Learn More About Microsoft Office Classes in Philadelphia
Microsoft Office is a collection of software that has become a staple in virtually every industry and is used regularly in a myriad of job positions. Nearly every company uses Office products at some level within their organization, from human resources and marketing to financial departments and project management. Office—also known as Microsoft 365—was first announced in the late 80s and has since gone through many versions. Office is available as a different desktop application version and has optimal cloud storage as well, so users can save files, photos, videos, and other documents.
Some of the most popular applications within Microsoft Office include PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Project, Access, and Outlook. Some applications are word processors, whereas others organize data within a spreadsheet. In addition, some aid in presentation-style visual aids, and others are used for internal communications and personal information management. These applications are incredibly versatile and useful depending on the type of work that’s completed for each role. In addition, VBA, or Visual Basic for Applications, is a programming language developed by Microsoft that is event-driven and used to automate repetitive word and data functions. In addition, it allows users to create various reports, graphs, and other visuals. This language is built into Office already, meaning it is not a separate product from the Office suite as a whole.
What Can You Do with Office Training?
Office training can open up new opportunities for professional development. The many Office applications can be used in practically any industry or job position, whether regularly or as needed. Because there are so many different uses, from email communication and word processing to database management and presentation design, having foundational knowledge of these applications can be preferable to employers. Plus, these applications are constantly evolving, so occasional updates and additions are added that can aid in communicating with coworkers, promoting collaboration, and increasing productivity. Whether your job position requires document creation, budgeting, or data visualization, Office products are beneficial for entering a new professional field or advancing in your current position. Plus, there are many career opportunities in Philadelphia that would make enrolling in an Office course worthwhile.
Additionally, the Office can offer personal benefits as well. The organizational tools provided by Outlook help users manage their meetings, daily tasks, and deadlines with ease. In addition, Word and OneNote can be an ideal format for story writing and journaling. Different features in Excel can help with personal budgeting, and PowerPoint helps create visualizations that can help users decide where they should adjust their spending habits. For those who frequently run out of space on their phone and other digital devices, OneDrive allows users to save their files online. These applications can serve users personally just as much as they can professionally, so it is worthwhile to learn the very basics at least.
Plus, learning Office can lead to learning other software, coding languages, platforms, and digital technologies. For instance, Google has products similar to those under the Microsoft Office umbrella. Google Slides is a web-based presentation creator, much like PowerPoint. In addition, learning other applications that help with design, such as those under Adobe Creative Cloud, could make presentations, documents, and other files much more engaging. Depending on your career or reason for learning Office applications, there could be several software, tools, coding languages, design applications, and other digital spaces that could be useful and help you get one step closer to your goal.
What Will I Learn in an Office Class?
Each Office product has a different purpose. In most Office classes, students will learn the most popular and widely used applications. Many will start by learning Word, which is a word processor. In addition, PowerPoint allows users to create carefully designed, professional presentations. There are also applications that help with project management that may be covered, depending on the purpose of the class. Of course, some Office courses will cover spreadsheet use and database management tools, which can be useful in a variety of data-related fields and job positions.
Word Processing
Those who want to master Microsoft Word will learn the ins and outs of word processing and the corresponding Microsoft software. In particular, word processing refers to the practice of creating, editing, maintaining, saving, and sharing documents on a computer. The software performs word processing functions. In general, students in a Word course will learn the interface thoroughly as there are hundreds of tools and functions, both visible and hidden, that aid in operating the application. With the right training, students can confidently scan the toolbar for the correct features to create well-formatted documents, precise and organized tables, fillable forms, booklets, and other kinds of text-based creations.
Design in Presentation
PowerPoint is a valuable tool, and with the right training, can make a huge difference in finding success in a sales meeting, persuading a group, or presenting new information to a team. Most PowerPoint courses will focus on the interface, various features and purposes, and easy-to-use tools. However, many courses will also place a particular emphasis on design principles. Contrast, repetition, alignment, proximity, balance, hierarchy, pattern, and unity are just a few design principles that can be the defining factors of any design. In addition, students will learn how to apply these principles to a variety of visual aids such as graphics, animations, transitions, and tables. Students may also learn how to find and use different templates and insert outside designs that can make a more effective presentation.
Project Management
Office can help maintain productive, effective workplace practices through project management software, Microsoft Project. Those who work as Project Managers or who regularly take the lead when working on projects could benefit from training in this useful application. Project can help users develop and follow a schedule to ensure a project stays on track from start to finish. In addition, it allows the user to assign tasks and delegate responsibilities among those who work within the department. Users can also manage their materials and track their budget on this application, which can help complete the project more efficiently. Most training courses in Microsoft Access will teach users how to maximize their project management skills so they can focus less on the nitpicky details and more on the big picture.
Spreadsheets
Excel is an application to learn for those who regularly use spreadsheets to calculate data, maintain records, and manage information. Enrolling in an Excel class is the best bet for those who want to learn the entire application in-depth. An instructor will teach students not only how to create a spreadsheet, but also how to organize, update, and maintain a spreadsheet for various purposes. To the untrained person, Excel can be rather daunting, but with the right training, it can become an effective and easy way to maintain data and keep track of new information.
Database Management
Microsoft Access is a database management system that uses a graphical user interface and software-development tools to provide users the ability to manage and analyze large quantities of information quickly and with ease. In any given Access course, students will learn how to navigate the fairly user-friendly interface, where they can create and maintain different databases. An instructor will show students how to create tables, reports, and charts, and use different templates that can be customized and organized to the student’s liking. With various tools and integration features at the user’s disposal, students are bound to gain more insight into this useful database management program.
How Hard Is It to Learn Office?
Difficulty is subjective and depends on varying factors such as related experience or one’s aptitude for technology. Plus, because there are so many different applications under Office, some learners might find one more difficult than the other. All in all, many find Office relatively easy to learn, with the right training, a positive mindset, and adequate time. However, there is a vast difference between professional-level use and becoming familiar with the application. Base-level skills can likely be less intimidating for learners, whereas the more complex functions and features of each application may be more challenging.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Office?
Depending on the application, the most challenging parts of learning Office differ. Some may agree that the most difficult application is Word solely because there are tens, if not hundreds, of features built in. However, many will contend that Excel is the most challenging due to its formulas and the use of VBA. Ultimately, the challenges depend on an individual’s experience with certain concepts and their ability to navigate the interface. Once a student becomes familiar with the purpose of the application and the location of its tools, it becomes less daunting and more enjoyable to use.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Office?
It may also vary how long it takes an individual to learn Office. In general, basic skills for each application can be acquired within a few days. However, it may take some time to learn the basics of each application since there are so many. Professional-level use will take much longer to obtain, not only because there are so many applications, but also because there are so many different functions and tools within each application. Plus, each has its unique purpose, which requires learning different concepts such as document creation, email, presentation design, or project management. In general, it may take a few weeks to obtain intermediate-level skills and perhaps months to become proficient with the specific program. With time and practice, it is possible to learn every program in Office and use it effectively.
Should I Learn Office in Person or Online?
There are many methods for learning Microsoft Office. Depending on your schedule, learning needs, and location, one method of learning may be more suitable than the other. In general, students can choose from asynchronous, live online, and in-person classes. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Asynchronous courses, for instance, are largely self-paced, meaning they are relatively hands-off. This could be ideal for those with an incredibly strict schedule or who already have well-developed skills and just need a refresher. While they negate the need to make time for a commute and interact with others, there is ultimately a lack of instruction or guidance. If students find themselves in over their heads, the lack of an instructor who can answer their questions may cause frustration and more time spent researching and troubleshooting techniques outside of their designated class time.
On the other hand, live online courses bridge the gap between asynchronous and in-person courses. These courses are ideal for those living in remote areas with little access to an in-person training center. It is also great for anyone who does not have time to make the commute due to their tight schedule. Although the lessons and activities are a little less hands-on than those in an in-person class, they provide much more interaction than the asynchronous counterpart. This is particularly advantageous as students can still chat with other like-minded individuals and ask the instructor questions if there are issues that arise. In addition, the instructor can provide feedback and guidance through the video conferencing application either over video or in the chat box. Some live online courses require students to provide their own course materials, but this will vary from course to course and from subject to subject.
Ultimately, in-person courses are typically seen as the most traditional, effective method of instruction. Because students are in class with others, they can feel more supported in learning complex concepts and techniques. They are also able to ask the instructor for more personalized feedback since the instructor can be more hands-on with the students’ projects and activities. Although these courses require students to attend classes and carve out time for a commute, they are generally more effective for learning acquisition and retention. Plus, depending on the course, students may not have to provide their own equipment or course materials. While any learning method is a step in the right direction, students must consider their individual learning needs and the ways that they will feel most supported in their learning journey.
What Should I Learn Alongside Office?
What you choose to study after learning Microsoft Office may depend on your reason for learning in the first place. Many folks learn Office as part of their career or as a way to advance in their career. For instance, someone who works with data analysis will want to learn Excel, but could also benefit from studying Microsoft Power BI, Google Analytics, and Tableau. These data visualization applications can be used in different situations and are all useful for those working in a data-driven field. With this, coding languages such as Python, SQL, R, Java, and JavaScript are also beneficial to learn in addition to VBA.
In addition, some professionals may want to learn how to use certain design platforms in addition to PowerPoint. Adobe Creative Cloud is similar to Microsoft Office in that it is a collection of various applications that all serve a different purpose. Design-based applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and InDesign can be useful depending on the specific job role and purpose for learning. Plus, Microsoft applications such as Word and PowerPoint can be used alongside Office applications. Users can connect these to the Adobe Creative Cloud library to create PDFs and other professional documents or certain designs that can be added to Word or PowerPoint. In addition, with the help of Microsoft Teams, designers can easily share and collaborate on their projects.
Philadelphia Industries That Use Office
Microsoft Office is used in almost every industry and virtually every field because there are so many applications that serve different purposes. For instance, the finance industry often uses Excel for its daily tasks. Office is also used frequently in the education industry as well for both students and Instructors. The tourism industry needs experts with strong presentation skills, document formatting knowledge, and data management ability. Of course, employees within a technology company use Office too. Microsoft is a software company, therefore entrenched in the tech industry. These four industries are among some of the most notable industries in Philadelphia as well, where some level of Office expertise is not only preferred but likely required.
Finance
Many finance professionals use Microsoft products in their weekly work tasks. Most notable is their use of Excel. Those who work in finance generally have a strong understanding of Excel, its interface, and various functions, largely due to its ability to optimize. This application can automate tasks, provide calculations for complex financial information, forecast financial changes, enhance budgeting strategies, and provide data visualizations like charts and graphs for clients’ financial information. Ultimately, the finance industry relies on Microsoft Office due to its ability to increase efficiency, provide accurate calculations, and allow for real-time collaboration. It can ultimately make handling sensitive financial information much easier and safer.
The finance sector in Philadelphia is one of the most prominent in the nation and has highly regarded companies such as Vanguard, FS Investments, Lincoln Financial, SEI, Radian, Colonial Penn, and Delaware Funds by Macquarie. In addition, Philadelphia is home to many big-name banks and investment firms, including Citizens Bank, Firstrust Bank, PNC Bank, TD Bank, Wells Fargo, Macquarie Asset Management, Fulton Bank, JPMorgan Chase, and Bank of America. Any one of these companies could likely use applications like Excel, Teams, Outlook, and Access regularly and incorporate PowerPoint and Word as needed. All in all, Office is a foundational set of applications for many finance professionals.
Education
Microsoft Office applications are used extensively in the education industry, for both educators and students. For instance, students will use Word to write thoughtful essays and PowerPoint to create slideshows for in-class presentations. Some courses will teach students how to use Excel as a budgeting tool. In many universities, Microsoft Outlook is the preferred method of communication among faculty and students. Educators also use PowerPoint and Word to create study guides, notes, and lecture material. Additionally, many Microsoft applications facilitate the learning process by providing resources, collaboration tools, and technical support. Most importantly, Office can serve as a multimodal tool that engages students and easily communicates the necessary information.
Philadelphia has an incredibly diverse education sector as it is home to over 100 higher education institutions and many notable EdTech companies. For example, KickUp, Guiding Technologies Corp, Yellowdig, Choosito! Search and Learn, Bilingũe, Dissertation Accountability Partners, Rezzio Learning, Breakthrough University, SmartyPal, The College Pro, and CampusESP are all highly-rated companies and start-ups in the greater Philadelphia region. In addition, Philadelphia has some of the most well-known universities in the country, including the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Drexel University, Villanova University, Swarthmore College, and Thomas Jefferson University.
Technology
Microsoft is a technology company; therefore, it is ingrained within the industry and can be found in nearly any tech-related field. In fact, the technology industry has a widespread need for employees with strong digital literacy skills, and this often includes knowing how to use Microsoft Office applications quickly and with ease. Notably, many tech companies use Microsoft Outlook and Teams to communicate and collaborate with others in their department. While many technology companies use Office applications for their ease of access and flexibility, it is also highly secure and private, which may be necessary depending on the information the tech company is handling.
In addition, there are many factors at play that make Philadelphia such a strong figure in the nation’s tech industry. Although many people immediately think of Silicon Valley when they think of tech, Philadelphia has ample resources to become a pillar in the industry, such as strong infrastructure, education, public transportation, a diverse population, and a myriad of big-name corporations that call the city home. Some of the more notable technology companies in the region include Amazon, Infosys, Cognizant Technology Solutions, Tata Consultancy Services, IBM, Oracle, Wipro, SAP, Apple, and HCLTech.
Tourism
The tourism industry uses a myriad of Microsoft Office products, including Word, PowerPoint, and even Excel. In particular, tourism industry professionals can use Excel to manage their tasks, upcoming bookings, and expenses. This is an easy tool to manage all that information in one place, where the Travel Agent, Concierge, or Guest Relations Manager can easily find and edit as needed. Otherwise, many tourism companies use PowerPoint to present new data regarding their success rates or to encourage new policies and tactics for increasing tourist visitation. Of course, many travel agreements, contracts, and related documents can be drafted and created on Word before being transformed into a signable PDF. There are other applications used within the tourism industry, such as Outlook, that encourage communication across different departments and entities within the organization.
Philadelphia’s tourism industry accounts for a large chunk of the region, and the state, economy. It is one of the most traveled-to cities in the country, seeing nearly 43 million visitors and generating 12.4 billion dollars in 2023 alone. Hospitality and tourism-related jobs have seen an increase throughout the years as a result. Some of the more notable tourist attractions in the area include the Liberty Bell, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Zoo, and Independence National Historical Park. Aside from the tourist attractions, there are numerous hotels, airlines, restaurants, leisure centers, travel agencies, resorts, and event centers that draw in visitors every year. Whether to advertise a Philadelphia Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field or to entice visitors to visit one of Philadelphia’s restaurants and bars, there is a place for tourism professionals to use several Microsoft Office products.
Office Job Titles and Salaries in Philadelphia
Microsoft Office is a pillar for many industries and fields. Some of the most widely used applications can be found within virtually every professional setting. For example, Design Directors can use Office applications to plan, direct, and manage various projects. A Data Analyst will use applications like Excel to help with their important work tasks. In addition, a Digital Marketer and a Project Manager will use a plethora of Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook. Ultimately, there is use for Office products in any professional setting, so regardless, it is suggested that everyone has some experience with the more common applications.
Design Director
Design Directors take charge of numerous projects and manage different creative professionals. They are also essential for the content creation process and help make the finished product as functional, visually appealing, and efficient as possible. Design Directors should have a strong grasp of graphic and web design. In addition, they often learn applications from Adobe, such as Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, and InDesign, as well as Microsoft applications like Word, Teams, or Outlook. They are able to visualize data or present new updates to those working across various departments with PowerPoint. In addition, a Design Director may use Excel to store employee information, project details, and other important data related to the projects they are directing. The average Digital Designer in the United States earns $94,000 every year, but this may depend on experience, level of understanding, and specific skill sets.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts take data from various sources within a company and provide insights from their findings. This includes collecting, summarizing, analyzing, and visualizing the information so it is easily understood and distributable amongst those who have a stake in the data’s outcome. Many Data Analysts learn to complete their daily tasks with programming languages, software, and various applications, including many within Microsoft Office. They regularly use Microsoft Excel, Access, and SharePoint. They often learn these as well as the coding languages SQL, R, and Python. In addition, they work on various projects at once and are typically part of a larger team that consists of other analysts, Project Managers, and Product Managers. The average Data Analyst can expect a salary of nearly $70,000 each year. They work in many industries, ranging from healthcare and education to retail and marketing.
Digital Marketer
Digital Marketers also use a wide variety of tools and technologies to aid in their workplace function. Specifically, Digital Marketers construct different marketing campaigns on a variety of digital platforms and spaces, ranging from email and social media to pay-per-click and search engine optimization techniques. They will likely learn Adobe products such as Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and InDesign. Additionally, they will often learn other useful applications that help determine campaign effectiveness, such as Google Analytics and certain e-commerce platforms. Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, and Outlook may prove useful too. The average Digital Marketer can earn a profitable salary across the country. A Digital Marketer in the United States can generally expect to earn a salary of $63,000, but the realistic range is anywhere from $55,000 to $89,000, depending on various factors.
Project Manager
Project Managers ensure that each project they oversee ends with the desired results. Overall, they ensure that the entire process from start to finish runs efficiently, smoothly, and successfully. They need strong leadership, communication, budgeting, risk management, and time management skills to perform their regular tasks. They also learn Microsoft Project, which is a project management software designed to help track projects, delegate tasks, and develop new strategies as needed. The mean annual salary for a United States Project Manager is around $87,000, but this can depend on factors such as experience, level of education, and location. Many Project Manager positions earn six-digit salaries, with estimates predicting the average salary coming in closer to $116,000.
Office Classes from Noble Desktop
Students can choose courses that cover one specific product, which can be useful for anyone who uses one application regularly in their field and would like to refresh or solidify their skills. For each major Office product (such as Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and Project), there are varying course levels, bootcamps, and certification courses. You can explore a variety of these, from the 14-hour PowerPoint Specialist Certification Program to the six-hour AI for Workplace Productivity with Microsoft Copilot course.
For instance, the Excel Bootcamp offered by Noble Desktop provides in-depth instruction on this spreadsheet editing software. Over three days, students will complete Noble Desktop’s intermediate and advanced-level Excel for business courses. Students will learn functions, Pivot Tables, macros, formulas, and various tips and tricks to help save time and effort in Excel. In addition, they will practice sorting and filtering databases, performing complex functions like VLOOKUP, and using What-If Analysis for different datasets. This all-encompassing bootcamp offers free setup assistance, workbooks, projects that are based on real-world scenarios, and a supplemental refresher video suite. In addition, students are able to retake the course at no additional cost within a year of their original enrollment and will earn a verified digital certificate of completion to serve as a testament to their determination.
For those who want a comprehensive overview of Microsoft Office applications, Noble Desktop also offers a Complete Microsoft Office Bootcamp. Over a total of 54 hours, this course takes students on a deep dive through applications like Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook. Students will go through two to three levels of each application and will have opportunities to practice each with hands-on projects and through in-class activities with the skill instructor. Not only that, this course is offered at a discounted rate. Students will also have access to setup assistance, supplemental refresher videos, and a free retake within one year. They will also be awarded a verified digital certificate of completion. This course is an ideal way to gain various levels of experience with the most widely used applications under Microsoft Office.
Office Corporate Training
Microsoft Office is one of the most widely used collections of software in the modern workplace, ranging from corporate settings to warehouses and large companies to small businesses. If your organization uses Office regularly and wants to refresh your skills or acquire a deeper understanding of the various functions, tools, and applications, consider enrolling in a corporate training course. There are in-person and online options available to groups that prefer one method over the other. Depending on a few factors, your team can choose a training class that suits your location, preferences, and learning needs. There are plenty of corporate training options available at Noble Desktop that vary in their subject matter, length, and purpose.
In particular, Noble Desktop also offers your organization the option to purchase bulk vouchers for attendance in regular classes at a discounted rate. This is ideal for employees who want to strengthen their skills even further. Overall, corporate training is highly recommended as it helps department members work cohesively and effectively to complete their day-to-day projects. Plus, corporate training can offer more hands-on experience with the skills and help improve workplace communication. For those interested in corporate training, please feel encouraged to message Noble Desktop at corporate@nobledesktop.com for more information on pricing and scheduling.