Power BI course for Not-for-profits (Australian Eastern time zone)
Motive Consulting is excited to launch our new training course Power BI Beginner for Not-for-profits! Over the past few years, we have had the opportunity to create Power BI reports for a variety of not-for-profit organisations. During this time, we noticed a gap in training options available to NFPs, with most existing courses focusing on corporate themes such as sales and profit. Our new course bridges this gap by providing content designed specifically for NFPs. It draws on examples and datasets related to the Australian social service sector, ensuring the training is relevant and practical. As with all of our consulting and training services, we are offering discounted pricing for NFP organisations. Course highlights: 💡 No Power BI experience required 📑 Course manual and exercise files provided 🎓 Led by an experienced Microsoft Certified Trainer 💻 Delivered remotely via Microsoft Teams 🕒 Full day course from 9am to 4pm AEST Course dates: 📆 8 April 📆 21 May 📆 24 June ▶️ For more information, or to book now, visit: https://www.motiveconsulting.com.au/training-services/power-bi-beginner-not-for-profits You can also follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/motive-consulting
Microsoft In a Day (XIAD) Partner Events Program - Train the Trainer Events (FAIAD/RTIAD)
We invite you to attend an upcoming Train the Trainer session for Microsoft Partners to learn more about the Microsoft In a Day (XIAD) Partner Events Program and how to lead workshops that empower customers to use and adopt Microsoft products. Our Train the Trainer events are designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to deliver successful Microsoft In a Day (XIAD) sessions. ✨ Why Attend? Hands-On Experience: Participate in labs and demos just like customers will. Expert Guidance: Learn from experienced trainers and get your questions answered. Comprehensive Resources: Access all the content and support you need to succeed. 📅 Upcoming Events: Fabric Analyst in a Day (FAIAD) Friday, February 14, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (GMT+01:00) Central European Time Real-Time Intelligence in a Day (RTIAD) Thursday, March 13, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (GMT-06:00) Central Time Real-Time Intelligence in a Day (RTIAD) Friday, March 14, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (GMT+01:00) Central European Time Once registered, look for your registration confirmation email from notification@msftevents.microsoft.com that contains your unique Teams meeting link to join the virtual event. Be sure to check spam and junk folders, and mark as a safe sender. If you are unable to locate your registration confirmation, email pappspartnerevents@microsoft.com. We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event! Partner with us! Are you a Microsoft Partner interested in the opportunity to join the program and deliver Microsoft In a Day (XIAD) events? 🔍 Learn more about the program and review partner eligibility criteria: https://aka.ms/xiadpartneropportunity. 📧 Contact the XIAD Program team: xiadevents@microsoft.com 📤 Submit requests to deliver events: https://aka.ms/xIAD/PartnerEventsJoin the Fabric Partner Community for this Week's Fabric Engineering Connection calls!
Are you a Microsoft Partner that is interested in data and analytics? Be sure to join us for this week's Fabric Engineering Connection call, now offered at two different times! 🎉 The Fabric Engineering Connection call, taking place Wednesday, March 5, from 8-9 am PST, and the APAC Fabric Engineering Connection call, taking place Thursday, March 6, from 1-2 am UTC/Wednesday, March 5, from 5-6 pm PST, will feature presentations from Matthew Hicks on Iceberg Virtualization in OneLake; Diana Tram Nguyen and Andrew Boe on SMB Paths to Azure Solutions Partner Designations & AMM and Azure Innovate Access; and Sanaullah Sanai and Rita ABDELLATIFI on Sustainability Data Solutions in Fabric. This is your opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and provide feedback. To join the call, you must be a member of the Fabric Partner Community Teams channel. To join, complete the participation form at https://aka.ms/JoinFabricPartnerCommunity. We can't wait to see you tomorrow/Thursday!Data-Driven Decisions: Creating Your First Power BI Report
In our upcoming guide, we'll take you through the exciting journey of creating your first report using sample data. Creating Your First Report Using Sample Data Creating a report from sample data is a great way to familiarize yourself with data analysis and reporting tools. Whether you're using Excel, database or another data source, the process generally involves similar steps. Here's a guide to help you create your first report: Step 1: Open Power BI and Create a Blank Report Begin by opening Power BI and selecting the option to create a blank report. This will give you a clean slate to start building your visualizations. Step 2: Select the Data Source Next, you'll need to select the data source for your report. You can use get data from the top left to select your data source. While there are many options, Excel is one of the most popular. For this guide, we'll use the sample data provided by Power BI, which comes from an Excel sheet. Click on "Use sample data." Click on "Load sample data." Select the "Financials" table. Step 3: Transform Data in Power Query Editor To clean and prepare your data, you'll use the Power Query Editor. Select "Transform Data" to open the Power Query Editor. Power Query Editor is a tool that helps you clean and organize your data before you use it to create reports. For now, select "Close & Apply" to load the data into Power BI. Step 4: Create Visualizations With your data loaded, it's time to create visualizations. Open the data tab and select "Sales" and "Country". Choose a pie chart for your visualization. To format the visual, select "Format visual", then "Detail labels". Choose "Label contents" and select "Percent of total". Set the position to "Inside". Step 5: Add Text and Customize Visuals Enhance your report by adding text and customizing visuals. On the home page, select "Text Box." Choose Arial as the font and set the size to 28. Step 6: Create Additional Visualizations Add more depth to your report by creating additional visualizations. Select "Profit" and "Product" from the data pane. Choose a Staked bar chart in the visualization options. In the format pane, select 'Bars' and change the color to your preferred color. Step 7: Save Your Power BI Report Once you are satisfied with your report, it's important to save your work. Go to the "File" menu. Select "Save" Choose a location on your computer or OneDrive to save the report. Enter a name for your report and click "Save." Step 8: Experiment and Explore Feel free to play around with different visualization and formatting options. This hands-on experimentation is key to mastering Power BI and creating compelling reports. Additional resources Tutorial: From Excel workbook to stunning report in Power BI Desktop - Power BI | Microsoft Learn What is Power BI? - Power BI | Microsoft LearnJoin the Fabric Partner Community for this Week's Fabric Engineering Connection calls!
Are you a Microsoft partner that is interested in data and analytics? Be sure to join us for this week's Fabric Engineering Connection call, now offered at two different times! 🎉 The Fabric Engineering Connection call, taking place Wednesday, February 26, from 8-9 am PST, and the APAC Fabric Engineering Connection call, taking place Thursday, February 27, from 1-2 am UTC/Wednesday, February 26, from 5-6 pm PST, will feature presentations from Salil Kanade and Venkata Satya Pradeep Srikakolapu on Data Warehouse Developer Experiences and Ted Vilutis on Spark RLS/CLS. This is your opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and provide feedback. To join the call, you must be a member of the Fabric Partner Community Teams channel. To join, complete the participation form at https://aka.ms/JoinFabricPartnerCommunity. We can't wait to see you Wednesday/Thursday!Join us at the Microsoft Fabric Community Conference in Las Vegas, NV from March 30 - April 2, 2025!
FabCon offers you the chance to learn the latest from Microsoft when it comes to Fabric product features and allows you and your teams to get hands-on with the product through workshops on March 30 and April 3. Throughout FabCon, there will be opportunities for you to connect with Microsoft executives, meet with customers, and connect with peers. On March 30, Microsoft will be hosting the FabCon Partner Pre-Day. This is a special day dedicated to our Microsoft partners and is free for registered FabCon attendees. Our Partner Pre-Day will feature keynotes by Wangui McKelvey and Ashley Asdourian and afternoon breakouts for both systems integrator and software company attendees. We are also offering a 48-hour group discount window exclusively for customers through our partners from Feb 18-19. For questions about available discount codes that you can send directly to your 5 selected customers, please reach out to the fabricpartnersteam@microsoft.com. Register for FabCon and join the FabCon Partner Pre-Day today!Join the Fabric Partner Community for this Week's Fabric Engineering Connection calls!
Are you a Microsoft Partner that is interested in data and analytics? Be sure to join us for this week's Fabric Engineering Connection call, now offered at two different times! 🎉 The Fabric Engineering Connection call, taking place Wednesday, February 12, from 8-9 am PST, will feature Teddy Bercovitz discussing ISV Workloads in Fabric, followed by Idris Motiwala presenting on SQL DB in Fabric. Idris Motiwala will return with his presentation for the APAC Fabric Engineering Connection call, followed by Sanjay Soni presenting on Dream Demos. The APAC Fabric Engineering Connection is taking place Thursday, February 13, from 1-2 am UTC/Wednesday, February 12, from 5-6 pm PST. This is your opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and provide feedback. To join the call, you must be a member of the Fabric Partner Community Teams channel. To join, complete the participation form at https://lnkd.in/g_PRdfjt. We can't wait to see you Wednesday/Thursday!Join the Fabric Partner Community for this Week's Fabric Engineering Connection calls!
Are you a Microsoft partner that is interested in data and analytics? Be sure to join us for this week's Fabric Engineering Connection call, now offered at two different times! 🎉 The Fabric Engineering Connection call, taking place Wednesday, February 5, from 8-9 am PST, will feature Varun Jain and Dandan Zhang presenting on Workspace Monitoring and Workspace Private Links. Amir Netz will be hosting his very first AMA (Ask Me Anything) session with the APAC Fabric Engineering Connection call, taking place Thursday, January February 6, from 1-2 am UTC/Wednesday, February 5, from 5-6 pm PST. Join the call to personally ask Amir your Fabric related questions! This is your opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and provide feedback. To join the call, you must be a member of the Fabric Partner Community Teams channel. To join, complete the participation form at https://lnkd.in/g_PRdfjt. We can't wait to see you on the call!Join the Fabric Partner Community for this Week's Fabric Engineering Connection calls!
Are you a Microsoft partner that is interested in data and analytics? Be sure to join us for this week's Fabric Engineering Connection call, now offered at two different times! 🎉 The Fabric Engineering Connection call, taking place Wednesday, January 29, from 8-9 am PST, will feature the first AMA (Ask Me Anything) session of 2025 with Amir Netz. Join the call to personally ask Amir your Fabric related questions! The APAC Fabric Engineering Connection call, taking place Thursday, January 30, from 1-2 am UTC/Wednesday, January 29, from 5-6 pm PST, will feature presentations from Varun Jain and Dandan Zhang on Workspace Monitoring and Workspace Private Links. This is your opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and provide feedback. To join the call, you must be a member of the Fabric Partner Community Teams channel. To join, complete the participation form at https://lnkd.in/g_PRdfjt. We can't wait to see you Wednesday!Mastering Power BI: My Journey to Becoming a Microsoft Certified Power BI Data Analyst
Hello Everyone, I’m Mohamed Faraazman bin Farooq S, a final-year Artificial Intelligence and Data Science student at BSA Crescent University, Chennai, India, and a Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador (MLSA). Today, I want to share my journey of earning the Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate Certification —a challenging yet rewarding experience. Being part of the MLSA program provided me with access to valuable resources, tools, and a vibrant community that were instrumental in my preparation. Introduction to the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate Certification The Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate certification validates your expertise in analyzing and visualizing data using Power BI, one of the most widely used tools for business intelligence (BI) and data analytics. This certification equips professionals to harness Power BI’s advanced features for data-driven decision-making, making it an excellent career booster for aspiring data analysts and BI professionals. Why Power BI Skills Are in High Demand The increasing reliance on data for strategic decisions across industries has made tools like Power BI essential. Power BI enables organizations to transform raw data into actionable insights with its robust data modeling, visualization, and report development capabilities. The PL-300 certification validates these skills, enhancing your career prospects, job security, and overall efficiency in data analysis roles. Overview of the PL-300 Certification Exam The PL-300 exam is designed for individuals with a foundational understanding of Power BI who wish to deepen their expertise. By earning this certification, you will: Collaborate effectively with stakeholders to understand business requirements. Clean and transform data to support informed decision-making. Develop optimized data models using Power BI tools. Create impactful data visualizations to communicate insights. Key Areas of Focus: Data Preparation: Learn to connect to diverse data sources, clean data using Power Query, and integrate it into Power BI for analysis. Data Modeling: Master DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) for building calculated measures and columns, and optimize data relationships. Data Visualization: Develop clear, impactful reports and dashboards, emphasizing storytelling through data. Asset Deployment: Manage datasets, configure data refresh schedules, and maintain workspaces in the Power BI environment. Preparation Tips and Study Resources To excel in the PL-300 exam, it’s crucial to understand Power BI’s features, functions, and real-world applications. Below are key topics and preparation tips to guide you: 1. Mastering Microsoft’s Ecosystem Power BI Service: Understand its integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure for data storage and security. Microsoft 365: Learn about organizational-level security and how it affects Power BI’s data access. Azure Integration: Familiarize yourself with Azure data storage and security features relevant to Power BI Premium. 2. Becoming Proficient in DAX Filter Context: Understand how DAX manages filter contexts for dynamic data modeling. Time-Series Functions: Master calculations over time for trend analysis. AI/ML Features: Explore Power BI’s machine learning and AI capabilities, although they are a smaller part of the exam. 3. Optimizing Performance Query Optimization: Use Power Query Editor for merging tables, filtering data, and automating data refresh. Data Modeling: Practice creating relationships, primary keys, and calculated columns for efficient models. Performance Tools: Learn Power BI’s built-in tools to enhance report processing. 4. Visualization Best Practices Appropriate Visual Selection: Choose visuals based on data type (e.g., bar charts for comparisons, line charts for trends). Storytelling: Focus on clear report navigation, formatting, and layout for effective data storytelling. 5. Hands-On Practice Practice DAX and Power Query: These are critical for real-world scenarios and frequently tested in the exam. Microsoft Practice Exams: Familiarize yourself with the format and assess your readiness through official practice exams. Domains Covered in the PL-300 Exam The exam is divided into four main domains: 1. Prepare the Data (25-30%) Data Sources: Connect to various data sources, including cloud platforms and databases. Data Transformation: Use Power Query for data cleansing and transformation tasks. 2. Model the Data (25-30%) Data Relationships: Define relationships and optimize data models. DAX Calculations: Create calculated columns and measures using DAX. 3. Visualize and Analyze the Data (25-30%) Report Design: Develop insightful reports using Power BI’s tools. Dashboard Creation: Create user-friendly dashboards for actionable insights. Analytics Features: Leverage analytics tools to identify trends and patterns. 4. Deploy and Maintain Assets (15-20%) Dataset Management: Organize and configure datasets effectively. Workspace Maintenance: Manage and deploy workspaces for efficient data sharing. Recommended Study Materials Microsoft offers a wealth of resources to prepare for the PL-300 exam: Microsoft Learn Paths: Data Analytics in Microsoft Power BI: Comprehensive modules tailored to each exam domain. DAX Fundamentals and Power Query: Detailed resources on essential tools for data transformation and calculations. Instructor-Led Training: Course PL-300T00-A: A three-day training that provides hands-on experience and targeted exam preparation. Practice Exams: Official Microsoft Practice Exams: Simulate the exam environment to build confidence and identify areas for improvement. Benefits of the PL-300 Certification Earning the PL-300 certification offers numerous advantages: Enhanced Career Prospects: Certified professionals often command higher salaries and better job opportunities. Diverse Job Roles: Pursue positions such as Data Analyst, BI Developer, or BI Consultant. Increased Efficiency: Streamline data processes and drive actionable insights for better decision-making. Conclusion The Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate certification is a valuable milestone for data analysts aiming to excel in their careers. By mastering Power BI’s data wrangling, modeling, visualization, and optimization capabilities, you can position yourself as a key player in the data analytics field. With the right preparation, dedication, and access to Microsoft’s resources, success in the PL-300 exam is within reach. If you’re considering this certification, I encourage you to leverage the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador program, just as I did, to achieve your goals. Best of luck on your journey to becoming a Power BI-certified professional!
