Microsoft Excel: 7 reasons why this 40-year-old software is more important than ever

In 1982, Microsoft introduced a new software solution called Multiplan. Renamed Excel in 1987, it has become the most popular spreadsheet software in the world. So how has this 40-year-old software remained up-to-date and relevant? And why is learning this program more important than ever?

Most of us pick up Excel haphazardly, googling formulas to use it the best we can when we need it. But if you’re using Excel regularly, you would be surprised how quickly practical training can take your skills to the next level.

And, if you’ve been career searching lately, you may have noticed that more and more employers are asking for “working knowledge with spreadsheets”. Today, almost all office jobs use Excel in some capacity. Adding these skills to your professional toolkit will prepare you for promotions or new career opportunities, regardless of your field or industry.

Despite the narrative on the importance of coding, machine learning techniques and other advanced digital skills, our research indicates that general digital skills, such as proficiency in Microsoft Excel, are actually more advantageous for the average person looking to compete in the job market.⁴

Here are seven good reasons you should master Microsoft Excel:

1. Excel is the most popular spreadsheet software in the world. It’s estimated Excel is used by 750 million people and 63% of companies consider Excel a vital accounting tool.¹
2. It’s ranked the best spreadsheet software. In a recent competitive review of the top 45 spreadsheet software, Excel ranked #1 with the most features and over 400 functions, more than any other competitor.²
3. Microsoft has your back with Excel updates and upgrades. According to Satya Nadella, executive chairman and CEO of Microsoft, Excel is “the perfect encapsulation of Microsoft’s mission… making things to help people be more productive.”³ Microsoft is even making its business intelligence software Power BI available as a free desktop download, so that this data visualization tool will become a standard along with Excel.
4. You’ll experience immediate benefits. By learning the latest pro tips and shortcuts, you’ll experience immediate results in everything you do. Your new Excel skills can help automate tedious tasks, visualize business solutions and work more efficiently.
5. More than just numbers, you’ll learn how to organize, analyze and even visualize data. Created to store numbers and perform calculations, now, Excel helps users from many industries collect, organize and analyze all types of data to make better business decisions effectively and efficiently.
6. You can increase your job opportunities and your salary. A 7-year study of Canadian job listings examined the specific demand for 13,000 unique skills. “Telling Canadians they need digital skills is not enough; we must be specific,” says Sarah Doyle, Director of Policy and Research at the Brookfield Institute. “For example, despite the narrative on the importance of coding, machine learning techniques and other advanced digital skills, our research indicates that general digital skills, such as proficiency in Microsoft Excel, are actually more advantageous for the average person looking to compete in the job market.”⁴
7. Excel proficiency will also help your life outside of work. Taxes, inventory, itemizing collections, preparing for a move, investments, financial records, expenses and simply keeping track of everything will be so much easier with your new Excel skills.

How to select the best Excel course for you?

All of us approach Excel with varying levels of experience. So, how do you find the right Excel course for you? Here are some things to consider:

> The course or trainer should use an pre-assessment platform, such as SIMnet, to help determine existing Excel skills, so you don’t waste time re-learning what you already know.

> Excel lends itself to online study format, so look for online courses.

> If you’re looking for more advanced training, then select an Excel course that includes PowerBI and data visualization in their curriculum.

> Microsoft has issued dozens of updates, improvements and associated software. Be sure your course is up-to-date and complete, with course content that can help you prepare for a Microsoft Excel Certification exam.

If you’d like to give your career skills and salary a boost, consider improving your Excel proficiency with a course such as Microsoft Excel – Analyzing and Visualizing Data that will upgrade your skills while you earn a microcredential in just 12 weeks.

Learn more:

Gain in-demand Excel skills for today’s competitive job market

Sources:

¹ Financial Post
² Spreadsheeto
³ Yahoo Finance News
⁴ Brookfield Institute: The digital and soft skills driving Canada’s labour market