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Guides to Power BI, Excel and data

Practical how-tos from the people who teach our courses. 25 articles, free to read, corrected when the tools change.

The large Ottawa sign in a city squareNewest · Data AnalyticsHow to Start a Data Analytics Career in CanadaA practical guide to breaking into data analytics in Canada: required skills, certifications, job market insights, and a step-by-step action plan. · 8 min read

Every article

  1. Data AnalyticsBest Data Analytics Tools in 2026: Complete ComparisonFrom Excel to Power BI to Python, here is an honest comparison of the top data analytics tools and when to use each one.9 min read
  2. Excel & VBA50 Excel Keyboard Shortcuts You Need to MemorizeThe fastest Excel users rarely touch the mouse. These 50 keyboard shortcuts cover navigation, formatting, formulas, and data management.6 min read
  3. Excel & VBAHow to Build Excel Dashboards Without VBAYou do not need macros to build interactive Excel dashboards. Use PivotTables, slicers, charts, and conditional formatting for professional results.8 min read
  4. Excel & VBAExcel Power Query Tutorial: Clean Any Dataset in MinutesPower Query transforms hours of manual data cleanup into a one-click refresh. Learn the step-by-step process for building reusable data pipelines in Excel.8 min read
  5. Excel & VBAExcel Training: Complete Learning Path from Beginner to ExpertPlanning to master Excel? This guide maps out the complete learning path from absolute beginner to advanced user, with clear milestones at each stage.8 min read
  6. Excel & VBAExcel vs Google Sheets: Which Is Better for Business in 2026?An objective comparison of Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets for business use, based on features, performance, collaboration, and cost.7 min read
  7. Excel & VBAExcel PivotTables: Complete Tutorial for Data AnalysisPivotTables are the most powerful feature in Excel for data analysis. Learn to build, customize, and analyze data with PivotTables step by step.9 min read
  8. Excel & VBA15 Advanced Excel Formulas That Will Change How You WorkMove beyond SUM and IF with these powerful Excel formulas that professionals use daily for data analysis, reporting, and automation.9 min read
  9. Excel & VBALearn Excel from Scratch: Free Beginner Guide for 2026Never used Excel before? This beginner-friendly guide covers the essentials: navigation, formulas, formatting, and building your first useful spreadsheet.10 min read
  10. Power BIPower BI vs Tableau: Honest Comparison for 2026Both tools are industry leaders, but they have different strengths. An objective comparison of Power BI and Tableau based on real project experience.8 min read
  11. Power BIPower BI Data Modeling Best Practices for Clean ReportsA well-designed data model is the foundation of every great Power BI report. Learn star schema design, relationship management, and common modeling mistakes.8 min read
  12. Power BIIs Power BI Certification Worth It? Complete Guide for 2026Microsoft offers the PL-300 certification for Power BI. Here is what the exam covers, how to prepare, and whether it is worth the investment.7 min read
  13. Power BIPower BI Training: Complete Learning Path for 2026Planning to learn Power BI? This guide maps out the complete learning path from beginner to expert, including what to learn first and what to skip.8 min read
  14. Power BIHow to Create Your First Power BI Dashboard Step by StepA practical walkthrough of building a sales dashboard in Power BI, from data connection to final publish. Includes data modeling and DAX tips.12 min read
  15. Power BITop 10 Power BI DAX Functions Every Analyst NeedsDAX is the formula language that powers Power BI. These 10 functions cover 80% of what you will write in real-world reports.9 min read
  16. Power BIPower BI vs Excel: When to Use Each for Data AnalysisExcel and Power BI are both Microsoft tools, but they solve different problems. Learn when to use each, and when to use them together.7 min read
  17. Power BIPower BI Tutorial for Beginners: Complete Getting Started GuideNew to Power BI? This step-by-step tutorial walks you through installation, connecting data, building your first report, and publishing it to the web.10 min read
  18. Power BI7 Power BI Dashboard Best Practices for 2026Learn how to design interactive dashboards that drive real business decisions. From layout principles to DAX optimization techniques.6 min read
  19. Excel & VBAThe Complete Guide to Excel Automation with VBAStop doing repetitive tasks manually. This guide walks you through building your first VBA macro to automate reports and data processing.8 min read
  20. AI & AutomationTop AI Tools for Data Analysis in 2026From prompt engineering with ChatGPT to Copilot integrations, discover the AI tools that are changing how professionals work with data.5 min read
  21. FinanceBuilding Financial Models That Investors LoveA practical approach to creating dynamic, error-free financial models in Excel, with templates and best practices for startups.7 min read
  22. Excel & VBAVLOOKUP vs XLOOKUP: Which Should You Use?The definitive comparison between VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP, with real-world examples showing when each one shines.4 min read
  23. StrategyDigital Transformation for Small Businesses: Where to StartA step-by-step framework for small businesses to begin their digital transformation journey without a massive budget.6 min read
  24. Excel & VBAPower Query: The ETL Tool Hiding in Your SpreadsheetPower Query can replace hours of manual data cleanup. Learn how to build reusable ETL pipelines without writing a single line of code.7 min read

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