Pivot Tables Training

Pivot Tables Training

Didn't find your answer?

I know (next to) nothing about Pivot Tables, but suspect I would find them mighty useful. Can anyone point me in the direction of a company who could give me a good, in-depth single days' training (London/South area), or failing that some software, or even (shock, horror) a recommended book?

Thanks
Kara Sutton

Replies (11)

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By LindaParsons57
08th Feb 2008 11:09

Ah - if only.....
The office is semi-open plan so there is no door. BUT I am going to work from home. No internet there though, but the book has arrived and therefore I will soon be off for some peace and quiet!

I know the investment of a few hours will more than pay off longer term for both me and the boss, and actually I am quite looking forward to it.

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By listerramjet
11th Feb 2008 16:11

hi Nicholas
that is a very Luddite type comment!

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By carnmores
11th Feb 2008 12:08

this is a perfect example in the time v value debate

you are soon to acquir a new skill and will therefore complete many tasks in less time than before if you charge by time you will be worse off unless you either have more than one charge out rate or work to a vlue based fee

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By carnmores
11th Feb 2008 17:01

Alastair
why do you think so?

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By neileg
08th Feb 2008 09:35

Priorities
You said The thought of trying to follow a tutorial online at work with all the noise and interruptions gives me a headache!

So you lock the door and unplug the phone!

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By RichardSchollar
08th Feb 2008 09:07

A good book
...is "Pivot Table Data Crunching" by Bill Jelen and Mike Alexander. It follows a tutorial format throughout the book and goes at an easy pace. It focuses exclusively on Pivot Tables so may not be what you want if you are after a more generalist approach. There are exercises to follow and sample workbook data to download from the book's website, which can be useful if you are struggling for inspiration/dummy data.

At the end of the day though, the best way to learn is through doing, which is why the online tutorials on this site, hand-in-hand with some of your actual work data would be an excellent place to start.

Richard

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By LindaParsons57
07th Feb 2008 15:27

Thank you...
...to each for your suggestions. I will probably try all these options in turn, but initially I think a book in the peace of home one evening will be the best place to start, failing removing myself completely out of the office onto a course which would have been my preferred option, but still nothing found.

The thought of trying to follow a tutorial online at work with all the noise and interruptions gives me a headache!

I'm off to the Amazon now.

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By neileg
05th Feb 2008 10:47

Definitely start here
ExcelZone's Five Minute PivotTable Tips

It's free and it's good!

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By carnmores
05th Feb 2008 15:53

One of accounting webs
great successes as Neil says - well done thet Mr carter

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By listerramjet
05th Feb 2008 12:06

in addition to the tutorials in here
I would suggest two things. 1) is to look at excel help - it also has tutorials. 2) is to create a small table with data that is meaningful to you, and give it a go.

If you are netsavvy then "excel pivot tables" in google also brings back an impressive selection of tutorials.

If you are excel confident then a couple of hours tops on tutorials should be enough to give you a basic grounding and to be productive

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By AnonymousUser
04th Feb 2008 22:14

RE: Pivot Tables Training
Hi Kara,

I tackled exactly the same problem after being asked in an interview if I had ever used these in work. My answer was obviously "No!", so i went away from the interview with a goal to learn how to use these amongst other tools in Excel.

The book I bought was called Excel 2007 for Dummies, youve probably heard of these books, dont get put off by the name - there actually very good at teaching you the subjects! Try Amazon.co.uk its priced at around £20 and it covers Everything you can achieve through Excel. I bought the definative guide, 8 books in one.

I hope this helps your cause

Paul

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