First Steps with Power Query for Excel

This will be a walkthrough of Chapter 2 of my book You do NOT need to have read the book, but you're certainly welcome to! We'll be walking through the content together for an hour and I'll try taking any questions from readers about the book.

• A recording will be made available after the event.
• All downloads used during the event will come from the book's free online repository.

• How Power Query serves as a cornerstone feature in modern Excel, simplifying the data import and cleansing process by enabling users to connect to, combine, and refine data from a wide array of sources.
• How Power Query effectively addresses Excel’s traditional limitations regarding reproducibility, handling of null values, and processing of large datasets.
• The structure and functionality of the Power Query Editor, including the Ribbon Menu, Data Preview Options, and the Applied Steps list, which meticulously tracks and records every transformation step.
• A comprehensive understanding of the ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) process, which involves extracting data from a source, transforming it to meet analytical needs, and loading it into Excel for utilization.

And you’ll be able to:

• Perform data extraction from various sources, utilize Power Query’s transformation capabilities to clean and restructure data, and finally load processed data back into Excel.
• Familiarize yourself with using the Power Query Editor to add new columns, apply transformations, and understand the implications of each step with the help of the Applied Steps list.Employ Power Query’s data profiling options to check data quality, understand data distribution and spot data issues like missing values, errors, or unusual data points.
• Address and debunk common myths associated with Excel’s capabilities using Power Query, such as issues with data reproducibility, the inability to handle null values, and limitations on processing large datasets.

Typical job titles might include:

• Data analysts
• Financial analysts
• Marketing coordinators
• Accountants
• Controllers
• Operations analysts

• Please have an up-to-date version of Microsoft 365 for desktop installed prior to the workshop.
• To make the most of the workshop, you will have some experience in topics such as taking sums and counts, creating calculated columns, and using relative and absolute references in Excel.
• It is recommended to attend this workshop on a Windows machine
• No other preparation is needed.

George Mount is the founder of Stringfest Analytics. He has over 10 years of experience in data analytics and holds master’s degrees in both finance and information systems from Case Western Reserve University. George is the author of (O’Reilly, 2021) and (O'Reilly, 2024). He is a recipient of the Most Valuable Professional (MVP) award from Microsoft for technical excellence & community advocacy.

I look forward to seeing you at the event!

If your team is looking for custom training in Modern Excel, check out my corporate workshops.

Host or Publisher Stringfest Analytics