Microsoft Excel Training in Fort Collins, CO

What is Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet software application that is designed to help users in organizing, formatting and calculating various types of data with the help of different formulas and features built into the application. Spreadsheets are tables that use columns and rows to categorize, manipulate and display the data in useful ways for business and technical users.

Excel has gone through many iterations since it's initial release in the mid 1980's. Microsoft first released Excel for the Mac and launched Windows version in 1987. Over the years, it has become one of the most widley used software programs in the world, and the flagship program for the Microsoft Office suite.

How Microsoft Excel Works

1. Spreadsheet (Worksheet)

• The basic unit of an Excel workbook, a worksheet consists of cells arranged in rows and columns. It allows for the input and manipulation of numerical data, text, and formulas.
• Each worksheet can have over 1 million rows and over 16,000 columns.

2. Cells

• Cells are the intersection of a row and a column. Each cell has a unique address, such as A1, B2, etc., where users input data, text, or formulas. Cells are the foundation of any spreadsheet and can contain:
  • Numbers (e.g., 123)
  • Text (e.g., "Total Sales")
  • Formulas (e.g., =SUM(A1:A10))

3. Formulas and Functions

• Formulas: Users can perform calculations in Excel by writing formulas. A formula typically starts with an equal sign (=), followed by the operation you want to perform. Example: =A1 + B1.
• Functions: These are pre-built formulas designed to perform specific calculations. Functions range from simple arithmetic (like SUM and AVERAGE) to complex financial and statistical calculations. Common functions include:
  • SUM: Adds a range of numbers.
  • AVERAGE: Computes the average of selected cells.
  • VLOOKUP: Searches for a value in a table or range.
  • IF: Creates conditional statements.
  • COUNTIF: Counts the number of cells that meet a criterion.
  • INDEX/MATCH: Looks up values based on rows and columns.

4. Charts and Graphs

Excel has robust tools to create visual representations of data, such as:

• Bar charts
• Line graphs
• Pie charts
• Histograms
• Scatter plots

These tools help users to interpret trends, patterns, and relationships within their data.

5. PivotTables and PivotCharts

• PivotTables are one of Excel's most powerful features for data summarization. They allow users to dynamically analyze and summarize large datasets by dragging and dropping fields, creating custom reports without manually organizing data.
• PivotCharts extend this functionality by offering graphical representations of the summarized data.

6. Data Tools

• Sort and Filter: Organizes and filters data to display only what you need.
• Conditional Formatting: Highlights cells based on rules (e.g., coloring cells that exceed a specific value).
• Data Validation: Ensures data entered into cells meets specific criteria.
• What-If Analysis: Allows for scenario analysis, sensitivity testing, and goal seeking.
• Solver: Optimizes complex problems by finding the best solution within certain constraints.

Applications of Microsoft Excel

1. Financial Analysis

Excel is heavily used for budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and analyzing financial statements. Accountants and finance professionals rely on Excel to calculate returns, assess risk, and manage financial data.

2. Data Management

Excel is widely used for storing and organizing large sets of data. Whether managing customer information, product inventories, or project timelines, it provides an easy way to keep track of information.

3. Project Management

Many project managers use Excel for scheduling, task tracking, and managing project costs. Gantt charts, a type of bar chart that represents project schedules, are commonly created using Excel.

4. Statistical Analysis

With Excel's built-in functions and add-ons (such as the Analysis ToolPak), users can perform basic and advanced statistical analysis, including hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and probability distributions.

5. Automation with Macros and VBA

• Macros: Excel allows the automation of repetitive tasks through macros, a sequence of actions recorded to be played back when needed.
• Visual Basic for Applications (VBA): Excel supports VBA programming, enabling users to write scripts for complex automation tasks or to create custom functions.

6. Business Intelligence and Reporting

Excel is a popular tool for reporting and dashboard creation. It can connect to databases and external data sources to pull real-time data for analysis. By combining data analysis and visualization tools, Excel helps businesses make informed decisions.

Collaboration and Integration

1. Collaboration Features

Modern versions of Excel, particularly those in Microsoft 365, allow real-time collaboration where multiple users can edit the same workbook simultaneously. This feature is especially useful in team environments.

2. Cloud Integration

With Microsoft’s OneDrive and SharePoint, users can store Excel files in the cloud, making them accessible from anywhere and enabling easy sharing.

3. Cross-Platform Use

Excel is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, ensuring that users can access their spreadsheets across various devices. It also has a web-based version, Excel Online, for quick access via web browsers.

Excel Versions and Evolution

Microsoft Excel has evolved through various versions, continuously adding new features:

• Excel 2003: Introduced better collaboration features.
• Excel 2007: Introduced the modern interface with the ribbon and significantly larger worksheets.
• Excel 2013: Introduced features like PowerPivot and enhanced data visualization tools.
• Excel 2016/2019: Included new functions like TEXTJOIN, IFS, MAXIFS, MINIFS, and deeper integration with cloud services.
• Excel 365: Provides real-time collaboration and ongoing feature updates through Microsoft's subscription service.

Microsoft Excel Certifications Available in 2024

1. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Excel Associate (Excel and Excel 365/2021)

• Level: Entry-level certification.
• Focus: This certification validates basic skills in creating and managing worksheets and workbooks, managing data cells and ranges, creating tables, performing operations with formulas and functions, and creating charts and objects.
• Target Audience: Beginners or those who need basic proficiency in Excel.
• Exam: MO-200.

2. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Excel Expert (Excel and Excel 365/2021)

• Level: Advanced certification.
• Focus: This certification demonstrates advanced skills, including managing workbooks and settings, applying custom data formats and layouts, creating advanced formulas, working with pivot tables and pivot charts, and performing more complex data analysis.
• Target Audience: Advanced users, data analysts, financial professionals, and those using Excel in a business intelligence role.
• Exam: MO-201.

3. Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate (Microsoft 365 Apps)

• Level: Entry-level certification.
• Focus: This version of the MOS Excel certification focuses specifically on Excel features within Microsoft 365 apps. It covers basic skills similar to the MOS: Excel Associate exam but emphasizes cloud features like co-authoring and collaboration.
• Target Audience: Users of Microsoft 365 apps who need to demonstrate their ability to work with cloud-based Excel.
• Exam: MO-100 or MO-200 depending on Microsoft updates.

4. Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Expert (Microsoft 365 Apps)

• Level: Advanced certification.
• Focus: This certification validates advanced cloud-based Excel skills, including leveraging Microsoft 365’s online collaboration tools, managing advanced formulas, and working with dynamic data sets in cloud environments.
• Target Audience: Experienced users leveraging cloud Excel and collaborative tools.
• Exam: MO-101 or MO-201 depending on updates.

5. Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate (Excel with Power BI)

• Level: Intermediate to advanced.
• Focus: While not an Excel-specific certification, this certification focuses on using Excel alongside Power BI to visualize data, create reports, and analyze business data.
• Target Audience: Data analysts or business intelligence professionals who use Excel in conjunction with Power BI for reporting and analysis.
• Exam: DA-100 (Note: The exam code could be updated in 2024).

Jobs that Use Microsoft Excel

• Data Analyst
  • Analyzing large datasets
  • Creating reports, charts, and graphs
  • Using formulas and pivot tables for insights
• Financial Analyst
  • Financial modeling and forecasting
  • Budgeting, accounting, and variance analysis
  • Preparing financial reports and presentations
• Accountant/Bookkeeper
  • Managing financial records and transactions
  • Preparing invoices and balance sheets
  • Using Excel for payroll and tax calculations
• Business Analyst
  • Conducting data analysis to inform business decisions
  • Creating dashboards and KPIs
  • Documenting and reporting findings to stakeholders
• Project Manager
  • Creating project plans and timelines
  • Tracking budgets, resources, and progress
  • Using Gantt charts and scheduling tools in Excel
• Sales Operations
  • Managing sales data and customer information
  • Analyzing sales trends and forecasts
  • Preparing sales performance reports
• Human Resources Specialist
  • Tracking employee data like attendance, payroll, and benefits
  • Preparing reports on HR metrics
  • Analyzing workforce trends
• Marketing Analyst
  • Analyzing market trends and customer data
  • Tracking marketing campaign performance
  • Creating data-driven marketing reports
• Supply Chain Analyst
  • Managing inventory and logistics data
  • Tracking shipments and supplier performance
  • Conducting cost analysis and optimizing supply chain efficiency
• Administrative Assistant
  • Managing schedules, contact lists, and office supplies
  • Preparing documents and reports
  • Handling basic data entry and spreadsheet management
• Researcher/Scientist
  • Collecting and analyzing experimental data
  • Managing research data and generating reports
  • Using Excel for statistical analysis and data visualization

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Benefits of Group Training Include:

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• Convenient Scheduling and Class Setup
• Significant Per/Student Cost Savings
• Online, On-Site and Blended Options Available

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Fort Collins is an interesting place. Here is some information to help you learn more about Fort Collins

Ten interesting facts about Ft. Collins, CO

• Ft. Collins is known for its strong craft beer culture and home to numerous breweries (~0.0 miles from the address).
• The city hosts the annual Colorado Brewer's Festival drawing visitors from around the state (~0.0 miles).
• Ft. Collins has a rich agricultural heritage, visible in its local markets and farm-to-table dining (~0.0 miles).
• It is home to Colorado State University, a major research and cultural hub (~0.0 miles).
• The historic Old Town area preserves architecture dating back to the late 19th century (~0.0 miles).
• Ft. Collins consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Colorado (~0.0 miles).
• The city is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise with abundant trails and parks (~0.0 miles).
• It boasts a vibrant arts scene with galleries, theaters, and live music venues (~0.0 miles).
• Ft. Collins is a pioneer in sustainable living and environmental initiatives (~0.0 miles).
• The community is known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere and active local events (~0.0 miles).

Ten Fun things to do in Ft. Collins, CO

• Explore Old Town Ft. Collins (600 Linden Street, ~0.4 mile from 155 Boardwalk Drive) – Historic downtown with shops, cafes, and local art.
• Visit Horsetooth Reservoir (4000 Horsetooth Road, ~5.0 miles) – Enjoy water sports and scenic lakeside views.
• Bike along the Poudre River Trail (Various access points, ~2.0 miles) – A picturesque route for cyclists.
• Tour the New Belgium Brewing Company (500 Linden Street, ~0.6 mile) – Sample award-winning local beers on a guided tour.
• Stroll through the Gardens on Spring Creek (250 Spring Creek Drive, ~2.5 miles) – A peaceful botanical garden experience.
• Visit the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery (215 Mason Court, ~0.8 mile) – Interactive exhibits on science and local history.
• Attend a show at the Lincoln Center (1125 W. Mountain Avenue, ~1.0 mile) – A hub for performing arts and cultural events.
• Enjoy an evening at a local food truck park (Various locations, ~1.5 miles) – Sample eclectic street food in a vibrant setting.
• Explore the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area (various access points, ~3.0 miles) – Scenic natural trails and wildlife viewing.
• Discover local art at the art galleries along Linden Street (Multiple venues, ~0.5 mile) – A creative journey through regional art.

Ten Restaurants near Ft. Collins, CO

• Jay's Bistro (110 E. Harmony Road, ~0.3 mile from 155 Boardwalk Drive) – A cozy bistro featuring locally-sourced dishes.
• The Emporium (225 Linden Street, ~0.5 mile) – A creative eatery offering modern American cuisine.
• Oasis Cafe (330 College Avenue, ~0.7 mile) – Casual spot serving eclectic and healthy fare.
• Madcap Brewing Company (145 Linden Street, ~0.4 mile) – Brewpub with innovative dishes paired with craft beers.
• Sagebrush Grill (500 Mountain Avenue, ~1.2 miles) – Western-style cuisine in a relaxed setting.
• Harvest Table (210 Market Street, ~0.6 mile) – Farm-to-table restaurant with seasonal specialties.
• La Fiesta (325 Mason Court, ~0.8 mile) – Vibrant Mexican restaurant with bold flavors.
• Urban Eatery (475 College Avenue, ~1.0 mile) – Contemporary dishes in a casual atmosphere.
• Riverside Diner (600 Riverside Drive, ~1.3 miles) – Classic American diner near the river walk.
• Foothills Coffee & Cuisine (150 E. Harmony Road, ~0.3 mile) – A hybrid café serving gourmet coffee and light bites.

Ten Hotels near Ft. Collins, CO

• Hotel Fort Collins (250 Linden Street, ~0.5 mile from 155 Boardwalk Drive) – Boutique hotel in the heart of Old Town.
• Embassy Suites Ft. Collins (900 Mason Court, ~0.7 mile) – Spacious suites with complimentary breakfast.
• Home2 Suites by Hilton (1200 College Avenue, ~1.0 mile) – Extended-stay hotel with modern amenities.
• Best Western Plus (800 Market Street, ~0.8 mile) – Comfortable lodging with convenient downtown access.
• Comfort Inn (350 Linden Street, ~0.4 mile) – Budget-friendly option with essential comforts.
• Residence Inn Ft. Collins (950 College Avenue, ~0.9 mile) – Apartment-style accommodations perfect for longer stays.
• La Quinta Inn & Suites (110 E. Harmony Road, ~0.3 mile) – Simple, comfortable rooms with modern amenities.
• SpringHill Suites (1300 Mason Court, ~1.0 mile) – Stylish suites ideal for business travelers.
• Quality Inn (500 Market Street, ~0.6 mile) – Reliable accommodations with friendly service.
• Local Boutique Lodge (415 Linden Street, ~0.5 mile) – A charming option with a local touch.

Below is a list of local libraries in the area that may also provide computer training near Ft. Collins, Colorado:

We offer live-instructor group training classes for your team.

Upskill your team from the comfort of your office or online.

Benefits of Group Training Include:

• Experienced Professional Instructor Trains Your Team
• Content Focused On Your Team's Needs
• Convenient Scheduling and Class Setup
• Significant Per/Student Cost Savings
• Online, On-Site and Blended Options Available

Get A Free Consultation