Can I Learn VBA On My Own?

Learning VBA can vastly improve your employability, as it will give you a skill set that will allow you to automate processes, create macros, perform repetitive tasks and generate custom forms, among others. In essence, learning VBA can make work (for you and others) a whole lot easier. 

When it comes to learning VBA, it’s possible to learn it on your own, but it may take a lot longer than learning from a live instructor. This article will help you decide which route is the best to take when it comes to whether you should learn VBA by yourself or from an expert.

Benefits of Learning VBA

Learning VBA can be incredibly beneficial, as there is a wide range of industries that want individuals who know how to develop automation solutions for tedious manual processes in Excel and other Microsoft Office products. In addition, some of the other benefits of learning VBA include the following:

It’s Easy to Learn

When compared to other programming languages, VBA is easy to learn. It doesn’t matter if you have zero experience with programming or are a professional, adding VBA to your skill set ensures you have a basic programming language that can be applied to all Microsoft Office programs. VBA has intuitive features, so most people have no issues with learning it.

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It’s Used in Many Different Industries

Excel is used by a lot of different companies, which means that many businesses and industries have a need for VBA. From finance to data analytics to inventory management, once you learn how to use VBA, you may be able to find a job in an industry that not only pays well but is also intriguing and keeps your workday interesting.

Job Options Are Flexible

In addition to VBA being necessary in a variety of different industries, you also have the option of working as a full-time or part-time programmer. Depending on your skills, you may even be able to take on freelance and/or remote work. 

It Doesn’t Require Additional Installation

VBA is already fully integrated in Microsoft Office programs, which means it doesn’t require add-ons or additional software to use. This makes VBA a cost-effective automation tool, and businesses are always looking for ways to save money. VBA may be an integral part of MS Office, but not every employee in the company will know how to use it—or that it even exists. Having this skillset can make you an incredibly valuable employee without costing a company more than they want to spend.

It Looks Good on Your Resume

If you’re looking for something that’s going to make you stand out from other candidates, having taken VBA classes may be what you need. You may think having this knowledge is basic, but it may be exactly what a company is looking for to ensure smooth operation.

You’ll Have Access to VBA Networking

Learning VBA gives you a specialized tool that can be used for different jobs in various industries. You’ll also be able to connect with other professionals who use this skill, and networking is an incredibly important part of finding jobs and honing your skills. When you have questions, want to geek out about VBA or are looking for a job, you can reach out to the helpful community of VBA professionals to find what you’re looking for.

Advantages to Self-Teaching VBA

One advantage to learning VBA on your own is that you get to decide when classes fit best into your schedule. If you work a full-time job or have family commitments, trying to squeeze in a class might be incredibly challenging. If you learn VBA on your own, you get to decide when and where you learn best. You can also access the information from any location.

Another advantage to learning VBA on your own is that you can access free resources. Free VBA resources will teach you the basics and get you started in using this programming language. 

VBA Self-Teaching Tools

There are several VBA self-teaching tools you can choose from, including free resources and on-demand classes. The one you choose will depend on how much you want to learn about VBA and how much time and effort you are willing to invest in the process.

On-demand classes can be found online at sites such as Coursera and Udemy. An on-demand VBA class will have pre-recorded lectures and other class materials that are separated into modules. More often than not, these classes cost, but the range can be from under $20 to less than $100. There may be more expensive options depending on who uploaded the content, as some colleges/universities will upload their VBA courses.

Once you have paid for the on-demand course, you’ll have access to the materials and be able to go through the lessons at your leisure. Depending on the class, you may be able to pick up some VBA skills in a few hours to a few months.

When it comes to free resources to learn VBA, you can find videos on YouTube. Once you go to the site, just type in what you’re looking for, and a list of options will appear. You can then go through each one when it’s convenient for you to learn a VBA skill.

Other free resources for help with VBA include the Microsoft site and discussion forums. Here, you’ll find tutorials and be able to ask others questions about how to use VBA. Not only is this a good way to learn how to use VBA, but you’ll also be able to connect with other users and experts.

You might also find that some sites offer free introductory courses to give you a taste of what it’s like to learn VBA. This could be beneficial if you’re still deciding if you want to add VBA to your resume and/or to give you an idea of what you’re getting into. 

Drawbacks to Learning VBA on Your Own

While it’s absolutely possible to learn VBA on your own, there are some downsides to the process. For example, when you access on-demand classes, you need to make sure that you’re getting the most up-to-date curriculum. In addition, if you have any questions, there usually isn’t a live person you can talk to. You may be able to message the instructor or post to a message board, but it may take a while for you to get a response.

Another issue with taking on-demand courses is that you have to be self-motivated. No one is going to keep you accountable for finishing the course. Being able to access the information when it’s convenient for you can be beneficial if you have a busy life, but if you find yourself procrastinating, it could take you a really long time to get through the course and learn how to use VBA.

On-demand courses also typically focus on one particular VBA skill—which could be beneficial if that’s all you’re wanting to learn—but if you want to go more in-depth, you’ll have to take more on-demand classes or figure out the other aspects of VBA through trial and error.

When it comes to free resources, these typically focus on the basics of VBA. Sure, you may be able to have a conversation with an expert online, and they may be able to walk you through a particular issue, but they don’t have the time to teach you every aspect of VBA. When you post on discussion forums, you have no idea of how long it will take for you to get a response. If you need an answer right now, you might be out of luck.

If you’re on YouTube, you need to make sure the video you’re accessing is up to date. You may be able to ask questions in the comment section of the video, but—again—you don’t know if or when you’ll get a response.

After taking a free introductory course, if you decide that you want to further your education in VBA, you’ll more than likely have to pay for higher-level courses. This may or may not be an issue, depending on what you want to do with your life, but if you aren’t willing to invest time and money into yourself, your knowledge of VBA may not expand beyond the basics.

Alternatives to Learning VBA on Your Own

For individuals who are self-motivated and determined, learning VBA on your own could be beneficial and lucrative. However, for others who may struggle with staying focused and have a lot of questions that need to be answered, attending a live or online VBA class might be the better alternative.

One of the perks that comes with enrolling in a live or online VBA class is the fact that you will work with a live instructor. Not only will they be available to answer any questions that might arise, but they’ll also give you feedback that will help you understand what you’re doing wrong (or right). Live and online classes also expose you to other students, who can keep you accountable and provide new ideas that you may not have thought about on your own.

Live and online classes aren’t as flexible as learning this skill on your own, but it’s possible to gain VBA knowledge in a few hours up to one week. You may have to miss some work or family obligations, but it won’t be for long stretches of time. When you’re done with the class, you’ll have skills that can be applied to your current career or to start a new one, which can have positive impacts on every aspect of your life.

Learning VBA can be incredibly valuable, and it’s possible to pick up information while learning on your own, but that may not be the best way to prepare you to use VBA in a professional capacity. By attending live and online classes, you’ll work with a live person who will answer questions and provide feedback that ensures you’re ready to use VBA in the real world.

Noble Desktop offers online and in-person classes, ensuring there’s a class that fits into your budget and your schedule. You even have the option of enrolling in an introductory class, the Excel VBA and Macros Level I class, as well as an advanced class, the Advanced Excel VBA and Macros Level II class, to hone your VBA skills. Both of these classes can be completed in six hours each.

If it’s a bootcamp you’re looking for, then you’ll want to check out the Excel Programming with VBA class offered by Noble Desktop. By the end of this course, you’ll know how to automate repetitive tasks in Excel, as well as how to develop macros, new worksheet functions and custom commands to increase productivity and streamline Excel workflow. You’ll only need to invest 12 hours to complete this VBA bootcamp.

If you’re ready to learn VBA to start your career or take your current one to the next level, Noble Desktop has the classes and bootcamps you’re looking for.