If there is no data, then you wouldn’t need Excel. Data is the first thing we start with whenever you are building that next-fancy-spreadsheet.xlsx. So the first thing you will learn in Excel School is how to work with data. We cover below areas in-depth.

• Power Query – for data management, connections, clean-up and reshaping data
• Tables – for setting up data, using structural references, quick formats and ad-hoc analysis of data
• Relationships – Connect two tables to see magic happen. Create data models and build beautiful stuff.
• References – learn the rules of the game. A1 is not same as $A$1.
• Clean-up – poorly presented data with tricks like flash fill, find replace, goto special and Power Query.

Once you have clean data, the next step is to analyze it. Excel offers two main routes for data analysis – (1) Formulas (2) Pivot Tables. In Excel School we cover both areas in-depth so you can be a master of the game. Learn when to use formulas, when to use pivot tables and how to mix both for pleasure and power.

• Formulas – Start with basics like operators, reference styles and quickly migrate to statistical decision making (IF, CHOOSE, IFS, AND etc.), analysis functions, summaries (COUNTIFS, SUMIFS etc.), lookups (VLOOKUP, INDEX+MATCH, 2 way lookups) and how to combine functions.
• Pivot tables – Create simple pivot tables, data model driven multi-table pivots, use features like slicers, timelines, report filters with confidence, create groups, work with advanced pivot table reporting and pivot charts.
• Advanced Formulas: Learn how to use advanced lookup formulas (multiple condition lookups, duplicate value handling), weighted averages thru SUMPRODUCT, summarizing filtered values (SUBTOTAL), date and time formulas, text analysis formulas and more.
• Ad-hoc analysis – sometimes we are not in the mood to write an elaborate formula or make a pivot. Learn how to use Excel’s built-in quick analysis features to get answers for your questions.

Now that we have analyzed some data, let’s make beautiful outputs. You can use charts, sparklines, conditional formats, pivot reports and many other features of Excel to create stunning, elegant and informative displays for your audience.

• Charts – start with the rules of which chart goes with which data. Then progress to chart creation, customization. Finally learn how to create complex, interactive charts for your audience. 
• Sparklines –  Create small, in-cell visualizations from your data. Make them powerful and insightful.
• Conditional formatting – Create rule based formatting and visualization behavior to wow your boss.
• Reports & Dashboards – In this optional module, learn how to create beautiful dashboard reports from any data.

There is no point having a beautiful workbook locked up in your computer. The last step of any Excel work is to publish and let your audience get the information you want. This last mile is vital. That is why, In Excel School you will learn how to deal with the publishing aspect of your work. We focus on,

• Interactivity – Everyone likes to play. Wouldn’t it be cool if your spreadsheets are playable? Learn how to use interactive features like slicers, timelines, form controls, data validation and hyperlinks to maximize the WOW factor of your workbooks.
• Formatting –  Even the most powerful analysis can look ugly and confusing if formatted poorly. Through out Excel School, I teach you how to create beautiful, elegant and readable workbooks so that your boss will be stunned.
• Navigation – Whenever we create more than one page Excel files, it is important to provide sensible navigation. Learn how to set up large dashboards, reports or business workbooks.
• Refresh – Change is the only constant in business. So when you have new data next {day, week, month, year} does it mean you must create the file all over again? No, of course not. Learn how to build refreshable files so that you create once and reuse often.