How the Microsoft Excel Guided Project Is Helping Me Master Data — and Why You Should Try It Too

There’s something incredibly satisfying about learning at your own pace — especially when it’s a tool as powerful and universal as Microsoft Excel. This fall, I started the Microsoft Excel Guided Project, and even though I’ve only completed the first two modules so far, I can already feel a shift in the way I think about data.

The project is thoughtfully structured into five self-paced modules that take you from the basics of spreadsheet navigation all the way to creating dashboards and applying advanced formatting. So far, I’ve completed:

  1. Excel for Beginners: Introduction to Spreadsheets
    • This gave me a strong grasp of how to structure, format, and organize spreadsheets — something that once felt intimidating now feels intuitive.
  2. Using Basic Formulas and Functions
    • From SUM and AVERAGE to IF statements, I practiced building logic into my sheets. Automating calculations felt like unlocking a new superpower!

What makes this guided project truly stand out is how interactive and real it feels. It’s not about passively watching — it’s about doing, and that’s where the learning really sticks. Each module is broken into easy and learnable steps, making it perfect for busy students or professionals looking to sharpen their edge.

I plan to complete the remaining modules this summer, which include:

  • Creating Charts and Dashboards
  • Finding, Sorting, and Filtering Data
  • Conditional Formatting and Advanced Tables

Whether you’re heading into consulting, data science, business, or just want to organize your life better, Excel is one of those forever skills — and this project makes it accessible, engaging, and actually fun.

Here’s the link to register for the Summer Excel Guided Project:
https://app.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1729099

Trust me — this is a small time investment with massive returns.

By Simi Saha
Simi Saha