Retrieve & Prep Data

Overview

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Your CSV import failed. The columns are wrong. Dates look like numbers. Sound familiar? You'll use your knowledge of the two data formats that power people analytics—CSV files and SQL tables—and apply that understanding to prevent downstream disasters. You'll practice importing CSV files into Excel with the right delimiter, encoding, and type-detection settings, so your data loads correctly the first time. You'll then analyze your imported data using a systematic cleaning checklist to identify hidden columns, verify row counts against the source, and save validated files. Using AI tools like ChatGPT, you'll document your cleaning steps and practice verifying that AI-generated summaries match your actual data. Through realistic role plays where you troubleshoot messy HRIS exports and explain your process to an auditor, and coach dialogues where you navigate sensitive data decisions, you'll build the data preparation habits that separate reliable analysis from guesswork. Designed for HR professionals and aspiring people analysts. Basic spreadsheet familiarity helpful. Access to free ChatGPT or Claude recommended.

Syllabus

Selecting Data Formats and Import Settings

In this module, you'll use your understanding of data storage formats to select the right approach for each task. Through a discovery role play, you'll confront a 'broken' CSV that won't import correctly—and apply troubleshooting techniques to identify that the problem is usually format settings, not data. Then you'll master the two formats you'll use everywhere in people analytics: CSV files and SQL tables.

Analyzing and Documenting Your Data Quality

In this module, you'll apply cleaning techniques and analyze data quality before finalizing your dataset. You'll use a systematic checklist to identify hidden columns, empty rows, and formatting issues—then document your cleaning steps for stakeholders. Through realistic scenarios, you'll practice the critical skill of verifying that 'looks clean' actually means 'is clean'.