Welcome back to Day 3 of 30 Day Excel Analyst – transforming your analytical skillset in 30 days.

This course is different because it teaches Excel in an applied manner.  In other words, rather than simply learning MORE techniques in Excel, we ask, ‘What is needed in today’s business world, and what tools in Excel help us meet those needs?’  The fact is, we don’t need everything in Excel.  In fact, I use only a small subset of tools and techniques in my day-to-day consultancy work.

DOWNLOAD THE RESOURCES

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

This invites the question, ‘How are people actually using Excel these days?’  It’s a difficult question but one, I believe, we shouldn’t shy away from.  I’ve recently been engaged with an ongoing research project focused on our consultancy work here at Tiger, with the aim of developing a ‘general theory’ of Excel usage.  Now, I haven’t quite reached that somewhat ambitious goal.   But, whilst sifting through Excel development projects past and present, I have made some intriguing discoveries.

Whilst the range of applications of Excel is infinite, I have found that, broadly speaking, they can be broken down into one of four categories.  Yes, the functions I’ve built for customers over the past few years can all be categorised as follows: they are primarily concerned with either (1) data management (2) modelling (3) data analysis or (4) automation with Excel. 

Though each function doesn’t fall neatly into box, with some functions touching on two or more of the above categorisations, I find that, for the most part, they hold true.  Another aspect should be mentioned at this point: some functions transcend Excel, interacting with another programme in the Office suite (such as Powerpoint) or an online tool such as Google Forms.  However, it’s not an exaggeration to say that organisations are only trying to one of four things in Excel.

In as far as the above assertation is valid – and it’s still a work-in-progress – it has profound implications for the Excel analyst.  Since, by identifying the required category of Excel application for what you or your customer needs, we can dramatically accelerate and simplify the Excel development process.  That’s because each category requires just a few tools and techniques in Excel.  This is the ‘translation’ metaskill (see day 2 of the course) at work!

In this session, I talk you through the process I went through to forge the above ideas, and explain the implications for your development as an Excel analyst.

READ MORE ABOUT OUR PROFESSIONAL EXCEL DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY: MEMBERS MONDAY

Goto Next session

Excel Simplified: The Things You NEED To Know In Excel (and what you can ignore)