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Fundamentals of Data Analysis in Excel

Joseph Yeates

Excel is the most widely used analysis tool in the world and a great starting point for diving into data analysis.

In this course, you’ll apply Excel’s native tools to structure your data into spreadsheets and tables. You’ll then analyze and produce insights from that data using pivot tables. Finally, you’ll visualize those insights by building a dashboard in Excel.

You’ll apply these skills using modern functionality like dynamic array formulas, linked data types, and Ideas in Excel. You’ll work hands-on with real-world scenarios, using datasets pulled from financial statements and retail sales.

Excel is the most widely used analysis tool in the world and a great starting point for diving into data analysis.

By the end of the course, you'll be able to:

● analyze a dataset using native Excel tools

● apply Excel tools and formulas to transform and structure your data

● create pivot tables to slice and dice your data

● visualize data with pivot charts and Excel Charts

● describe the landscape of data analysis and visualization

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What's inside

Syllabus

Getting Started

Welcome to the Fundamentals of Data Analysis in Excel course.

Analyze Data

In this module, we will learn to analyze a dataset using native Excel tools.

Transform Data

In this module, we will learn to apply Excel tools and formulas to transform and structure our data.

Excel Tables

Dynamic Arrays

Pivot Tables

In this module, we will learn to explore the landscape of data analysis and visualization and create pivot tables to slice and dice your data.

Visualize Data

In this module, we will learn to visualize data with pivot and Excel charts.

Course Conclusion

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a strong foundation for beginners who want to dive into data analysis

Covers essential Excel tools and techniques used in the industry

Offers hands-on practice with real-world datasets, making the learning experience more practical

Teaches modern Excel functionality, such as dynamic array formulas and linked data types

Provides a comprehensive overview of data analysis and visualization techniques in Excel

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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 Fundamentals of Data Analysis in Excel with these activities:

Review prerequisite material

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Refresh your knowledge of basic Excel functionality, including spreadsheet navigation, formula writing, and data manipulation, to enhance your understanding of the course material.

Browse courses on Excel

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Review basic spreadsheet functions, such as cell referencing, data entry, and formatting.
Practice writing simple formulas using operators and functions.
Explore data manipulation techniques, such as sorting, filtering, and conditional formatting.

Attend an Excel User Group Meeting

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Engage with other Excel users, learn about new techniques, and gain insights from industry professionals.

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Locate an Excel user group in your area or online.
Attend a meeting and participate in discussions on Excel topics.
Network with other attendees to expand your knowledge and career opportunities.

Solve Excel Pivot Table Practice Problems

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Practice using Excel pivot tables to gain proficiency in data analysis.

Browse courses on Pivot Tables

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Access online practice problems or download a practice workbook.
Solve the practice problems and verify your answers.

Six other activities

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Excel Exercise: Data Analysis and Visualization

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Reinforce your understanding of Excel's data analysis and visualization capabilities by completing a series of guided exercises.

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Analyze a dataset using pivot tables to summarize and explore data.
Create pivot charts to visualize data trends and patterns.
Use Excel's built-in functions and formulas to perform data manipulation and analysis.

Start an Excel Analytics Portfolio

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Build a portfolio of your Excel projects to demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential employers or clients.

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Create a new folder or online space for your portfolio.
Include your best Excel projects, showcasing your data analysis and visualization abilities.
Update your portfolio regularly with new projects and accomplishments.

Follow Excel Dashboard Tutorial

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Gain hands-on experience building Excel dashboards to enhance your data presentation skills.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Find a comprehensive Excel dashboard tutorial.
Follow the tutorial step-by-step and recreate the dashboard.
Experiment with different data sets and dashboard designs.

Explore Excel's Advanced Features for Data Analysis

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Expand your Excel knowledge by following online tutorials that cover advanced features such as Power Query, Power BI, and VBA.

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Follow a tutorial on Power Query to automate data import and transformation.
Explore Power BI tutorials to learn how to create interactive data visualizations.
Learn the basics of VBA to automate repetitive tasks and enhance your Excel workflows.

Develop a Data Analysis Project

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Apply your Excel skills to a real-world dataset to deepen your understanding and showcase your abilities.

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Identify a business problem or research question.
Gather and clean the data.
Perform data analysis using Excel tools.
Create visualizations and dashboards to present your insights.

Excel Dashboard Project

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Apply your newfound skills by creating an interactive Excel dashboard that visualizes and analyzes a dataset of your choice.

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Choose a dataset that aligns with your interests or industry.
Design and develop a dashboard that effectively presents key insights and trends from the data.
Explore advanced Excel features, such as dynamic charts and linked data types, to enhance the dashboard's functionality.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Data Analysis in Excel will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

Data Analysts study data and help businesses make informed decisions. They collect, clean, and analyze data, and then present their findings in a way that is easy to understand. The Fundamentals of Data Analysis in Excel course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Data Analyst. You will learn how to use Excel to analyze data, create pivot tables, and visualize data. These skills are essential for Data Analysts, and the course will give you a strong foundation in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts help businesses make sound financial decisions. They analyze financial data, develop financial models, and make recommendations on investment and financing strategies. The Fundamentals of Data Analysis in Excel course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Financial Analyst. You will learn how to use Excel to analyze financial data, create pivot tables, and visualize data. These skills are essential for Financial Analysts, and the course will give you a strong foundation in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts help businesses improve their performance by analyzing data and identifying areas for improvement. They develop solutions to business problems and recommend ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness. The Fundamentals of Data Analysis in Excel course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Business Analyst. You will learn how to use Excel to analyze data, create pivot tables, and visualize data. These skills are essential for Business Analysts, and the course will give you a strong foundation in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Market Researcher

Market Researchers study consumer behavior and trends. They collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses understand their target markets. The Fundamentals of Data Analysis in Excel course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Market Researcher. You will learn how to use Excel to analyze data, create pivot tables, and visualize data. These skills are essential for Market Researchers, and the course will give you a strong foundation in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They develop and implement data-driven solutions to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability. The Fundamentals of Data Analysis in Excel course may be useful for you if you want to become a Data Scientist. The course will teach you how to use Excel to analyze data, create pivot tables, and visualize data. These skills are essential for Data Scientists, and the course will give you a foundation in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. They use their findings to make informed decisions about a wide range of topics, from public health to climate change. The Fundamentals of Data Analysis in Excel course may be useful for you if you want to become a Statistician. The course will teach you how to use Excel to analyze data, create pivot tables, and visualize data. These skills are essential for Statisticians, and the course will give you a foundation in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Data Engineer

Data Engineers design and build systems for storing, processing, and analyzing data. They work with data scientists and other professionals to ensure that data is available and usable for decision-making. The Fundamentals of Data Analysis in Excel course may be useful for you if you want to become a Data Engineer. The course will teach you how to use Excel to analyze data, create pivot tables, and visualize data. These skills are essential for Data Engineers, and the course will give you a foundation in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies to create software that meets the needs of users. The Fundamentals of Data Analysis in Excel course may be useful for you if you want to become a Software Engineer. The course will teach you how to use Excel to analyze data, create pivot tables, and visualize data. These skills are not essential for Software Engineers, but they can be helpful for understanding how data is used in software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists study the theory and design of computers. They develop new algorithms and data structures to improve the performance of computers. The Fundamentals of Data Analysis in Excel course may be useful for you if you want to become a Computer Scientist. The course will teach you how to use Excel to analyze data, create pivot tables, and visualize data. These skills are not essential for Computer Scientists, but they can be helpful for understanding how data is used in computer systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and statistical techniques to solve business problems. They develop models to optimize operations and improve efficiency. The Fundamentals of Data Analysis in Excel course may be useful for you if you want to become an Operations Research Analyst. The course will teach you how to use Excel to analyze data, create pivot tables, and visualize data. These skills are not essential for Operations Research Analysts, but they can be helpful for understanding how data is used in operations research models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical techniques to assess risk and uncertainty. They work with insurance companies and other organizations to develop insurance products and pricing strategies. The Fundamentals of Data Analysis in Excel course may be useful for you if you want to become an Actuary. The course will teach you how to use Excel to analyze data, create pivot tables, and visualize data. These skills are not essential for Actuaries, but they can be helpful for understanding how data is used in actuarial models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists study the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations. They use this information to develop and implement public health programs to prevent and control disease. The Fundamentals of Data Analysis in Excel course may be useful for you if you want to become an Epidemiologist. The course will teach you how to use Excel to analyze data, create pivot tables, and visualize data. These skills are not essential for Epidemiologists, but they can be helpful for understanding how data is used in epidemiological research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Biostatistician

Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to solve problems in biology and medicine. They work with scientists and clinicians to design and analyze research studies, and to interpret the results of those studies. The Fundamentals of Data Analysis in Excel course may be useful for you if you want to become a Biostatistician. The course will teach you how to use Excel to analyze data, create pivot tables, and visualize data. These skills are not essential for Biostatisticians, but they can be helpful for understanding how data is used in biostatistical research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze financial data. They develop models to predict financial risk and to make investment decisions. The Fundamentals of Data Analysis in Excel course may be useful for you if you want to become a Quantitative Analyst. The course will teach you how to use Excel to analyze data, create pivot tables, and visualize data. These skills are not essential for Quantitative Analysts, but they can be helpful for understanding how data is used in financial models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They develop theories and models to explain economic phenomena, and they use data to test and refine those theories. The Fundamentals of Data Analysis in Excel course may be useful for you if you want to become an Economist. The course will teach you how to use Excel to analyze data, create pivot tables, and visualize data. These skills are not essential for Economists, but they can be helpful for understanding how data is used in economic research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Reading list

We've selected 17 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 Fundamentals of Data Analysis in Excel.

Modern Mathematical Statistics with Applications

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Provides a comprehensive overview of data analysis techniques using Microsoft Excel. Covers data preparation, exploration, statistical analysis, and visualization.

Fundamentals of Data Analysis in Excel

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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