of this class can opt for an additional hour of private tutoring.

All Noble classes are taught in person in New York City and are also available live online. Tuition for these programs includes a free course retake for up to a full year.