I need an Excel update

FlorayG

Ten years ago in my previous job I used Excel a lot but since I've been in admin I can't remember when I last made a pivot table and honestly can't even remember how to do them.
There's a job I know will be coming up with my current employer analysing data and I'd like to apply;  please can anyone recommend an online course that I can use to bring me up to speed with current Excel applications?

Doshwaster

FlorayG said:

Ten years ago in my previous job I used Excel a lot but since I've been in admin I can't remember when I last made a pivot table and honestly can't even remember how to do them.
There's a job I know will be coming up with my current employer analysing data and I'd like to apply;  please can anyone recommend an online course that I can use to bring me up to speed with current Excel applications?

I would just start with YouTube as there are countless tutorial videos available

A couple of channels which I find useful:

https://www.youtube.com/@LeilaGharani

https://www.youtube.com/@MyOnlineTrainingHub

DullGreyGuy

FlorayG said:

Ten years ago in my previous job I used Excel a lot but since I've been in admin I can't remember when I last made a pivot table and honestly can't even remember how to do them.
There's a job I know will be coming up with my current employer analysing data and I'd like to apply;  please can anyone recommend an online course that I can use to bring me up to speed with current Excel applications?

On the plus side, some of the visuals have changed, depending on exactly which version you were using but 99% of excel operates the same way. There are a few new formulas, personally like the new XLookUp but the original VLookUp/HLookUp works in the same way it always has. 

W3 School is normally a good free resource, not looked at Excel in particular but imagine its of a similar standard if you are looking at free https://www.w3schools.com/excel/ 

Eyeful

1. You can always use the date filter on YouTube to find the latest videos on how to use Excel.

2. Ask ai (Copilot or ChatGRT): Whats the best free online course for beginners to learn Excel.
After all that's what they are there for!

gefnew

Try here.
Excel video training - Microsoft Support
Good luck

Heedtheadvice

Or if you prefer or in addition  just start a spreadsheet in Excel and have a go with it.

If you do not have a current version and have  a Windows account you can use the free online version.

Most of the basics are the same or very similar to the app version...and what you will have been used to.....but there are some newer functions/facilities and different presentations in the modern prog.

As always there is a lot in in Excel, some of which we might never get to use, but finding out about them is very easy.

From the analysts point if view I have found, in the past , the uSoft courses too basic. I had to learn from others how to store ( formats of ), manipulate data and use importing methods, linking, validation, presentation of i formation from the data and avoid pitfalls. These are more important IMHO than all the functions.

Hopefully you will find better courses that suit the type of analysis you will be doing.

A Google search reveals the wide range of courses, levels and techniques that are now covered see https://www.coursera.org/learn/preparing-data-for-analysis-with-microsoft-excel

Even if you do not have time before work starts it might be good to show you have a desire to take a course that is relevant?

Do take on board that Analysis is not the tool ( Excel ) but a process. It can be good to demonstrate your analysis by, for example, analysing the job description and presenting an overview of  that showing how well you fit the requirement and where you would like training when you do not fully comply with the need on a positive way.

Eyeful

Also on YouTube you will also find videos about how ai can simplify filling out a spreadsheet.
If you master that technique, you will work smarter and quicker than more experienced Excel users!

FlorayG

Heedtheadvice said:

From the analysts point if view I have found, in the past , the uSoft courses too basic. I had to learn from others how to store ( formats of ), manipulate data and use importing methods, linking, validation, presentation of i formation from the data and avoid pitfalls. These are more important IMHO than all the functions.

Do take on board that Analysis is not the tool ( Excel ) but a process. It can be good to demonstrate your analysis by, for example, analysing the job description and presenting an overview of  that showing how well you fit the requirement and where you would like training when you do not fully comply with the need on a positive way.

Hi Thanks. Yes the stuff I need to brush up on is not the basics ( I still use basic stuff daily) but the extras that make the data easier for non-tech people to study
I've done quite a lot of data analysis in previous jobs and presented results, so I just need to dig in my memory for examples