What I Learned from Coursera: Problem Solving with Excel
Before I started my internship in 2019, I didn’t realize the importance of mastering Microsoft Excel in a professional work environment. I have studied the basic functions since middle school but never used them until now. Therefore, during this pandemic, I want to improve my skills in Microsoft Excel, not only understanding its functions but also how this very common application can become a tool to solve a problem in business.
Coursera, my most favorite MOOC platform, provides the Data Analysis and Presentation Skills: the PwC Approach Specialization which consists of 5 courses: Data-driven Decision Making, Problem Solving with Excel, Data Visualization with Advanced Excel, Effective Business Presentations with Powerpoint, and Capstone Project. You can enroll in the entire course, but I chose to take the second course (I feel bad about taking financial aid too often, so I’d only choose the most useful to me hihi). So let’s discuss this one!
First of all, who can take this course? Basically, all people who want to learn Excel can enroll in this course. Employees who work as business consultants or data analysts would be the most suitable. However, those who want to broaden career opportunities and upgrade Excel skills can learn it too. If you are a college student, it would be good to learn Excel right now. Personally, I took this course because I am interested in business consulting work and aware that Excel is an essential tool to master.
What is discussed in this lesson?
1. Overview of Excel
In the first week, PwC taught me the basics, navigations, and some shortcuts to make it easier and faster to use Excel. They also provided the basic functionality such as Paste Special, Cell Locking, how to named ranges, and Subtotal (use this to filter data sets that will have different values based on the filtered information).
2. vLookups and Data Cleansing
Entering the second week, I learned vLookup and hLookup, how to do data cleansing in values with functions CLEAN, TRIM, and SUBSTITUTE. This week closed with data cleansing in text functions (LEN, FIND, CONCATENATE, and data validation).
3. Logical Functions & Pivot Tables
I started learning how to use logic statements and pivot tables with data given in week 3 to solve problems such as calculate the revenue by a specific channel or distributor, quantity sold of each region, top products that sold the most units, and so on. The more advanced functions that I got are COUNTIFS, SUMIFS, IF+THEN, IF+AND, IF+OR, and nesting.
4. More Advanced Formulas
In the last week, lessons on statistical forecasting, index match, and financial formulas were given. This was the most difficult part for me because I need to understand the finance principles first, for instance, regression analysis, standard deviation, variance, R-squared, and other stuff. To begin, I had to activate the Excel Analysis Toolpak.
Why should you take this course?
1. The videos are short, easy to follow, and the handout is provided at the end of each module
Each video only takes approximately 2–10 minutes so you won’t feel bored and take too long. They also explain the basics, starting from the use of each function, how to use it, and how to apply it in each case. Finally, each module provides handouts in Powerpoint form that can be downloaded and read at any time, so as not to forget.
2. An excel file is always given for practice while viewing videos
Integrated learning videos with excel files attached to the module. When viewing the video, you can practice it on the excel file that has been downloaded.
3. Learn problem-solving with sample data
PwC will give you data sets such as sales data, social media records, and so on to really give an in-depth understanding of how to use Excel to solve many problems related to it.
In a nutshell, I really suggest this course be taken by people who want to learn Excel in a simple and effective way. Coursera also provides financial aid so you can enroll in the course free, without registering your credit card too. Taking all the courses in this specialization is also impressive for those of you who are interested in a career in the field of data analysis.
Hello there! This is my first writing. I hope you enjoy it and can get new insights. I’m still learning to write, sorry if something goes wrong. Still needs a lot of improvement :) but thanks for reading, I appreciate it!
Let’s get connected! LinkedIn: Venna Felicia
