Microsoft Office is a suite of applications often used for professional and academic purposes to complete daily tasks at home, work, or anywhere you can access a computer. Microsoft Office has been around since its release in 1990, but in 2022, it changed from Microsoft Office to Microsoft 365. Microsoft 365 has some of the familiar applications that were brought on with Microsoft Office and some more cloud-based features to keep up with technology. Applications like Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint are among the most popular. Microsoft 365 also has applications like Outlook, OneDrive, and Teams.
Most people are familiar with some of the most commonly used Office programs, and some might even have preferences. For example, some prefer Microsoft PowerPoint for presentations. Many use this program to create slide show presentations for either work or school, and it can even be utilized to create posters. PowerPoint is one of the most well-known applications. Microsoft Excel is used to make and edit spreadsheets. These spreadsheets can then create graphs and charts using the data entered into the cells. Others also use Excel to organize and track information, either for personal or professional use. Microsoft Word is the most used and most popular Microsoft tool. It is a word-processing application that is utilized to create text documents. From a cover letter to a business summary, almost anyone can find a use for Microsoft Word. It can be used for simple or more complex formatting using various headers or charts. Microsoft is also the standard for most businesses. It can even be used with Google Docs. Microsoft Access, another part of the Office suite, is a database software program that allows users to interact with data quickly. Finally, Microsoft 365 applications like Outlook, OneDrive, and Teams help individuals connect and collaborate via email, shared documents and spaces, and video calling. While it is a commonly used program, there are different levels of expertise in Microsoft Office, and depending on how in-depth a person would like to go, their level of knowledge can carry them into various careers.
Is It Worth It to Learn Microsoft Office?
According to the Financial Post, over one billion people worldwide will use Microsoft Office in 2021; it is safe to assume that number has increased with time. With that many users, having some form of Microsoft Office experience is not only worth it but likely required. As a student, many components of Microsoft Office will be expected to be necessary such as Word for word processing, PowerPoint to complete required course presentations, and Outlook could be a primary email source to maintain communication with professors. From a career standpoint, most employers require basic knowledge of most Office programs and will name specific programs requiring job expertise.
Microsoft has additional benefits to learn. For example, Microsoft Office 365 has many features that help with work collaboration. Using Teams, SharePoint, or OneDrive allows team members to collaborate seamlessly and in real-time. Being well-versed in Microsoft Office is also great at improving the creativity of various projects. From PowerPoint to Excel, multiple Office applications can be used to enhance presentations, graphs, and even flyers. When exploring Office applications, some can also increase efficiency and productivity for personal and career projects. Overall, Microsoft Office has its benefits, and learning the various applications can increase job opportunities, improve academic success, and take multiple projects to the next level.
How Hard is It to Learn Microsoft Office?
Many people use some components of Office in the most basic way without any formal training. Some open a Word document to take quick notes or write a short paper. Other people might find themselves creating a simple PowerPoint Presentation using context clues and trial-and-error methods without unlocking the shortcuts or other uses of the program. Most Office programs are easy to learn because of their simplicity and easy navigation. However, taking a course allows learners to learn efficient and effective ways to use the many intricate pieces of some of their favorite programs. It is generally easy to understand Microsoft Office; for some, it can take about three days with professional training. It is essential to keep in mind that your prior knowledge and end goal can make the learning process more complex.
Should I Learn Microsoft Office in Person or Online?
Online courses continue to grow in popularity, particularly after the Covid-19 shutdown. Many students find value in taking classes or obtaining full degrees online versus traditional in-person learning. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2021,1.9 million remote learners attended nonprofit institutions. As online learning continues to be an option, students continue to use this tool to help improve their success. It is a personal preference when considering the best course choice; this includes taking Microsoft Office courses.
There are a few advantages of online courses over in-person courses. First, taking a class online offers greater flexibility. If it is a live online course, the course must be attended during course hours, but students can log in and log in from anywhere. This is incredibly convenient as it accommodates work schedules or other time constraints. If it is a self-paced course, there are even more possibilities when you watch lectures or work on course assignments. Another advantage of taking a course anywhere is that there is no commute! No need to worry about adding in commute time when signing up for a course. The lack of commute also opens up options regarding what courses you can take at various schools. An online course in Chicago can be accessible to anyone, anywhere.
On the other hand, flexibility could also have disadvantages when considering online classes versus in-person classes. An in-person course provides a certain level of structure with time and location requirements. Students know they need to be in their classroom at a particular time and can focus online on the coursework. This can limit distractions and help students get into the mindset required to concentrate on their coursework only. While both in-person and online courses offer interactions with peers, both are different. An in-person course allows you to interact with your classmates directly, which increases the connection. An online course provides a broadening network because you can meet students from all over. Some participants could be local, and others from across the country.
When it comes to deciding between in-person or online courses for Microsoft Office, both options are valuable. It is important to consider learning needs and time. For example, an in-person course is an excellent option for students seeking more hands-on and one-on-one learning. On the other hand, if a student has a tight schedule and limited availability, consider an online course with either a live instructor or a self-paced course that allows for flexibility in completing work. Finally, consider what tools are needed to learn Microsoft Office effectively. Some in-person courses offer access to computer labs and Microsoft 365 while registering for the course. This can be helpful for students who don’t already own the program.
Common Industries That Use Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office is used by many and is considered a staple in most careers. It is such a popular program that many industries assume potential employees have some, even minimal, knowledge of how to use most software, including Microsoft Office, but mainly more commonly used programs like Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. These programs go hand in hand with most careers, but some expect more than just basic knowledge from their employees.
Microsoft Word is one of the most popular and most used word-processing applications when considering particular Office applications. Most careers use some element of word processing daily, but industries like web development might use Microsoft Word more often when designing a project. Other sectors, like finance, might use word processing to take notes and write summaries. Additionally, most industries have some administrative role such as administrative assistant; for example, Microsoft Office is vital to this role—particularly Word to stay organized and Outlook to maintain contact with others within the organization.
PowerPoint is another popular tool commonly used in industries. It is great for creating exciting and detailed presentations to share with groups of various sizes. PowerPoint is most frequently used in education, marketing, and engineering. Teachers find PowerPoint helpful in teaching classes and also great for students for group presentations and projects. PowerPoint is also great in Human Resources. Presentations can be utilized to highlight company updates and future candidates and even conduct training amongst the team.
Microsoft Office Careers in Chicago
These days, Microsoft Office experience is required for almost all careers that involve office work. You’ll see different requirements depending on your profession and industry. Some jobs that require Microsoft Office experience explicitly include administrative assistant, Project Manager, market researcher, and even Data Analyst. For example, analysts have to have advanced knowledge of Excel, professors who teach large lecture classes can benefit from PowerPoint skills, and people working in administrative positions should have at least an intermediate understanding of Microsoft Word and Outlook. In any case, a background in Office is a supplementary ability—it’s essential to bring industry-specific knowledge to the table, too.
As the third-largest city in the U.S. and the site of countless businesses, Chicago is a great city to use your Microsoft Office skills. Since Office usage is common across industries, it’s hard to gauge precisely how much people using Office applications make on average here. That said, some careers that rely on a heavy understanding of a particular Office application are known to come with high salaries. If you’re a Chicago-based Business Analyst who uses Excel regularly, you can expect to make around $85,000 a year. Project Managers in Chicago can earn anywhere from $80,000 to $100,000, many of whom use Microsoft Projects.
There are also jobs available as an Executive Assistant at various Chicago-based companies. The average salary for an entry-level Executive Assistant is about $75,000, which accounts for skills, experience, and education, with most positions requiring future employees to possess advanced skills in Microsoft Office. Various HR positions require Microsoft Office expertise. In Chicago, these jobs can pay about $81,000 for an HR Specialist position, and pay also varies based on additional training, years of experience, and education. These are just a few examples of careers in Chicago that can benefit from a potential employee who is well-versed in Microsoft Office.
In-Person Microsoft Office Classes in Chicago
Almost anyone working in the professional world can benefit from training in Microsoft Office. If you want to take in-person courses to gain basic or advanced knowledge of Office applications, there are numerous providers in the Chicago area worth exploring. There are various options such as courses that teach Microsoft Office programs together or individually.
Computer Training Source—Excel Introduction
Computer Training Source Inc., also known as CTS, offers an Excel course to help students successfully learn the fundamentals of operating Excel. The class is provided for a full day in-person in Chicago. Students can expect to learn how to perform calculations, modify worksheets, format a worksheet, and how to print and manage workbooks.
ONLC—Microsoft 365 Fundamentals Course
This ONLC course provides foundational knowledge on Microsoft 365 cloud services. Students should expect to learn more in-depth about security, privacy, and licensing with Microsoft 365. The fundamentals course is excellent for those looking to learn more from an IT perspective. Individuals should know an IT environment and work with Microsoft Office products and applications like Exchange Server, SharePoint, etc. This is a one-day course.
Chicago Excel Classes—Mastering Excel—Introduction
Chicago Excel Classes promises to bring training directly to individuals. From the office, at home, or whatever location is most convenient, their professionals provide training in Excel at all levels. Their introduction course covers the fundamentals like formatting and basic formulas. Pricing is designed for up to 10 people, and the course lasts one day. They can accommodate larger groups as well. Chicago Excel Classes also offers intermediate and advanced courses for individuals seeking more in-depth knowledge.
Chicago’s Lifelong Learning Center—Microsoft Word Class 2609
The Chicago Lifelong Learning Center offers a beginner-level class for individuals looking to refresh or learn Microsoft Word skills. The course will teach participants how to create papers and letters, cut, copy, paste, and share files. Participants should have some familiarity with Windows.
Ledet Training—Microsoft Office 365 501—Microsoft 365 Teamwork Bootcamp
Students can take a five-day Bootcamp for participants looking to get in-depth training on SharePoint Online, OneDrive for Business, and Microsoft Teams. Students will learn how to deploy OneDrive for Business sync clients, effectively use, configure, and manage teams, channels, tabs, and apps, and manage Microsoft Teams user access and guest policies. The Microsoft 365 Teamwork Bootcamp is offered in-person in Chicago.
Ledet Training Microsoft Word 501—Microsoft Word Bootcamp
If you want to cover beginner, intermediate, and advanced level information about Microsoft Word, Ledet Training’s bootcamp is an ideal course. In a full-day bootcamp style course, students will go from beginner to master by the end of the day.
Computer Training Source—Word Introduction
Computer Training Source, Inc. Offers an introductory-level Word course to teach participants how to format and customize documents. Students will gain hands-on experience in this one-day course and leave with comprehensive skills to format their Word documents efficiently.
ONLC Training Centers—Word Introduction
Individuals looking to learn Microsoft Word on an introductory level can consider exploring the Word Introduction course at ONLC Training Centers. It covers all the fundamentals students need to know to format paragraphs and insert graphics into documents. Whether the additional learning is required for a job or personal knowledge, this six-hour course is ideal for anyone looking to learn more about Microsoft Word 2016. Students should have some basic understanding of the Windows operating system such as how to start and switch between programs, save files, and access the internet.
ONLC Training Centers—Microsoft Team Advanced
At the ONLC Schaumburg office, ONLC offers an in-person advanced Microsoft Teams course. Students will get an in-depth review of Teams' functionality and ways to support various work roles. Participants are required to have basic Microsoft Office skills and prior experience with Teams. The course is a one-day, six-hour course divided into eight modules covering managing teams, SharePoint integration, and chat features.
ONLC Training Centers—Microsoft Project Level 1: Comprehensive Introduction
Microsoft Project is a project management tool that can be used to track and manage tasks, project plans, and resources. ONLC offers an introductory course to help students learn how to add tasks, manage resources, update project plans, and generate reports. Before registering, students should be familiar with Microsoft applications, specifically Word and Excel. The course is divided into two sessions.
Virtual Microsoft Office Classes
You don't have to travel to the other side of Chicago to attend a real-time, hands-on course in Microsoft Office. Virtual classes allow you to learn from a live instructor who can answer your questions and provide feedback without having to leave your home.
NYC Career Centers—Complete Microsoft Office Bootcamp
Interested students can learn Microsoft Office in nine days with the NYC Career Centers in-depth bootcamp. This bootcamp teaches students three levels of Excel, two levels of PowerPoint, two levels of Word, and two levels of Outlook, leaving students with the confidence to feel like an expert in these applications. The course offers 54 hours of hands-on instructions, live online with an expert trainer.
Certstaffix Training—Excel Level 1
Certstaffix Training offers an entry-level Excel course for individuals looking to learn the fundamental concepts of Microsoft Excel. Entry-level material includes setting up workbooks, entering data, performing calculations, formatting for easier viewing, and other necessary techniques. While this class is offered online, students can access the Certstaffix computer lab in Chicago if needed. The course lasts for one day.
Coursera—Microsoft 365 Fundamentals Specializations
Coursera offers free online courses for individuals looking to improve or learn new skills. Their free Microsoft 365 course aims to teach entry-level students the basics of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The program is hands-on and offers learners the chance to practice and implement what they have learned in the various Coursera courses. The course is self-paced, allowing students the flexibility to learn in their own time.
Certstaffix Training—Office 2013 e-learning Bundle
Certstaffix Training offers a self-paced course that allows participants to take a comprehensive course on all Microsoft Office applications. Students will learn applications such as Microsoft Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word. This e-learning is virtual and self-paced, divided into 17 courses. Videos are pre-recorded, allowing students to go at their own pace. Upon completion, students are given a certificate.
NYC Career Centers—Microsoft Excel Bootcamp
NYC Career Centers offers a three-day bootcamp aimed at teaching participants beginners, intermediate, and advanced Excel courses in one detailed bootcamp. Students can expect to cover the basics of Excel, learn more intermediate functions and data validation, and then advanced expert-level skills like Pivot Tables functions. Field experts teach the course and aim to give students the skills they need to feel comfortable with Excel.
Udemy—Microsoft PowerPoint from Beginner to Advanced
Udemy offers virtual courses in some of the most popular subjects, and Microsoft PowerPoint is no exception. Their PowerPoint course covers basic to advanced features of the popular Microsoft tool. Students can expect to learn how to build a presentation while mastering the basic features of PowerPoint. The course includes seven hours of on-demand video and a downloaded resource. This is a self-guided course; upon completion, students will receive a certificate.
Certstaffix Training—PowerPoint Level 1 course
In this beginner-level course offered by Certstaffix Training, participants will learn about PowerPoint basics. The course is one day and is led live online by an expert instructor. The class is held online via Zoom and is interactive and hands-on. Students have access to one free retake within six months and receive a certificate of completion to showcase their PowerPoint skills.
Can I Learn Microsoft Office Free Online?
Thanks to its widespread use and need for school and many jobs, there are ways to learn Microsoft Office for free online. Below are three different free options.
Microsoft offers free training options directly on its website. There are basic video options that provide free training with a click. There's a quick start guide, information on how to get the most out of Windows, and a section on getting started. The website also organizes quick starts for each Office application based on whether you need to learn it for work, school, home, or web-based versions. You can also download PDF guides that outline some basic fundamental knowledge. To access this Microsoft Office feature, one must have a Microsoft 365 plan; there is a one-month free trial period.
GCF Global offers free Office training tools in various versions from Office 2003-2016. Interested students can also access Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access training. Tutorials are organized by which application you are interested in, and students can select the appropriate option. From there, it will lead students to tutorials organized by basics, or for Microsoft Word, for example, working with text, formatting, and printing. In PowerPoint, for example, tips cover how to make a better presentation, add animations, or add audio to a slide show.
Coursera offers Microsoft 365 Fundamentals Specialization to help individuals learn how to use Microsoft Office applications to stay connected and productive. The program is a three-course series that can be completed in two months. It is ideal for beginners and covers Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. After completing this free course, participants will receive a career certificate.
While learning Microsoft Office online for free is an option, it might not be for everyone. When deciding between an in-person course or a virtual course, it is essential to consider the pros and cons. In-person courses offer more one-on-one interaction and the possibility to connect with your teacher easily before or after a session. In-person courses also increase engagement between students. Being able to engage with classmates freely can help with covering topics and even networking. Another positive point about in-person classes is the potential for access to various programs without needing to purchase them; for example, completing a Microsoft Office course in-person likely gives you access to a computer lab with the program installed on lab computers.
On the other hand, virtual classes offer flexibility and freedom to attend classes at the most convenient time. While most virtual courses do not offer one-on-one time, students typically can schedule meetings with their instructors. Before registering for a course, determine the best learning method and what works best with your learning timeline.
What Will I Learn in a Microsoft Office Class
Microsoft Office courses can offer a variety of topics as the Office suite houses a host of applications. The typical and most commonly used applications include Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft Teams. With various programs and levels of expertise, options are available when it comes to classes related to Microsoft Office. Microsoft Office courses can vary based on learning for personal or professional use. There are also courses specific to the program of choice. There are introductory courses for Office 365 that teach how to use Office 365, work with documents using OneDrive, provide an overview of using Outlook, and work with Teams.
Taking a Microsoft Excel course would cover the basics, like navigating and using Excel commands, then move into performing calculations, like creating worksheet formulas and inserting functions. The course could also go into detail on formatting, modifying, and printing worksheets. A Microsoft Word course typically covers formatting, lists, tables, and inserting graphics, and a more advanced course could cover managing longer documents and using mail merge. These are just two examples of what could be covered in Microsoft Office classes.
Another popular course that many find helpful is a PowerPoint course. Students commonly use PowerPoint throughout their academic careers, providing value in beginner-level courses. A beginner-level course typically covers topics like navigating PowerPoint, inserting images, icons, shapes, and formatting options. Finally, all of this beginner-level information leads up to how to apply transitions and deliver an effective PowerPoint presentation. Finally, there's ClickUp which is a cloud-based free Office alternative that is customizable to user needs. Users also have an option for file sharing and real-time collaboration to work with colleagues on various projects. ClickUp can be used across platforms such as Microsoft and Google and there are multiple styling options. While there is a free version, there are some limits to it and some of the advanced features that some might find useful are in the paid versions.
Related Skills
Microsoft Office is a popular and most commonly used program, particularly Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook applications. Microsoft Office holds around 46% of the global market, meaning there is room to learn other programs that can give the effect of similar Microsoft Office. Google G Suite is just as popular as Microsoft Office and offers similar program options. It has options like Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides. As more individuals consider learning Microsoft Office for current or future jobs, it is also beneficial to learn Google G Suite products.
Other Microsoft Office alternative programs include LibreOffice, a free, open-source office suite that offers word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation functions. Its free option is compatible with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Apple iWork is another option for Apple products such as the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. While it is compatible with Microsoft Office, there might be some formatting errors when formatting between the programs.
Complementary Skills
Microsoft Office is home to numerous programs requiring technical skills, creativity, and organization. Programs like Excel and PowerPoint, to name a few of the Office applications, require attention to detail as an additional skill. When inputting formulas, setting tables, designing presentations, and creating informative infographics, it is important to pay attention to the details of projects to ensure they are clear and concise. Additionally, basic computer skills are critical when operating all Microsoft Applications. While programs like Word and PowerPoint can be straightforward, other programs like Excel, Teams, and Outlook might require additional steps within some basic computer skills, amplifying the importance of knowing things like opening an application, saving a file, and moving between programs before embarking on the educational journey of Office.
How Long Will It Take to Learn Microsoft Office?
Learning the various applications of Microsoft Office can be a task. The many applications like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel can be layered and complex depending on how much knowledge someone is looking to gain. On average, popular applications like Excel, Word, and PowerPoint can be learned in a day each for more beginner-level courses. Mastering these programs could take longer and vary based on previous experience, attending more professional courses versus self-led, and how much time is available to learn the programs. Remember, everyone doesn't need to become an expert in Microsoft Office. Being curious and wanting more tips and tricks can be taught in a beginner's level course.
Corporate & Onsite Microsoft Office Training in Chicago
Companies find value in their team being well-versed in Microsoft Office, so if your workplace uses Microsoft Office, corporate training could benefit you. It is an excellent opportunity for team-building and a great way to get your employees up to speed on commonly used applications like Word and Excel. Hosting a training as a team-building event is a simple process to organize. Noble Desktop has onsite and corporate Microsoft Office training that can be tailored to the needs of any company. Employers can choose to schedule private classes onsite with a live instructor or a virtual option for employees to complete together in the office or in their individual spaces. Either way, Noble’s instructors will lead your employees in hands-on activities that will give them a better understanding of Office software. If the team has difficulty finding a time that works to involve everyone in the process, another option for corporate clients is purchasing a bundle of vouchers for Noble Desktop’s open enrollment classes, which come with a discount. Regardless, Noble Desktop will host and provide an excellent educational opportunity. There are also options for creating custom classes, which a representative from Noble Desktop can support. To create customized training or learn about more opportunities, email Noble Desktop, and someone will help with the process.