Why Learn Microsoft Access?

Microsoft Access is a database management software intended to help businesses manage data and build relationships between data sets. Microsoft Access is considered an easy-to-use tool for data management beginners and a step up from Microsoft Excel. Have you ever explored all of the things Microsoft Access can do? Financial Analysts, Data Analysts, Project Managers, IT Support Assistants, and Application Developers all use Microsoft Access for managing information. The program’s productivity tools can benefit any professional. Job seekers can explore Microsoft Access’s features as an entry point to a new career, and the skills they learn in the process will boost their resume. Here, you’ll learn more about the types of careers that benefit from Microsoft Access and how it can enhance your professional life. Regardless of your overall goals, learning Microsoft Access is a valuable and impressive skill to add to your resume. 

What is Microsoft Access?

Microsoft Access is a database management software. Access is part of the Microsoft 365 suite and is standard for business and enterprise users. Like Microsoft Excel, Access lets users view and manage data. However, Access is more powerful than Excel and can process more data at once. While Excel is appropriate for viewing and managing data in a spreadsheet format, Access is more suitable for managing entire databases. 

Access allows users to create several tables containing their own data that need to be tracked separately and connect those tables. These connected tables make up a database. And, just like with tables, users can connect databases to track relationships. Within Access, users can also query databases to find the necessary information. As with Excel, users can easily export reports from data within Access to create reports for printing and sharing with stakeholders. These multiple features included in Access allow entrepreneurs and businesses to gather large amounts of data, gain insights and take action on operations, projects, and performance.

Read more about what Microsoft Access is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Microsoft Access?

Microsoft Access is used to build simple database management systems where entrepreneurs and businesses can store large amounts of data. Users can create tables for managing data and can connect those tables to track relationships. The insights gained from these relationships allow businesses to acquire valuable insights regarding their financials, inventory and sales, productivity, and project management, among others. Databases also function for purposes such as keeping track of employee information or managing client/server forms.

When it comes to sharing data, Access makes it easy to compile data and format reports. Data converts into colorful charts and graphs, making this visualization of data helpful for presenting insights to stakeholders. Charts are also customizable to your needs, including interactive elements. Reports have a variety of options as well. They can be printed, exported to another file or program, or emailed as an attachment.

Access' simple interface and built-in tools make it an excellent resource for small businesses and entrepreneurs who may need more application-building experience. Access can also create desktop or web applications. Developers can create macros, build modules, and develop their own code libraries. Access is also helpful for larger companies that want to develop their own applications without the cost of outsourcing.

Common Professional Uses for Microsoft Access

Microsoft Access is used by nearly every profession that works with data and other company information. For instance, Data Analysts use Microsoft Access to analyze and draw insights from business data. Accountants can use Microsoft Access to manage financial data and track accounts, payees, and budgets. An IT Support Technician may use Microsoft Access to store and collect employee, customer, and other business information. Similarly, a Project Manager can track project budgets, deadlines, task management, and team members in Microsoft Access.

Beyond managing data, Microsoft Access can assist Application Developers in creating client-facing desktop or web applications. Users can also apply Microsoft Access's application development capabilities internally for departmental use. Small businesses in any industry without the budget for outsourcing can particularly benefit from Microsoft Access's easy-to-use functions. And department personnel can take pride in developing applications that specifically apply to their needs rather than relying on an external team.

Microsoft Access can serve as the front end of a client/server database. These databases store user information and forms, such as purchase or feedback reports. They are also used to deliver applications. Client/Server databases are found mainly in the web or game hosting industries. However, they can also be used across industries by any company needing a server interface for client interaction. A simple version of this interface might be a "contact us" form on a webpage, while a more complex version might include login, payment, and download functions for application delivery.

Explore A New Career

Learning Microsoft Access can be a great entry into the basics of database management and information systems. If you seek a career in data management or are simply curious about the processes involved, Microsoft Access is considered an excellent beginner’s program for its intuitive interface. Microsoft Access includes templates with which you can experiment to learn how to build custom databases, create data entry forms, and export data to other formats or platforms, such as the web. As you become more proficient in working with data, Microsoft Access also allows you to create basic web and desktop applications. Microsoft Access can be an entry into a new career in data analysis, financial tracking, application development, and IT support, among others.

Improve Your Resume

Microsoft Office programs are used by over a million companies worldwide, and many of these companies expect job applicants to already possess skills in these programs. Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are the most popular Microsoft Office programs. As such, it’s more likely for employers to find applicants who are proficient or who have received professional training in them. It is more difficult to find an applicant with a strong background in Microsoft Access, making this applicant stand out among the competition. Even without Microsoft Access requirements for your specific job position, knowing how to use the program can benefit simple data analysis tasks, such as budget or project management.

Boost Your Productivity

Microsoft Office bills its programs as productivity tools, and Microsoft Access is no different. Database management skills can improve daily workplace tasks, such as managing finances, forms, project tasks, and customer queries. Databases allow large amounts of information to be stored and managed automatically, freeing time and keeping important information organized and easily accessible. An individual with such skills in solving business problems through productivity boosts is sure to go far in the workplace.

How to Start Learning Microsoft Access

You can learn Microsoft Access through a few methods. The most traditional method is live classes, which can take place either in-person or live online. Live classes offer engagement with an instructor who answers student questions in real time. However, in-person class options are limited to the locations nearest a student. Live online courses can be taken from anywhere with a stable internet connection and strive to replicate the feel of traditional in-person classrooms. They also eliminate commuting, which can be a time-consuming and costly aspect of in-person learning.

Another learning method includes on-demand, asynchronous, or self-paced Microsoft Access training. This method is best for students who need to learn at their own pace or have personal obligations that prevent them from attending regularly scheduled classes. This method gives students more freedom to learn as they wish. However, on-demand learning lacks an instructor for guidance, and a student’s own self-motivation is key to progressing through the material.

Lastly, students can learn through free training options such as seminars, online tutorials, guides, blog posts, or videos. These options are great for individuals wanting to learn the basics of Microsoft Access. However, like other learning options, they don’t feature a proper instructor and will not be enough for someone wanting to learn Microsoft Access to advance their career. Free tutorials can also be outdated. 

Read the full guide on how to learn Microsoft Access.

Learn Microsoft Access with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

In today's busy world, live online learning can be a fast, engaging, and cheaper alternative to in-person classes. With live, hands-on training at Noble Desktop, Microsoft Access is easy to learn. Noble Desktop's classes are small, taught by expert instructors, and include free retake options.

Noble Desktop offers Microsoft Access classes at two levels. Microsoft Access Level I teaches beginners the fundamentals of the program. Students learn how to work with data and create tables and forms. Microsoft Access Level II teaches advanced techniques such as data validation, table structure improvement, and advanced reporting. Students build their own databases and learn efficiency tips and tricks. 

The Microsoft Access Bootcamp covers both Microsoft Access Level I and II. This class is ideal for beginners who wish to master the program in one comprehensive course. Students interested in becoming certified in Microsoft Access may want to attend the Access Specialist Certification Program. This course is offered through NYIM, an affiliate school to Noble Desktop, and combines Microsoft Access Level I and II with Access Certification exam training.

Key Insights

• Microsoft Access is a database management software designed to help small businesses manage large quantities of information.
• Users across industries in professions such as data management, finance, project management, and application development utilize Microsoft Office.
• Gaining skills in Microsoft Access can boost your resume, improve productivity, and aid you in exploring a new career.
• You can receive comprehensive Microsoft Access training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.