Microsoft Office, also known as Microsoft Office 365, is a collection of software that each offers a unique purpose. Each application serves its own function and is equipped with tools, panels, and features. The first version of Microsoft Office was released in 1990 and has since undergone numerous updates and seen many new additions within the past three decades. Despite its age, it has withstood societal and technological changes and become a true staple in the tech community, professional landscape, and virtually every industry. Its ability to remain relevant serves as a testament to its adaptable tendencies and usefulness despite any shifts in workplace culture or practices.
Of the many applications within Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are among some of the most widely used. Word is a word processor that allows users to create professional documents for sharing, signage, or spreading information. Finance departments frequently use Excel for data management and rapid calculations. In addition, Educators often use PowerPoint to teach students new concepts or may require students to create slideshows to demonstrate their digital literacy skills. While these are some of the most commonly used, other applications such as Project and Access, may be useful depending on the user's job position and required tasks.
What Can You Do with Office Training?
Most people learn Microsoft Office applications for educational or professional reasons. These days, students as young as primary school learn how to use applications like Word and PowerPoint to create school projects and write essays. Throughout every stage of schooling, the lessons get slightly more advanced. This foundation serves students well, but many professionals learn more advanced skills depending on their roles and responsibilities within their company. Depending on your desired career path, some applications may be more useful than others, so it is worth researching before you decide to enroll in a professional Office training course.
Additionally, people use Office applications for personal reasons just as they do professional reasons. If someone has a side hustle, they can market their products using applications like Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Users can even create spreadsheets in Excel to manage their personal finances, so they know exactly how to adjust their budget from month to month. Additionally, Outlook allows users to stay in touch with loved ones and share ideas with those they have formed relationships with. These applications may increase productivity for business professionals, but they can also make one’s personal life less stressful as well.
While Microsoft Office products can enhance job prospects and productivity, they also support many creative and personal endeavors. For example, many choose to keep their journals saved as Word documents. They can also showcase their creative side by creating different PowerPoints about their preferred subjects. Additionally, Outlook allows users to stay in touch with loved ones and share ideas with those they have formed relationships with. All in all, there are different reasons to learn each Office application, which is why it is highly suggested to seek out the most relevant and useful way to learn each application.
What Will I Learn in an Office Class?
Microsoft Office has so many applications to learn. Some classes may focus on teaching one application whereas others may focus on a few. For example, a Microsoft Teams course will show students how to navigate the email tools. Those who enroll in a Microsoft Project class will likely discuss the best project management techniques and the corresponding tools the application provides. Microsoft Outlook courses will show students how to use various tools and functions on the application, just as Excel classes will teach spreadsheet creation. Ultimately, these courses show students how to use the applications but also how to effectively communicate in any given situation.
Email Tools
Microsoft Outlook courses show students how to use the tools and functions to send mass emails, organize their inboxes, or manage their weekly schedules. Students will often learn the basics, but will also learn how to utilize the more advanced or hidden features of the application. For instance, students may learn how to use AI tools for Outlook or use different plugins that optimize workflow and make emailing much easier. In addition, some courses may show students how to design and customize their emails, which is ideal for someone sending an email invitation or those who send out newsletters for their business.
Project Management
Those who enroll in a Microsoft Project course will learn how to perform effectively as a Project Manager. Many Project courses will show students how to create schedules, budgets, and reports as well as distribute tasks among various employees. In addition, they can create new tasks and track their progress throughout the duration. More advanced classes may show students how to use formulas, use collaboration tools, and view the project chronologically. This may differ from course to course, but most bootcamps and classes provide in-depth insight and help students feel confident using the application for their next project.
Spreadsheet Functions
For those who work in finance or data management, a Microsoft Excel course may be beneficial. Students in an Excel class will learn, first and foremost, how to create, manage, and read a spreadsheet. They will likely learn various functions such as LOOKUP and MATCH, which are the most widely used and essential for managing an Excel spreadsheet. They will also learn how to perform calculations and manage the information within the spreadsheets. Some students find Excel rather challenging, but with the right training, it is entirely possible to learn the basic and more advanced functions and tools.
Coding Languages
Some who use Office products learn coding languages. For example, Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system that allows users to store, retrieve, and edit large volumes of data. It also assists with analytics, business intelligence operations, and calculations. Common coding languages that Microsoft Office experts may know include SQL, VBA, and C++. Although this skill may benefit some professionals more than others, it is not out of the ordinary for coding professionals to know how to use Microsoft Office applications as well. Depending on the class, students may learn how to code as well as how to use Office applications like Excel or Word.
Communication Skills
Although communication is often considered a soft skill, it is something that most Office users need. In particular, applications like Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook require users to have specific skills that allow them to communicate new information to others in their department. For instance, PowerPoint can be used for communication briefs that update employees on different changes and requirements within the organization. Teams, on the other hand, allow for easy communication between those in different departments. Many Office courses teach students how to not only identify their target audience but also how to reach out to them through various methods.
How Hard is It to Learn Office?
Overall, it is not entirely difficult to learn Office, but some applications are more challenging than others. For instance, students may pick up on Word without much difficulty but may have a harder time using Excel. Some could use Outlook with ease but may find Teams a little confusing. However, while difficulty varies from person to person, so does the skill set. It is much less difficult to become familiar with Office than it is to excel at using their applications. There may be a higher learning curve for anyone hoping to master one or more applications.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Office?
Each application has its own challenges. For instance, Microsoft Word has many features, including the formatting options under Styles, that can be challenging to use. With PowerPoint, many design features appear hidden or out-of-sight which could be difficult to use with little experience. For example, using complex animations can be difficult to format correctly on a slide. On the other hand, many find Excel relatively challenging, but with the right training, they will be able to utilize the spreadsheet application in no time. Some may need additional practice with PivotTables, VB programming, and data analysis tools. However, it’s important to remember that difficulty is entirely subjective. What is difficult for one person may be rather simplistic to another. That is why choosing the right workshop or bootcamp is vital to ensure each student gets the specific training they need.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Office?
It does not take a lot of time to learn individual Office applications, but it may take more time to learn them all in-depth. However, most people agree that it only takes a few hours to a few days to learn the basic functions of most Microsoft Office applications. Additionally, this may differ from person to person. Learning Word, Outlook, and Teams can take less time than applications like PowerPoint and Excel. However, there is a difference between familiarity with the features and obtaining a professional-level understanding of the application.
Should I Learn Office in Person or Online?
There are different ways to learn Office products. Most agree that learning from a professional makes the process not only easier but more enjoyable. There are a few key factors to consider when enrolling in an Office course such as your schedule, level of experience, and location. In addition, your personal learning preferences should play a role. Some may choose asynchronous classes. These are essentially self-paced, which sounds ideal for those with strict schedules and those who may already have some experience with the tool they are studying. However, there is a severe lack of structure in these classes, and the hands-on projects are diluted due to the lack of interaction between instructors and peers. While this is a good method for those who prefer to learn at their own pace, it ultimately requires extra time outside of studying the required course material to troubleshoot errors or research answers to any questions.
Live online courses allow students from all across the country to partake in learning new skills. Those who live in remote areas or have limited time to make a commute to class should consider live online courses as they fit well within many busy schedules. Additionally, students can still complete hands-on projects and interact with their virtual peers and instructors. Not only will students have like-minded individuals to gain insight from, but their instructors will be able to answer any questions or provide feedback directly. This is an ideal learning method for those with busy schedules or who live far from a training center. Although many live online courses require students to buy their own course materials, this learning method provides a blend of freedom with interaction.
Traditional methods of learning are often considered the most effective. Students who sign up for in-person classes typically find it easier to learn the material and less daunting as they are learning alongside their peers. Plus, students can gain direct experience with the tools and technologies as well as get direct feedback from the instructor. Plus, if any errors occur, students will have their instructor assist them through the troubleshooting process, which can save a lot of time. Overall, most students feel this method is most effective because it provides a more interactive learning environment with more hands-on, in-depth learning methods.
Can I Learn Office Free Online?
Microsoft Office students can find free online resources that help with the learning process. These include social media pages, blogs, chatrooms, and video suites with all kinds of updated Office information. For example, the Noble Desktop seminars page offers pre-recorded seminars on various subjects, ranging from Adobe and Microsoft applications to data analysis and digital marketing. For example, they offer a seminar on the top ten tricks for Microsoft Excel beginners. While free online resources may be useful, it is important to remember that they are only supplemental and cannot provide a thorough, long-running education. Professional skills cannot be developed for free, so it is best to seek out a professional training course to start building upon your skills.
What Should I Learn Alongside Office?
Once a student has learned all their preferred Office applications, they may question whether they need to learn anything else. In general, Office sets a good foundation for a plethora of other skills to be built upon as well. For example, a professional who learns how to use the presentation design application PowerPoint may benefit from learning relevant design applications within Adobe Creative Cloud. Students could learn Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator to help add a creative flair to any of their PowerPoint slideshows or their Word documents.
However, the next steps mainly depend on what the student hopes to achieve through their learning journey. Those who want to someday work in the tech industry could learn different programming languages, web creation software, or data analytics services. For anyone interested in marketing, they could practice different marketing techniques, like search engine optimization and pay-per-click advertisements. Perhaps those who work in building and floor plan design could learn how to use AutoCAD. All in all, any additional skills can be useful when applying for jobs as employers value applicants who have diverse abilities and who display a willingness to learn new skills.
Industries That Use Office
Microsoft Office is a staple across nearly every industry. At most, every company uses Word, PowerPoint, Excel, or a combination of the three at some level throughout the organization. As a result, there are various industries where Office experience can help lead to gainful employment. Particularly in Miami, the tourism industry shows no signs of slowing. Additionally, Miami is ideal for industries like industrial trade and media communications to thrive due to its location, diverse population, and large economy. Miami also has a notable finance industry that is showing signs of growth year by year. These industries all use Office applications in different ways, so learning the basics may be a necessity.
Tourism
Tourism professionals use Microsoft Office so frequently that it is likely required for employees to learn. In large tourism companies, an employee may create newsletters, data visualizations, and official documents in Word or PowerPoint to send from department to department. Other applications like Outlook and Teams help keep employees in the loop with one another’s progress and status on different projects and ventures. This makes sharing new information or guidelines quick and easy. Additionally, travel agencies and tour guides may use Excel to manage their bookings, calendars, schedules, and upcoming meetings.
Unsurprisingly, Miami has a strong tourism industry thanks to the city’s stunning beaches, thrilling nightlife, diverse restaurants, and other exciting events. Miami Beach, Everglades National Park, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, and the Miami Zoo are just a few of the many attractions that draw in millions of tourists each year. Numerous cruise lines land at and leave Miami’s port every day such as Norwegian Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International. There are also many tourism-based companies, like TravelPerk, Veabor, Fisher Island Club, Gray Line Miami, Cata Black Car, BoatSetter, Zurfers, Luxury Rentals Miami Beach, and Eroom Rental. Marketing teams, human resource professionals, and Project Managers for these companies and attractions use Office applications regularly, so any level of experience can be beneficial for a hopeful employee to acquire.
Finance
Finance professionals use Microsoft applications for several reasons. For internal communications and easy collaboration, Teams and Outlook may be utilized. Certain time-sensitive projects may be monitored with the help of Project as well. More commonly, finance professionals use Excel to manage client budgets, investment information, accounting tasks, and other financial data. This spreadsheet application makes time-consuming calculations less of a task and allows the professional to store large quantities of data in one place. They also use Word or PowerPoint to convey important information, create and share data visualizations, and showcase budgeting changes.
The finance industry in Miami has a strong presence and is expected to see continued growth, perhaps solidifying Miami as one of the main finance hubs in the country. Miami has a diverse downtown banking district with a blend of domestic banking offices and agencies as well as the largest concentration of international banks in all of the United States. Some of the top banks, investment firms, insurance agencies, and FinTech companies in Miami include First National Bank of South Miami, Citadel, Securitize, Apollo Bank, Velocity Solutions, Greenbox Capital, Novo, Transak, Interamerican Bank, OneUnited Bank, Bci Miami, Grove Bank and Trust, H.I.G Capital, Nymbus, Bank of America, and Visa. Any of these companies could require their employees to have skills in Microsoft Office products.
Media and Telecommunications
News agencies, entertainment companies, and telecommunication companies use Microsoft products to manage their workflow, communications, and sensitive data. They will often use Word and Excel to manage, share, and collaborate on projects. Overall, Microsoft applications can help media professionals increase productivity, manage content distribution, and convey important information to those within the organization or in the regional area. Many also use Microsoft Azure to perform analytics on recent data compiled from broadcasts and television shows. Some may use Teams, Project, and Outlook to keep track of project deadlines and to communicate with other colleagues.
Miami also has an array of media and telecommunications companies in both English language and Spanish. Some of the top media communications companies in the Miami area include Warner Bros, Multi Media LLC, The Walt Disney Company, Touch Inflight Solutions, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Univision Communications, ESPN, Optimum, NBC Universal, V-Me Media Inc., Comcast, Mad Cave Studios, Telemundo, Broadcast Media Monitoring, Blue Nile Entertainment, Lifestyle Production Group, and the Fox Corporation. These may require their employees in the human resources, marketing, and accounting departments to learn some of the most common Microsoft Office applications.
International Trade
Microsoft Office allows the international trade and business world to succeed thanks to the many applications and tools that streamline productivity, balance workplace tasks, and allow collaboration across documents. In the international trade industry, applications like Teams, Project, and Outlook help manage workplace tasks, keep track of import and export dates, and set shipment expectations. In addition, they allow for easy communication and sharing across departments. Some international trade professionals may use Word or Excel to manage in-stock materials, create reports, access financial information, and manage shipping requirements.
The Port of Miami is well known for its cruise lines, but it is also one of the largest container ports in the United States for international trade. Not to mention, the Miami International Airport is the number one airport for international freight, particularly to places south of the equator. Miami’s unique factors make it an ideal location for international trade due to its proximity to Mexico, South America, and numerous island countries. Some of the top international trade companies in the region include the International Trading Center, AIT Worldwide Logistics, Lex Trading Export and Import, Campos Trading Group, Andes Global Trading LLC, Consumer Supplier USA LLC, Business Trading Partners International Inc., and The World Trade Corporation. They all hire employees with diverse skill sets, but many know how to use Microsoft Office applications.
Office Job Titles and Salaries
Because Microsoft Office is a staple software across virtually all industries, there is use for Office experts in a variety of companies and fields. For instance, Digital Marketers often have skills in multiple applications. Similarly, Project Managers use different applications to maintain structure and organization on various projects. Bookkeepers and Business Analysts often use applications like Excel and PowerPoint to assist with their regular work tasks but can be found using others as well. Career advancements remain among the top reasons to learn different Office applications, so it is worthwhile exploring the different job positions and what Microsoft knowledge they each require.
Digital Marketer
A Digital Marketer creates, manages, and implements marketing campaigns across different digital spaces such as social media or email. They also know search engine optimization techniques, backlinks, and paid search advertisements. They often have strong skills in different tools and technologies such as Microsoft Office applications like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook. They also frequently use Adobe Creative Cloud applications, WordPress, Google Analytics, and Google Ads. They may even learn coding languages like HTML & CSS. In addition, Digital Marketers are needed in virtually every industry and can earn a profitable salary. Depending on education, location, and company, Digital Marketers can expect a salary range from $55,000 to $89,000. This career path is enticing to many due to the steady pay, ample opportunities, and blend of technical and creative skills. In addition, many Digital Marketers work remotely but can also work in-house at nonprofits, retailers, software companies, startups, and service-based companies.
Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers work as part of an accounting team to record and manage financial records for the business. In general, they maintain a company's books but can also handle payroll, checks, statements for multiple bank accounts, and various financial statements. Generally, they are also tasked with compiling data related to the business's financial activity. They often work with small teams of Accountants and Administrative Assistants, but can also work remotely, onsite, freelance, or as contract employees. Most of their weekly tasks include managing receipts and bills, analyzing financial data, preparing spreadsheets and data visualizations, and briefing business owners on the business's finances for the month. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Miami is one of the top areas with the highest employment level for bookkeeping. In Miami, the average salary for a Bookkeeper is roughly $49,000, which is spot on with the national mean annual wage. Bookkeepers typically find their work rewarding and ever-changing as they work hard to learn new industry standards, maintain organization, and focus on minute details.
Project Manager
Additionally, Project Managers use Microsoft Office products like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Project. Those in this position manage the completion of different projects from start to finish. Project Managers typically handle the materials, budget, and timing required to successfully complete a project. Additionally, they work on a wide variety of projects since they are needed in many industries. Project Managers often work alongside other higher-ups in the organization such as the VP or those on the board of the company. They typically spend their work week arranging meetings, budgeting, determining the next steps, communicating with clients, troubleshooting issues, and creating contracts and blueprints. Plus, Project Managers earn a relatively lucrative salary in the United States. The average salary is $116,000, but this can depend on their level of education, the location, and the industry in which they work.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts also have strong skills in Microsoft Office products such as Excel. Companies will hire Business Analysts to suggest solutions and new avenues for success through data analysis. Their weekly tasks typically consist of analyzing information and documenting what they find. Business Analysts also visualize and present their findings to explain to others in the organization what data-driven solutions should be implemented. They often work with other analysts and business professionals in-person but can also work remotely. Additionally, Business Analysts work across nearly any industry and for all kinds of businesses such as nonprofits, government agencies, IT companies, or large corporations. They also earn a relatively profitable salary. A Business Analyst in the United States can expect an average salary of roughly $74,000, but this number does not factor in additional pay and compensation. Depending on education, level of experience, and the company, Business Analysts can even earn six-digit salaries.
Office Classes Near Me
The Noble Desktop Complete Microsoft Office Bootcamp offers students a discounted opportunity to learn multiple Office applications at one time. Specifically, students will learn three levels of Excel and two levels of PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook, which is an ideal level of proficiency depending on your job position or intended field. Students will solidify their basic understanding of the Office applications, but will also gain more in-depth, advanced skills on each application. They will practice document, slideshow, spreadsheet, and email creation that can be applied in various real-world situations. Students are not required to have previous experience with these applications but should have a working knowledge of their computers. Noble Desktop also offers different benefits for those who enroll in this class such as free setup assistance and a free retake of the course within one year. The small class sizes encourage more hands-on learning and interaction as well. Plus, students will have access to a video suite with supplemental learning resources. At the end of the course, students will earn their verified digital certificate of completion that serves as a testament to their newly acquired Office skills.
In addition, Noble Desktop provides a Microsoft Word Level I course that shows beginner students how to navigate the interface, format documents, and implement shortcuts. Additionally, the instructor will teach students how to create tables and add endnotes, footnotes, and citations, which are vital when writing research-based assignments. They will also learn how to add visual aids to their Word documents. Overall, this course is intended to increase productivity and efficiency through completing various projects and lessons that give students more hands-on experience with Word. Students need no prior experience in this class and will also have access to additional benefits. For instance, they will receive free setup assistance and can take advantage of a free course retake. At the end of this six-hour course, students will feel confident using Word for basic document formatting and will receive a verified digital certificate of completion.
The Access Combo Level 1-3 course from Certstaffix Training spans five days and shows students how to work with the Access database to create tables, queries, forms, and reports. They will also learn how to work with sub datasheets and tab pages with subforms. On the last day of class, students will even use VBA, a Microsoft programming language, to extend their database capabilities. They will convert their Access database information to a file and will learn to package it with a digital signature as well. This is a thorough course that does not require students to have previous experience with Access, but students should have working knowledge of their computer and end-user skills for Windows specifically. Additionally, this course can help students prepare for the Microsoft Access Expert Certification Exam. During the course, students will have access to a software lab and can take the course again online at no additional cost within six months. They will receive a digital badge and a certificate of completion at the end of the five-day course.
ONLC Training Centers offers Excel classes in Miami that range from beginner to advanced. For instance, their Excel Workbooks, Formulas, and Functions course shows students how to manage spreadsheets with large amounts of data, create models, and use various calculations and functions. Students in this course should have introductory Excel skills. Specifically, students will learn to manipulate worksheets, use 3D references, the Insert function, and various financial functions. They will also practice the more regularly used functions such as VLOOKUP, MATCH, and INDEX. Students in this course will learn the most updated features and will leave feeling like they are capable of using Excel at a more advanced level.
Those who frequently give presentations may benefit from the NetCom Learning PowerPoint 2019: Level 2 course. Students in this class will learn how to customize their slideshows with templates, hand-drawn elements, tables, charts, and various forms of media. The instructor will guide students through the creation process and will show them how to add transitions and animations as well. They will ultimately complete their presentations but not before learning how to save and distribute their work. This course could help students prepare for the Microsoft Office Specialist: Associate exam if they choose to pursue that certification. By the end of this eight-hour course, students will feel sufficiently capable of creating informational, visually appealing slideshow presentations.
The two-day Microsoft Project 2019/2016 Level 1 Bootcamp from The Academy Miami gives students insight into the basic and advanced features provided to users on Microsoft Project. The instructor will show students how to create projects and follow them through to completion. In particular, students will gain experience managing project resources and timelines and will work with project calendars that help facilitate project completion step by step. They will also create reports and learn how to juggle the different project management tasks so they can feel more equipped in a real-world situation. Students should have experience with project management and Windows before this course and will have access to notable resources, including courseware, extended lab support, and onsite certification testing if they choose to pursue certification.
The Knowledge Academy hosts a Microsoft Office 365 Masterclass that includes Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and Teams. Students will learn all the updated features of each application and will also teach students how to collaborate on different documents. In addition, the instructor will show students how to use these applications in various work environments so they can apply their new skills in the workplace. Some of the lessons include setting meeting controls in Teams, creating and organizing folders in OneDrive, sharing slideshows created on PowerPoint, and using Pivot Table features in Excel. This course provides an all-encompassing education and is entirely beginner-friendly, although previous experience with these applications is useful. Once the course has ended, students will receive a Microsoft Office 365 Certificate and a digital delegate pack.
In addition, the Office 365 Introduction course from Business Computer Skills is a one-day course that shows students ways to optimize their workflow, communicate with the department members, and collaborate on different projects. Students will learn how to use OneDrive, Teams, and Outlook to save files, communicate with peers, and share different ideas through collaborative practices. The instructor will show students how to co-author documents, use offline syncing, and use helpful tools like the Notebook and Journal in Teams. They will also learn how to use Forms to create surveys and the To-Do list which can manage daily tasks and help keep users on track. Students have the option to retake the course for free and will have access to free training materials and official course materials.
Office Corporate Training
There are ample reasons to enroll in a corporate training course. The main benefits include a more cohesive environment, increased productivity, and a more efficient workplace. If your organization has considered corporate training, there is no better time to jump at the opportunity. However, it is best to consider all your options since no two training courses are the same. There are in-person and live online training course options that can suit your group's individual needs regardless of your location and schedule. For instance, Noble Desktop offers corporate training in different topics, technologies, and tools so students can learn at their own pace and absorb all the material relevant to their professional endeavors.
In addition to its wide range of corporate training courses, Noble Desktop also offers the opportunity to purchase bulk vouchers for attendance in regular classes at a discounted rate. Enrolling in these learning opportunities can make all the difference in the workplace, particularly in a space where effective collaboration and communication are required. Anyone interested in this style of training should feel inclined to message corporate@nobledesktop.com for more information on pricing, availability, and corporate training methods that best suit their group’s learning needs.