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Course Description

Take your data analysis and reporting skills to the next level with this Power BI class and become a data-driven decision-maker. From data modeling to interactive dashboards, this hands-on course will equip you with the knowledge to turn raw data into actionable insights and compelling visual narratives. Designed to empower individuals to perform basic data transformations and develop basic visualizations using charts, tables, and maps. Through Power BI, Microsoft’s cutting-edge business analytics tool, you will implement advanced visualization techniques like drill downs and custom visuals, and publish reports and dashboards.  

No prior BI experience? No problem! We will guide you step-by-step, from data wrangling to crafting compelling reports. 

Course Outline

Unit 1 

  • Set up your Power BI environment for hands-on labs 
  • Understanding the basics of reporting and Business Intelligence. Reasons to create a report: 
    • Key Performance Indicators, Identifying Trends, Storytelling, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Accountability and Transparency 
    • Review examples of reports, then using simple data create reports. 
    • Share Reports using Teams, SharePoint, PowerPoint 

Units 2 & 3 (Power Query in Excel and Power BI Desktop) 

  • Understand the Extraction Transformation and Loading (ETL) concepts 
  • Connect to Data and Transform data using both Power BI and Excel 
  • VLOOKUP and Macro replacements using Excel 
  • If you have an Excel XLS that you wish to discuss, bring it to class to get expert thoughts and direction 
  • Understand the tricks of using OneDrive for easy automation 

Unit 4 

  • Building on the knowledge of previous units – Create Power BI Interactive Reports 
  • Understand how to build and use Power BI business intelligence reports. 
  • Share Reports using Teams, SharePoint, PowerPoint, etc. 

Unit 5 

  • Review tips and tricks of Power BI for beginning users from an experienced teacher who has been working with Power BI for ten years. 
  • Open question and answer session to confirm understanding of concepts and/or discuss your current projects 

Unit 6 

  • Deeper dive into sharing your reports with Power BI apps 
  • Optional direction based on class interest: 
  • Artificial Intelligence 
  • Understand Microsoft Copilot 
  • Fabric discussion 

Unit 7 

  • Tips and Tricks 
  • Future no-charge learning opportunities 
  • Review Careers for Power BI resources 

Learner Outcomes

In this class you will discover: 

  • The Power BI magic: Get to know the interface, tools, and capabilities that make Power BI a game-changer. 
  • Data dance: Learn how to import, clean, and transform your data into a well-oiled machine. 
  • Visualize your story: Master a diverse range of charts, graphs, and maps to bring your data to life. From simple bar charts to interactive maps, you will find the perfect visuals to paint your data's unique picture. 
  • Filter and format like a pro: Fine-tune your reports with precise filters and eye-catching formatting to highlight key insights and guide your audience. 
  • Dashboard dynasty: Build dynamic dashboards that tell a cohesive story and let viewers explore your data intuitively. 
  • Share your masterpiece: Publish your reports to the web and share them with the world, empowering collaboration, and data-driven decision-making. 

 

Notes

Target Audience: 

This course is tailored for professionals across different job roles who are proficient in Excel and are seeking to advance their data analytics skills. This includes business analysts, data analysts, financial analysts, marketing professionals, project managers IT professionals, healthcare administrators, human resources managers, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and academics. In general, early to mid-career professionals keen on integrating Power BI into their existing workflows to optimize operations, track performance, and present data-driven insights; with a strong interest in data-driven decision-making and a desire for career advancement through the acquisition of new skills in Power BI. 

Occupational Outlook: 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported management analysts are projected to grow 14 percent from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Recommended education level bachelor's degree or higher. 

Reasons to Take the Class: 

If you are tired of staring at endless spreadsheets and want to transform your data into captivating visuals that tell a story and drive results 

  • Stay Competitive: In today’s data-driven landscape, proficiency in Power BI is a valuable skill sought by employers across various industries. Stay ahead of the curve and boost your professional marketability. Go from no knowledge of Power BI to understanding all fundamentals. Also, high-level understanding of current topics e.g., Copilot, Artificial Intelligence, Fabric 
  • Efficiency and Automation: Discover how Power BI can streamline data processing, automate reporting, and save valuable time, allowing you to focus on strategic analysis rather than manual data manipulation. 
  • Interactive Learning: Engage in a dynamic learning environment with practical exercises and real-world scenarios, ensuring you can apply your knowledge directly to your current role. We invite you to bring a reporting project to class for assistance. 
  • Enhance your Excel Skills by learning how to use Power Query inside of Excel. No need for VLOOKUP or Macros any longer 
  • Learn how to set up Excel for automation, import data from diverse sources, clean and transform data, and build stunning pivot tables and reports. Then students master cutting-edge techniques for complex data transformations. 

Information Technology Continuing Education Certificate:  

A certificate of completion for the class will be issued to participants with at least 80% attendance, class participation, and completion of hands-on practice and projects. 

Industry Certification: 

Completing the Analyzing Data with Power BI class will prepare you to take the PL-300 Power BI Data Analyst Associate Certification exam. ???????

Method of Instruction:  

Lecture with demonstration, discussion, hands-on exercises, and problem-solving. May have outside assignments. 

 Evaluation: 

 Participation in class discussions and completion of skill practices in and outside of the classroom is expected. This class also has a final test. 

 

Prerequisites

Materials: This class does not include course materials. Students are required to purchase the necessary materials directly from the bookstore or our designated partner. Please ensure you have all the required materials before the first day of class. 

Resources: 

  • Participants are required to have a laptop or desktop computer with a minimum 4GB ram, 256GB HD, Core i5. Recommended 8GB ram, 256GB SSD, Core i5.  
  • It is required that you are able to download programming resources to your laptop/desktop for this class.  
  • Access to reliable internet as well as a camera, a headset, and preferably dual monitors.  

Prerequisite and desired knowledge: 

By ensuring you possess these fundamental knowledge and skills, you will be better prepared to grasp the concepts taught in a Power BI class and successfully apply them professionally.  

Basic Computer Skills 

  • Proficiency in using Windows: Ability to navigate the operating system, install software, and manage files. 
  • Basic Internet skills: Competence in browsing the web, downloading files, and using online resources. 

Microsoft Excel Proficiency

  • Understanding of Excel functions and formulas: Knowledge of basic and intermediate Excel functions, such as SUM, AVERAGE, IF, and VLOOKUP. 
  • Data manipulation: Skills in sorting, filtering, and organizing data within Excel. 
  • Experience with PivotTables: Ability to create and analyze data using PivotTables for summarization and reporting. 

 

Optional but Beneficial Knowledge: 

Data Literacy 

  • Basic data concepts: Understanding of fundamental data concepts such as data types (numeric, text, date), data integrity, and data quality. 
  • Familiarity with Data Visualization: Basic knowledge of charts and graphs to represent data visually. 

Analytical Thinking 

  • Problem-solving skills: Ability to approach problems methodically and think critically about data. 
  • Attention to detail: Careful consideration of data accuracy and report precision. 

Communication Skills 

  • Basic reporting skills: Ability to present data and insights clearly in written and visual formats. 
  • Collaboration tools: Familiarity with collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or other project management and communication platforms. 

Technical Readiness 

  • Comfort with learning new software: Willingness and ability to learn and adapt to new software tools and technologies. 
  • Basic SQL knowledge (Optional but Beneficial): Understanding of basic SQL queries and concepts can be helpful, though not required. 

 

Recommendations

IMPORTANT: Make sure to have your Network Login, DUO authentication, and student email before the first day of class.
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