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Jan Karel Pieterse, Jan Stoop, and Dr.ir. Felienne Hermans

What sets this Excel course apart is that we don’t focus on quick fixes or specific tips and tricks. This course is for those who already understand Excel. The aim of the course is to elevate Excel models, to improve clarity, longevity, and transferability of these models, and to reduce mistakes and to encourage consistency in businesses as they work with Excel.

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What sets this Excel course apart is that we don’t focus on quick fixes or specific tips and tricks. This course is for those who already understand Excel. The aim of the course is to elevate Excel models, to improve clarity, longevity, and transferability of these models, and to reduce mistakes and to encourage consistency in businesses as they work with Excel.

Through this Excel course learners will gain the tools to decide whether or not to use Excel to solve their problem. They will learn how to set up good input data, format correctly, and the importance of good documentation. Learners will gain the ability to discern between different functions, to understand the pitfalls and strengths of commonly used functions, and to apply correct functions to their Excel models. Those that follow the course will also gain understanding of logical spreadsheet structure, graphs and reporting, and protection and hidden information in Excel, and users will learn how to apply these things to their own models. Finally users will get practical tips and steps for the finalization of a model, the automated checks, the manual run through, and general testing that one should do to ensure that their Excel model is accurate and complete.

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What's inside

Syllabus

A Foundation for Better Spreadsheets
In this module you will learn about this course and course aims. You will be given tools to determine whether or not there are better solutions for a certain task than Excel. You will learn how to organize your input data according to best practices. You will learn how to differentiate between good and bad formatting in Excel, and you will receive some practical tips on how to improve your own formatting. Finally you will be able to define documentation in Excel, and learn how to apply good documentation to your own Excel models.
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Good Use of Formulas and Functions
This week is about the lifeblood of Excel: the functions and formulas. You will learn how you can apply functions and formulas to your Excel models responsibly, how you can discern between functions to choose the ones that work best for you in a particular scenario, and how you can understand and explain the strengths and weaknesses of different Excel functions.
Spreadsheet Structure and Logical Flow
In this module you will learn how to build up a spreadsheet with a logical structure and flow, you will get some great tips on keeping your models simple, and you will learn about the dangers and effectiveness of protected and hidden information in Excel. Essentially you will gain the tools to make your spreadsheets safer and more understandable for your colleagues/clients.
Finishing Touches
In this final module you will learn about the final things to do in a spreadsheet. You will discover what the result of a fully optimized spreadsheet looks like, which checks you can build in to ensure correct results, and you will gain the skills for last minute checks in your model to ensure the final result is correct. The checking and testing process is incredibly important. Use this module to learn more about that process and apply it to your own work in Excel.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Ideal for users with Excel experience seeking to enhance their spreadsheet skills, proficiency, and knowledge
Provides essential guidance on when to leverage Excel effectively
Led by reputable instructors with deep expertise in Excel and data analysis
Emphasizes practical application and real-world scenarios, ensuring relevance to professional settings
Covers advanced techniques and best practices for data organization, formula optimization, and model validation
Provides a structured approach to enhance spreadsheet quality, clarity, and reliability

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Reviews summary

Excel modeling proficency course

According to students who took this Excel Modeling course, it largely positive with many students calling it excellent. The in-depth information, engaging assignments, and instruction by Microsoft Excel MVPs all contribute to the success of the course.
Assignments help learning process
"Really a great Excel skill enhancing -learning experience. Thank you"
Instructors are Microsoft Excel MVPs
"Great and valuable insights from MVPs and access to use PerfectXL Explore."
"This course is very knowledgeable, informative, well presented and well prepared. It has been presented in an excellent way by all the instructors."
Valuable, in-depth information
"This course is very knowledgeable, informative, well presented and well prepared. It has been presented in an excellent way by all the instructors."
"This course was very helpful and full information, while keeping it simple."
More video instruction requested
"This course is really helpful with my excel skills, though it is advisable to contain more videos of how to operate Excel and the functions rather than words to describe only."

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 Excel Modeling for Professionals: Best Practices & Pitfalls with these activities:
The Power of Excel Functions
Discover the full range of Excel functions and their applications to enhance your data analysis and manipulation capabilities.
Show steps
  • Identify the different categories of Excel functions.
  • Practice using the essential functions for data manipulation.
  • Explore advanced functions for complex data analysis.
  • Learn strategies for troubleshooting and debugging your Excel formulas.
Excel Visualization Tips
Review the essential tips and techniques to create effective and visually appealing charts and graphs in Excel.
View Excel 2019 Bible on Amazon
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  • Examine the tips for choosing the appropriate chart type for your data.
  • Explore the techniques for formatting your charts to enhance their visual impact.
  • Learn strategies for customizing your charts to meet specific requirements.
Excel Best Practices Discussion Group
Engage in collaborative discussions with peers to exchange knowledge, tips, and best practices for using Excel effectively.
Browse courses on Excel
Show steps
  • Join or create a discussion group focused on Excel best practices.
  • Share your insights and experiences with other members.
  • Learn from others' perspectives and approaches.
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Excel Data Wrangling Drills
Engage in hands-on exercises to develop proficiency in data cleaning, transformation, and manipulation techniques in Excel.
Browse courses on Excel
Show steps
  • Practice removing duplicate values and empty cells.
  • Learn to split, merge, and concatenate text data.
  • Explore techniques for handling missing values and data inconsistencies.
Excel Dashboard Creation Tutorial
Follow a guided tutorial to learn the principles and best practices of creating informative and interactive Excel dashboards.
Browse courses on Excel
Show steps
  • Understand the components and layout of an effective dashboard.
  • Learn to use charts, tables, and other elements to display data.
  • Explore techniques for linking and updating data in your dashboard.
Excel Automation Project
Create a real-world Excel project that leverages automation techniques to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
Browse courses on Excel
Show steps
  • Identify a repetitive task or process that can be automated.
  • Design and develop an Excel macro to automate the task.
  • Test and refine your macro to ensure reliability and accuracy.
Excel Advanced Techniques Workshop
Attend an in-person or virtual workshop to learn advanced Excel techniques and strategies from industry experts.
Browse courses on Excel
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant Excel workshops.
  • Register and attend the workshop.
  • Actively participate in the workshop and take notes.
  • Apply the learned techniques to your own Excel projects.
Excel Tutorial Video
Create a video tutorial that demonstrates a specific Excel skill or technique, helping others enhance their own knowledge and capabilities.
Browse courses on Excel
Show steps
  • Choose a specific Excel topic or skill to cover.
  • Plan and outline the content of your video.
  • Record and edit your video tutorial.
  • Publish your video on a platform (e.g., YouTube, Coursera).

Career center

Learners who complete Excel Modeling for Professionals: Best Practices & Pitfalls will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Excel Programmer
This course can help you become a more effective Excel Programmer by teaching you how to use Excel more efficiently and effectively. Excel is a powerful tool that can be used to program and automate tasks. By learning how to use Excel more effectively, you can improve your programming skills, create better programs, and communicate your findings more clearly. The course also covers topics such as data validation, error handling, and documentation, which are essential for creating high-quality Excel programs.
Spreadsheet Developer
This course can help you become a more effective Spreadsheet Developer by teaching you how to use Excel more efficiently and effectively. Excel is a powerful tool that can be used to create and develop spreadsheets for a variety of purposes. By learning how to use Excel more effectively, you can improve your development skills, create better spreadsheets, and communicate your findings more clearly. The course also covers topics such as data validation, error handling, and documentation, which are essential for creating high-quality Excel spreadsheets.
Operations Research Analyst
This course can help you become a more effective Operations Research Analyst by teaching you how to use Excel more efficiently and effectively. Excel is a powerful tool that can be used to analyze data, create models, and solve complex problems. By learning how to use Excel more effectively, you can improve your analytical skills, make better decisions, and communicate your findings more clearly. The course also covers topics such as data validation, error handling, and documentation, which are essential for creating high-quality Excel models.
Data Analyst
This course can help you become a more effective Data Analyst by teaching you how to use Excel more efficiently and effectively. Excel is a powerful tool that can be used to analyze data, create models, and identify trends. By learning how to use Excel more effectively, you can improve your analytical skills, make better decisions, and communicate your findings more clearly. The course also covers topics such as data validation, error handling, and documentation, which are essential for creating high-quality Excel models.
Financial Analyst
This course can help you become a more effective Financial Analyst by teaching you how to use Excel more efficiently and effectively. Excel is a powerful tool that can be used to analyze financial data, create models, and make investment decisions. By learning how to use Excel more effectively, you can improve your analytical skills, make better decisions, and communicate your findings more clearly. The course also covers topics such as data validation, error handling, and documentation, which are essential for creating high-quality Excel models.
Management Consultant
This course can help you become a more effective Management Consultant by teaching you how to use Excel more efficiently and effectively. Excel is a powerful tool that can be used to analyze data, create models, and make recommendations. By learning how to use Excel more effectively, you can improve your analytical skills, make better decisions, and communicate your findings more clearly. The course also covers topics such as data validation, error handling, and documentation, which are essential for creating high-quality Excel models.
Business Analyst
This course can help you become a more effective Business Analyst by teaching you how to use Excel more efficiently and effectively. Excel is a powerful tool that can be used to analyze data, create models, and make decisions. By learning how to use Excel more effectively, you can improve your analytical skills, make better decisions, and communicate your findings more clearly. The course also covers topics such as data validation, error handling, and documentation, which are essential for creating high-quality Excel models.
Risk Analyst
This course may be useful for Risk Analysts who want to improve their skills in using Excel for data analysis and modeling. Excel is a powerful tool that can be used to analyze data, create models, and make predictions. By learning how to use Excel more effectively, Risk Analysts can improve their analytical skills, make better decisions, and communicate their findings more clearly. The course covers topics such as data validation, error handling, and documentation, which are essential for creating high-quality Excel models.
Quantitative Analyst
This course may be useful for Quantitative Analysts who want to improve their skills in using Excel for data analysis and modeling. Excel is a powerful tool that can be used to analyze data, create models, and make predictions. By learning how to use Excel more effectively, Quantitative Analysts can improve their analytical skills, make better decisions, and communicate their findings more clearly. The course covers topics such as data validation, error handling, and documentation, which are essential for creating high-quality Excel models.
Actuary
This course may be useful for Actuaries who want to improve their skills in using Excel for data analysis and modeling. Excel is a powerful tool that can be used to analyze data, create models, and make predictions. By learning how to use Excel more effectively, Actuaries can improve their analytical skills, make better decisions, and communicate their findings more clearly. The course covers topics such as data validation, error handling, and documentation, which are essential for creating high-quality Excel models.
Auditor
This course may be useful for Auditors who want to improve their skills in using Excel for data analysis and modeling. Excel is a powerful tool that can be used to analyze data, create models, and make predictions. By learning how to use Excel more effectively, Auditors can improve their analytical skills, make better decisions, and communicate their findings more clearly. The course covers topics such as data validation, error handling, and documentation, which are essential for creating high-quality Excel models.
Financial Engineer
This course may be useful for Financial Engineers who want to improve their skills in using Excel for data analysis and modeling. Excel is a powerful tool that can be used to analyze data, create models, and make predictions. By learning how to use Excel more effectively, Financial Engineers can improve their analytical skills, make better decisions, and communicate their findings more clearly. The course covers topics such as data validation, error handling, and documentation, which are essential for creating high-quality Excel models.
Investment Analyst
This course may be useful for Investment Analysts who want to improve their skills in using Excel for data analysis and modeling. Excel is a powerful tool that can be used to analyze data, create models, and make predictions. By learning how to use Excel more effectively, Investment Analysts can improve their analytical skills, make better decisions, and communicate their findings more clearly. The course covers topics such as data validation, error handling, and documentation, which are essential for creating high-quality Excel models.
Statistician
This course may be useful for Statisticians who want to improve their skills in using Excel for data analysis and modeling. Excel is a powerful tool that can be used to analyze data, create models, and make predictions. By learning how to use Excel more effectively, Statisticians can improve their analytical skills, make better decisions, and communicate their findings more clearly. The course covers topics such as data validation, error handling, and documentation, which are essential for creating high-quality Excel models.
Data Scientist
This course may be useful for Data Scientists who want to improve their skills in using Excel for data analysis and modeling. Excel is a powerful tool that can be used to analyze data, create models, and make predictions. By learning how to use Excel more effectively, Data Scientists can improve their analytical skills, make better decisions, and communicate their findings more clearly. The course covers topics such as data validation, error handling, and documentation, which are essential for creating high-quality Excel models.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Excel Modeling for Professionals: Best Practices & Pitfalls.
Provides a comprehensive overview of financial modeling and valuation techniques used in investment banking and private equity. It would be valuable for learners interested in exploring the practical applications of Excel modeling in these fields.
While this book is geared towards beginners in Excel, it offers a practical and easy-to-understand approach to financial modeling in the software. would be a great resource for learners seeking to build a strong foundation in Excel modeling and its application in finance.
Is tailored to the specific needs of scientists and engineers who use Excel for data analysis, visualization, and modeling. It covers advanced techniques and best practices that would enhance the technical skills of learners in these fields.
Provides a comprehensive overview of essential Excel tools and techniques, including functions, formulas, data analysis, and visualization. It would be a good resource for learners looking to strengthen their foundational knowledge of Excel.
Covers advanced Excel techniques specifically geared towards scientific data analysis. It would be particularly valuable for learners who need to analyze and interpret scientific data using Excel.
Introduces learners to the fundamental concepts of data science, including data mining, machine learning, and data visualization. It would provide a broader perspective on data-driven decision-making and its application in various business domains.
For learners interested in automating their Excel tasks and extending its capabilities, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to Excel VBA programming. It covers the basics of VBA, including coding, debugging, and creating macros.
Focuses on the effective use of charts, graphs, and visualizations in Excel to communicate data insights effectively. It covers best practices for data presentation and visualization techniques.
While this book is geared towards beginners, it offers a comprehensive introduction to Excel and its essential features. It would be a useful reference for learners who want to build a solid foundation in Excel before moving on to more advanced topics.

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