Everyday Excel, Part 2 from Coursera

"Everyday Excel, Part 2" is a continuation of the popular "Everyday Excel, Part 1". Building on concepts learned in the first course, you will continue to expand your knowledge of applications in Excel. This course is aimed at intermediate users, but even advanced users will pick up new skills and tools in Excel. By the end of this course, you will have the skills and tools to take on the project-based "Everyday Excel, Part 3 (Projects)".

This course is the second part of a three-part series and Specialization that focuses on teaching introductory through very advanced techniques and tools in Excel. In this course (Part 2), you will: 1) learn advanced data management techniques; 2) learn how to implement financial calculations in Excel; 3) use advanced tools in Excel (Data Tables, Goal Seek, and Solver) to perform and solve "what-if" analyses; 4) learn how to create mathematical predictive regression models using the Regression tool in Excel.

This course is meant to be fun and thought-provoking. I hope for you to at least several times in the course say to yourself, "Wow, I hadn't thought of that before!" Given the wide range in experience and abilities of learners, the goal of the course is to appeal to a wide audience. The course is organized into 5 Weeks (modules).

To pass each module, you'll need to pass a mastery quiz and complete a problem solving assignment. This course is unique in that the weekly assignments are completed in-application (i.e., on your own computer in Excel), providing you with valuable hands-on training.

What's inside

Syllabus

Advanced Data Management

In Week 1 you will learn all about advanced data management strategies in Excel. These techniques include two-way look-ups, two-way conditional look-ups, how to find the maximum or minimum location in an array, conditional drop-down lists, advanced conditional formatting strategies, how to compare lists (for unique, duplicates, and absent items), advanced duplicate management, and how to work with expiry dates. Week 1 will conclude with a required quiz and an on-computer, in-application assignment. When you successfully complete Assignment 1, you will be given a "completion code", which you can input into the Assignment 1 submission quiz to earn credit for the assignment. For paid learners, the Week 2 Excel files will be released when you have successfully passed Quiz 1 and Assignment 1. Good luck!

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Builds a foundation for intermediate users who want to strengthen their understanding and applications in MS Excel

Develops a mastery of fundamental to advanced techniques and tools in MS Excel, including data management, financial calculations, what-if analyses, and model building

Provides hands-on training through weekly assignments completed in-application on your own computer

Taught by Charlie Nuttelman, who is recognized for their work in the topic that the course teaches

Explores methods for case studies, what-if analyses, and financial modeling

Teaches practical applications of MS Excel in financial settings, including time value of money, loans, depreciation, and cash flow analysis

Reviews summary

Mastering advanced excel for practical applications

According to students, "Everyday Excel, Part 2" is a highly valuable continuation that effectively builds upon foundational knowledge, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced users. Learners consistently praise the instructor's clear and engaging teaching style, which transforms complex topics like financial functions, what-if analyses with Solver and Goal Seek, and advanced data management into understandable and applicable skills. The course's hands-on, in-application assignments are frequently highlighted as a major strength, providing invaluable practice. While the course is broadly positive, a few students noted the regression modeling section in Week 5 can be dense or fast-paced, potentially requiring extra effort.

Course content is highly relevant for professional use.

"A solid follow-up to Part 1. The Solver and Goal Seek sections were particularly helpful for real-world scenarios."

"I use Excel daily, and this course still taught me many new tricks. I appreciated the emphasis on what-if analyses."

"I found the data management techniques and especially the financial applications incredibly useful. I gained new, practical skills for my work."

"The practical applications of Solver and financial models were directly applicable to my job. A truly valuable learning experience."

Practical, in-application assignments are a core strength.

"The hands-on assignments were invaluable for solidifying understanding, especially the in-application practice. I truly feel I gained new skills."

"I highly recommend this course. I found the data management techniques and especially the financial applications incredibly useful. The practical exercises are top-notch."

"Learned a lot! The in-application assignments are a huge plus. Some of the topics, like complex array formulas, could use slightly more varied examples."

"Perfect for intermediate users. The in-application assignments are brilliant, forcing you to actually apply what you learn."

The instructor is highly praised for clarity and effectiveness.

"Absolutely loved this course! The instructor is brilliant, making complex financial concepts like depreciation and IRR surprisingly clear."

"The instructor's ability to explain advanced Excel functions with practical examples is truly remarkable. I appreciated the emphasis on what-if analyses."

"This course is a game-changer for anyone looking to go beyond basic Excel. The instructor's teaching style is engaging, and the practical applications..."

"The instructor makes seemingly dry topics interesting. Definitely for intermediate users; beginners might struggle."

Some quizzes and assignments have minor usability issues.

"The content is good, especially the financial sections, but I sometimes found the quizzes a bit finicky with formatting, which was frustrating."

"I found the assignments a bit challenging without clearer hints. The lectures explain the concepts, but applying them sometimes felt like a leap."

"The video explanations were clear, but the assignments felt somewhat detached from the quiz questions at times."

Week 5's regression module can be challenging for some.

"My only minor gripe was the pace in Week 5 on regression models felt a bit rushed for a beginner in that area, though the content itself was good."

"While the instructor is knowledgeable, I found the progression a bit uneven. I needed to seek outside resources for regression models."

"The course is well-structured and the instructor is very knowledgeable. I found the regression modeling part a bit dense, but overall, it expanded my capabilities."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Everyday Excel, Part 2 with these activities:

Review your high school level statistics knowledge

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Familiarizing yourself with basic statistical concepts will help you succeed in this course.

Browse courses on Statistics

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Review your notes and textbooks from your statistics class.
Take practice quizzes and tests to assess your knowledge.
Watch online videos or tutorials on basic statistical concepts.

Find a mentor who can guide you in your Excel journey

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Having a mentor who has experience with Excel can provide valuable insights and support.

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Identify individuals in your professional network or online communities who have expertise in Excel.
Reach out to them and express your interest in mentorship.
Set up regular meetings or calls to discuss your Excel goals and progress.

Complete practice exercises and assignments

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Regular practice will help you develop proficiency in using Excel and applying the concepts covered in this course.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Download the practice exercises and assignments provided by your instructor.
Work through the exercises and assignments step-by-step.
Check your answers against the provided solutions.
Seek help from your instructor or classmates if you encounter difficulties.

Five other activities

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Create a cheat sheet of Excel formulas

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Creating a cheat sheet will help you memorize and quickly reference important Excel formulas.

Browse courses on Excel Formulas

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Gather a list of the most important Excel formulas.
Create a table or spreadsheet with the formulas and their descriptions.
Add examples and explanations to help you understand how each formula works.
Print or save your cheat sheet for easy reference.

Participate in peer study sessions

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Collaborating with peers will provide diverse perspectives and enhance your understanding of Excel concepts.

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Form a study group with classmates who are also taking this course.
Meet regularly to discuss course topics, work on projects together, and quiz each other.
Share your knowledge and help others understand difficult concepts.

Follow online tutorials to learn advanced Excel techniques

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Following tutorials will expose you to new and advanced Excel techniques that you can apply in this course.

Browse courses on Data Management

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Search for online tutorials on specific Excel topics that interest you.
Watch the tutorials and take notes on the steps and techniques demonstrated.
Practice applying the techniques in your own Excel workbooks.
Share your learnings and ask questions in online forums or discussion groups.

Participate in Excel competitions and challenges

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Participating in competitions will push you to apply your Excel skills in a competitive environment and learn from others.

Browse courses on Problem Solving

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Research and identify upcoming Excel competitions or challenges.
Register and prepare for the competition by practicing and honing your skills.
Participate in the competition and give your best effort.
Analyze your performance and identify areas for improvement.

Volunteer your Excel skills to non-profit organizations

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Applying your Excel skills to real-world projects can deepen your understanding and make a positive impact.

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Identify non-profit organizations that could benefit from Excel assistance.
Contact the organizations and offer your services.
Work with the organizations to understand their needs and develop Excel solutions.
Implement the solutions and provide training to the organization's staff.

Career center

Learners who complete Everyday Excel, Part 2 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use their skills in mathematics and statistics to develop and implement financial models. The course "Everyday Excel, Part 2" can help you develop the skills necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with a solid foundation in financial modeling and analysis. You will learn how to use Excel to create and solve complex financial models, analyze risk, and make investment recommendations. This course will also help you develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Statistician

Statisticians use their skills in data analysis and interpretation to help businesses and organizations make informed decisions. The course "Everyday Excel, Part 2" can help you develop the skills necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with a solid foundation in data analysis and interpretation. You will learn how to use Excel to clean and organize data, perform statistical analysis, and create data visualizations. This course will also help you develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Data Analyst

Data Analysts use their skills in data analysis and interpretation to help businesses make informed decisions. The course "Everyday Excel, Part 2" can help you develop the skills necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with a solid foundation in data management and analysis. You will learn how to use Excel to clean and organize data, perform statistical analysis, and create data visualizations. This course will also help you develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use their knowledge of finance and economics to assist businesses in making informed decisions about their investments. The course "Everyday Excel, Part 2" can help you develop the skills necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with a solid foundation in financial calculations and analysis. You will learn how to use Excel to create financial models, analyze cash flows, and perform "what-if" analyses. This course will also help you develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts use their skills in data analysis and interpretation to help businesses improve their performance. The course "Everyday Excel, Part 2" can help you develop the skills necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with a solid foundation in data management and analysis. You will learn how to use Excel to identify and solve business problems, develop process improvements, and make recommendations for change. This course will also help you develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Actuary

Actuaries use their skills in mathematics and statistics to assess and manage risk. The course "Everyday Excel, Part 2" can help you develop the skills necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with a solid foundation in risk assessment and management. You will learn how to use Excel to create and solve actuarial models, analyze data, and make recommendations for risk mitigation. This course will also help you develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Risk Manager

Risk Managers use their skills in risk assessment and management to help organizations identify and mitigate risks. The course "Everyday Excel, Part 2" can help you develop the skills necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with a solid foundation in risk assessment and management. You will learn how to use Excel to create and solve risk models, analyze data, and make recommendations for risk mitigation. This course will also help you develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Auditor

Auditors are responsible for examining and evaluating the financial records of organizations to ensure that they are accurate and compliant with regulations. The course "Everyday Excel, Part 2" can help you develop the skills necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of accounting principles and financial analysis. You will learn how to use Excel to perform audits, analyze financial statements, and identify areas of risk. This course will also help you develop the attention to detail and analytical skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Auditor

Investment Analyst

Investment Analysts use their skills in financial analysis and investment management to help individuals and institutions make informed investment decisions. The course "Everyday Excel, Part 2" can help you develop the skills necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with a solid foundation in financial analysis and investment management. You will learn how to use Excel to analyze financial statements, evaluate investment opportunities, and make investment recommendations. This course will also help you develop the interpersonal and communication skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Analyst

Financial Planner

Financial Planners help individuals and families manage their finances and plan for their financial future. The course "Everyday Excel, Part 2" can help you develop the skills necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with a solid foundation in financial planning and analysis. You will learn how to use Excel to create financial plans, analyze investment options, and develop retirement strategies. This course will also help you develop the interpersonal and communication skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Planner

Market Researcher

Market Researchers use their knowledge of market trends and consumer behavior to help businesses develop and market their products and services. The course "Everyday Excel, Part 2" can help you develop the skills necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with a solid foundation in data analysis and interpretation. You will learn how to use Excel to conduct market research surveys, analyze data, and create market forecasts. This course will also help you develop the communication and presentation skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use their skills in data analysis and interpretation to help businesses and organizations make informed decisions. The course "Everyday Excel, Part 2" can help you build a foundation for this role by providing you with a solid foundation in data management and analysis. You will learn how to use Excel to clean and organize data, perform statistical analysis, and create data visualizations. This course will also help you develop the programming skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers use their skills in machine learning and artificial intelligence to develop and implement machine learning solutions. The course "Everyday Excel, Part 2" may be useful for this role by providing you with a foundation in data analysis and interpretation. You will learn how to use Excel to clean and organize data, perform statistical analysis, and create data visualizations. This course may also help you develop the programming skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Web Developer

Web Developers use their skills in web design and development to create and maintain websites. The course "Everyday Excel, Part 2" may be useful for this role by providing you with a foundation in data analysis and interpretation. You will learn how to use Excel to clean and organize data, perform statistical analysis, and create data visualizations. This course may also help you develop the programming skills that are essential for success in this field.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers use their skills in computer science and software development to design, develop, and maintain software applications. The course "Everyday Excel, Part 2" may be useful for this role by providing you with a foundation in data analysis and interpretation. You will learn how to use Excel to clean and organize data, perform statistical analysis, and create data visualizations. This course may also help you develop the programming skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer