Before you dive into Python, SQL, or Power BI… You need to master the *most underrated yet essential tool* in the data world: 🟢 *Excel & Spreadsheets* Why is this Step 1? Because *Excel is where all great data analysts begin*. It teaches you the core skills of working with data: 🔧 *What You’ll Learn in Excel:* ✅ Data Entry & Cleanup ➤ Remove duplicates, blanks, formatting issues ➤ Use filters and sorting to organize large datasets ✅ Formulas & Functions ➤ SUM, AVERAGE, IF, COUNTIF, VLOOKUP, INDEX-MATCH ➤ Automate calculations and logic ✅ Pivot Tables & Charts ➤ Slice and dice data ➤ Create quick summaries and visual insights ✅ Basic Dashboarding ➤ Combine charts, tables, and slicers for mini reports 💡 *Why Excel First?* ✔ It’s beginner-friendly ✔ Used in 90%+ data analyst roles ✔ Builds logic for learning SQL & Power BI ✔ Helps with interviews and portfolio projects 🚀 *Pro Tip:* Start with real-world data like sales sheets, survey data, or budget planners. Practice daily. 📈 Excel isn’t just for tables – it’s your *launchpad into data analytics.* *React ❤️ for more*