zandax online course logo
 
 
 
 
zandax 10 year anniversary
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home   >  ZandaX Blogs   >  Business Blog   >  Microsoft Software Articles   > 
Simplify Microsoft Excel with the Right Training Course

Simplify Microsoft Excel with the Right Training Course

 
Improving your Microsoft software skills
You can play around with Microsoft Excel for hours, and still get nowhere! Here, we give you tips on how to find a training course to help
 
Article author: Jordan James
      Written by Jordan James
       (4-minute read)
Your first time staring at a Microsoft Excel sheet can leave you scratching your head. There are rows of fields staring at you, and you don’t have a clue how to get started. Even the handy toolbar at the top of the sheet isn’t a lot of help.

Maybe you’ve found the tab to wrap text, but when and how are you supposed to use it? This is only one function that comes with Excel, and there are plenty more. But mastering Excel formulas and functions isn’t all that difficult, especially when you go through the right training course.



Tips on Choosing the Right Microsoft Training Course

If you have Microsoft Office, Excel is part of the suite. The sheet is great for handling vast amounts of data, but how in the world do you unlock the cells? You can spend hours playing around with the various functions and still not get anywhere.

This is when a training course comes in handy. Suddenly, everything makes sense and Excel becomes your favorite tool to use.

There are plenty of online courses to choose from and some may even offer free tutorials. However, not all Excel training courses are the same, so you’ll want to do a little research to ensure you’re picking the right one.

What’s Your Skill Level?

If it’s your first time trying to make sense of an Excel spreadsheet, look for a beginner’s class. Yes, you’re probably going to find some information repetitive but it’s better than feeling lost. In other words, choose a training course in Excel that matches your current skill level.

Think About Your Goals

Microsoft Excel is great for calculating large amounts of data, so you can put your calculator away. But this isn’t all the Microsoft tool can do. Excel is an excellent tool to use when you’re creating financial modeling, and you can also use it to analyze and organize data.

These are only a few examples of how you can use Excel. Once you have a general idea of what your goals are, it’ll be a little easier to find an instructional course.



Go Over the Course Outline

Before you get too excited thinking you’ve found the perfect Excel training course, go over the course outline. Even beginner training courses differ. For example, if you want Excel to organize data you probably don’t care about learning how to create a financial business plan.

The information may be interesting but it does little to help address your current problem. Bookmark any courses that seem interesting and stick with one that covers your objectives.

Accreditation is Key

Even if you’re not going for a certificate, yes, some Excel training courses give graduates a nifty certificate. If your job is asking for a certificate, by all means, proudly show it off. However, even courses offering completion certificates aren’t always accredited.

You want a trainer with experience in Excel and it doesn’t hurt if they hold a few certificates in the field. You should be able to find this information on the course’s website. If it’s not listed, keep searching for another course.

Read the Reviews!

Find out what other people are saying about the course. This will give you a great idea of what to expect when you enroll. For a balanced view, it's usually best to ignore the passionate 5 star reviews and the vicious 1 star reviews, and look at what people with less extreme opinions are saying.
For starters, you'll see whether people are happy with what they've learned. Did the course help them to meet their objectives?



You may even get a general idea of what the instructor is like. See whether the way they teach is easily understood, and are they available (able, even!) to answer questions? Let's be realistic, you're likely going to have plenty of questions once you get into some of the more advanced Excel functions.

Online, Offline, or Both?

Is the course run completely online with a live instructor, or are things set up as "learn-at-your-own pace"? (Usually videos plus on-screen content.) Some Excel training courses use a hybrid format.
So, think about your schedule. Can you take regular time out for a live course? If not, there's only one option!

What About the Price?

Okay, you’ve probably noticed prices vary for all types of training courses. You don't need to go with the most expensive option, of course; but the cheapest may not be the best choice. It's often a good idea to start with a middle-of-the-road price point.
And when it comes to free courses, take a deep breath! That's because most often, only part of the course is free, or key materials or resources aren't provided. So you have to pay to access the rest of the course.

Our Conclusion

Mastering Microsoft Excel is easily achievable with dedication and the right resources. And by investing time in research and demonstrating patience, you'll identify the training course that best suits your learning style and skill level.
Once you've made the decision to start, and with consistent practice and the right training, you'll be able to leverage Excel's powerful features to their fullest potential.
And reap the rewards it brings!

More Articles on Microsoft Software

Version History of Microsoft Word
Version History of Microsoft Word
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
Read about the different versions of Microsoft Word, from Activia Training, providers of flexible, cost effective Word training courses.
[ close ]
10 Ways Excel Pivot Tables can help you.
10 Ways Excel Pivot Tables can help you.
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
Pivot Tables are extremely useful in analysing data and seeing how its linked. This looks at 10 ways to use Pivot Tables properly.
[ close ]
How to Highlight Data in Different Colors in Microsoft Word
How to Highlight Data in Different Colors in Microsoft Word
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
Learn how to highlight data in different colors in Word with this guide on the ZandaX website.
[ close ]
How to Add Special Characters in Word with Keyboard
How to Add Special Characters in Word with Keyboard
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
Find out how to add special characters, such as the trademark and copyright symbols in Microsoft Word, using the keyboard.
[ close ]
Enhancing Legal Operations: The Power of Microsoft Integration
Enhancing Legal Operations: The Power of Microsoft Integration
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
With greater efficiency needed by corporate legal operations, this article looks into the advantages and applications of Microsoft integration.
[ close ]
Our Course Of The Month – Microsoft Project
Our Course Of The Month – Microsoft Project
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
The course of the month this month is Microsoft Project. As a project manager, are you using the tools that are available to you?
[ close ]
What Is Microsoft Visio Used For?
What Is Microsoft Visio Used For?
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
Microsoft Visio can be used for a lot more than people realise. Popular uses include creating organisation charts, floor plans and timelines
[ close ]
7 Reasons Why You Should Learn How to Use Excel
7 Reasons Why You Should Learn How to Use Excel
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
The Article shows how to boost productivity with Excel, Improve Quality of Work, Versatility, You will become a God in the Office!
[ close ]
What are Macros used for in Excel?
What are Macros used for in Excel?
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
Macros in Excel are incredibly powerful tools that can provide the user with large benefits. This article looks at what macros are for.
[ close ]
How to Use Format Painter in Excel for Multiple Cells
How to Use Format Painter in Excel for Multiple Cells
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
Learn how to copy formats from one cell to another using the Format Painter tool in Excel, with this tutorial from Activia Training.
[ close ]
How To Use Animation Triggers In PowerPoint
How To Use Animation Triggers In PowerPoint
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
Learn how to use animation triggers in Microsoft PowerPoint from this tutorial from Activia Training.
[ close ]
How To Run A PowerPoint Presentation
How To Run A PowerPoint Presentation
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
Learn how to add motion paths to animations in Microsoft PowerPoint from this tutorial from Activia Training.
[ close ]
 

Write for us on the ZandaX blog

We're always looking for guest contributors to increase the variety and diversity of what we present.

Click to see how you can write for us:

 

The ZandaX Business Skills blog categories

Click a panel to visit the main category pages for the blog
Career Success
Career Success
Marketing
Marketing
Presentation Skills & Public Speaking
Presentation Skills & Public Speaking
Customer Service
Customer Service
Microsoft Software
Microsoft Software
[ This category ]

ZandaX Blog Contents

Want to see them all? Click to view a full list of articles in our blogs.

 
zandax online courses logo
"ZandaX courses are such great value, and with the help and support they give, there's no better option in the market"
ZandaX LinkedIn logo
ZandaX YouTube logo
ZandaX FaceBook logo
Course Categories
 
All content © ZandaX 2024