Question 1

What is Excel and why is it important to learn?

Accepted Answer

Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet program that enables the user to input data as numbers, formulas, or text that can then be manipulated, organized, stored, and presented. Excel is important to learn because it allows individuals and businesses alike to solve problems quickly and share their results clearly in tables, charts, and graphs.

Excel is a powerful data analysis tool used by businesses worldwide due to its broad range of capabilities and its flexibility in use. For organizations of any size, Excel’s accounting functions can be used to create budgets, complete payroll, and calculate taxes and revenues. Managers can use Excel’s data management functions like pivot tables to summarize large amounts of data for proposals and presentations. And Excel’s financial data analysis functions such as net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR) can aid investors and financial analysts using discounted cash flow methods to determine project profitability and specific rates of return.

Question 2

What kinds of careers can I pursue with skills in Excel?

Accepted Answer

The ability to use Excel is considered a fundamental digital skill in today’s job marketplace, and many jobs require proficiency in it. Although most of the careers using Excel will be in business, there are scientists, engineers, teachers, and graphic designers using this software extensively. Whether you are seeking a new career or looking to supplement your present one, skills in Excel will be a highly valued addition to your resume.

Financial analysts especially depend on Excel skills as they evaluate investment opportunities for banks, mutual funds, insurance companies, and many other businesses. They use current and past financial data, economic and business trends, and industry-specific markers to make the needed assessments that guide their recommendations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they make a median salary of $85,660 per year, and most start their careers after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in accounting, economics, finance, or statistics.

Question 3

Can I learn about Excel by taking online courses on Coursera?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Coursera offers a wide range of online courses and Specializations on Excel and its use in data analysis and creative problem solving, as well as intermediate and advanced Excel skills for business. You’ll be taking courses presented by top-ranked institutions including the University of Colorado Boulder, Rice University, and Macquarie University, so you won’t have to sacrifice the quality of your education for the flexibility of learning online. You can also get familiar with spreadsheet software by completing a Guided Project, a way to learn on Coursera that helps you build skills with step-by-step tutorials presented by experienced instructors.

Question 4

What skills or experience do I need to already have, before starting to learn Excel?

Accepted Answer

You won't need to have many skills or much experience before learning Excel, though you do need some basic computer skills. Being able to type and possessing knowledge of the computer keyboard and all of its shortcuts can also help you have a better understanding of the Microsoft program. You should know how to use the internet and any mobile devices, such as tablets, that may be compatible with Excel. Some basic math skills may also be helpful, as well as an understanding of why spreadsheets are important in business and in daily life.

Question 5

What kind of people are best suited for roles that use Excel?

Accepted Answer

Almost anyone is best suited for roles that use Excel, because it is such a widely-utilized program. It can be a part of your daily life, or you may incorporate it into your professional life. Anyone who needs to organize data, make tables, create graphics from data, analyze data, make forecasting predictions, or do mathematical functions may use the program. Anyone who wants to improve their business, stay organized, or manage accounts will want to learn it. People who are analytical, good at math, like to keep records, and like to have access to data right at their fingertips may enjoy roles that use Excel.

Question 6

How do I know if learning Excel is right for me?

Accepted Answer

Learning Excel may be right for you if data from your job or day-to-day tasks require some organization, management, and analysis. The software is used across almost every field by professionals ranging from scientists and teachers to accountants and bankers. For this reason, just learning the software so that you can add the skill to your resume may help you find a job and receive a competitive wage. It can also be beneficial if you want to start your own business. You might use it to keep up with employees, customer information, general business information, performance reports, accounts, and programs so that you can improve your bottom line and run a more efficient company.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Excel

What is Excel and why is it important to learn?‎

What kinds of careers can I pursue with skills in Excel?‎

Can I learn about Excel by taking online courses on Coursera?‎

What skills or experience do I need to already have, before starting to learn Excel?‎

What kind of people are best suited for roles that use Excel?‎

How do I know if learning Excel is right for me?‎

Other topics to explore