Excel Looks Basic — But It’s Still One of the Most In-Demand Skills in Data Analytics

Many beginners underestimate Excel because it looks “simple.”
But in reality, Excel is one of the most in-demand skills in data analytics, especially for entry-level roles.

Before Python, before Power BI, before advanced tools — most companies still rely on Excel for:

𝐏𝐚𝐲 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦- 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐌𝐍𝐂'𝐬

Data cleaning
Trend analysis
Reporting
Business decision-making

If you can confidently work with Excel, you already have a strong advantage as a data analytics beginner or career switcher.

The good news?
You don’t need expensive courses to learn it.

These free Excel certification courses cover everything from basics to real data analysis — exactly what companies expect from freshers in 2025–2026.

1️⃣ Work Smarter with Microsoft Excel (Coursera)

🔗 Course link:
https://www.coursera.org/learn/microsoft-excel-work-smarter

This course focuses on using Excel efficiently — not just knowing features, but using them smartly.

You’ll learn:

Essential Excel functions
Data organization techniques
Productivity tips used in real workplaces
Practical spreadsheet skills for business use

This is a great starting point if you’re new to Excel or want to strengthen your fundamentals before moving into analytics.

2️⃣ Excel Basics for Data Analytics – IBM (Coursera)

🔗 Course link:
https://www.coursera.org/learn/excel-basics-data-analysis-ibm

This course is designed specifically for data analytics beginners.

You’ll practice:

Cleaning and preparing data
Using formulas and functions for analysis
Sorting, filtering, and structuring datasets
Thinking like a data analyst, not just an Excel user

Because it’s created by IBM, the course focuses on industry-relevant skills — not random theory.

Perfect if you’re planning to apply for Data Analyst or Business Analyst roles.

3️⃣ Introduction to Data Analysis Using Microsoft Excel (Guided Project)

🔗 Project link:
https://www.coursera.org/projects/introduction-data-analysis-microsoft-excel

This is where Excel truly starts to feel like real experience.

Instead of just watching videos, you’ll:

Work on a real dataset
Perform actual data analysis
Extract insights step-by-step
Understand how Excel is used in real business scenarios

Guided projects are extremely useful for beginners because they simulate hands-on work, which recruiters value more than theory.

Why Excel Still Matters in Data Analytics

Many companies — especially startups, SMEs, consulting firms, and non-tech teams — rely heavily on Excel.

Excel helps you build:

Strong data foundations
Analytical thinking
Business logic
Confidence before advanced tools

If you can clean data, analyze trends, and explain insights using Excel, learning tools like SQL, Power BI, or Python becomes much easier.

How Beginners Should Use These Courses

Don’t try to finish everything in one day.

👉 Follow this simple order:

Start with Work Smarter with Microsoft Excel
Move to Excel Basics for Data Analytics (IBM)
Apply your skills with the Excel Guided Project

Document what you learn. Practice regularly.
These Excel skills directly translate into interview confidence.

Final Takeaway

Excel may look basic — but companies still pay for Excel skills.

If you’re a student, fresher, or career switcher aiming for data analytics roles in 2025–2026, this is one of the smartest places to start.

Save this list. Learn properly. Build real skills.

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