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What does a freelance Excel VBA programmer do?

A freelance Excel VBA programmer works with the Microsoft programming language Visual Basic for Applications. As such, programmers are able to create user-defined commands and instructions. This allows for the automating processes to create scripts based on a client’s requirements.

Because VBA enables automation, programmers can help their clients speed complex and mundane tasks. VBA also allows users to emulate repetitive tasks. Freelance Excel VBA programmers use their expertise to help clients save time and money, allowing them to complete tasks in a fraction of the time it would take to complete them manually.

What skills do I need to become a freelance Excel VBA programmer?

Becoming a freelance Excel VBA programmer means mastering a number of skills necessary to work with Visual Basic for Applications. These skills enable programmers to create powerful macros for their clients, streamlining complex tasks and saving their clients time, money, and resources.

Common skills a freelance Excel VBA programmer should possess include:

• The ability to create macros in Excel. Freelance Excel VBA programmers should be proficient in building macros in Excel in order to automate tasks clients perform repeatedly. Programmers should easily be able to record mouse clicks and keystrokes in Excel, using its Developer tool option, for the purpose of automating repetitive tasks.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office. Microsoft offers a variety of Microsoft Office software that works seamlessly together. In order to get the most out of your Excel VBA skills, it’s necessary to become familiar with the Microsoft Office suite, which includes Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• The ability to create SQL scripts and queries. A freelance Excel VBA programmer should be able to successfully develop SQL/MySQL queries, which involves working with a single statement or entity, as well as SQL scripts, which involves two or more SQL statements. This skill enables freelancers to provide both simple and complex SQL solutions for clients.
• Thorough understanding of Excel. Excel VBA programmers should have a thorough understanding of Excel and similar MS Office applications, including how to build and use complex Excel formulas, pivot tables, and lookups. This skill should be considered a necessary component when developing VBA solutions for clients.
• The ability to build databases using SQL. Because SQL processes information significantly faster than Excel, it is incumbent upon freelance Excel VBA programmers to understand how to build databases using SQL. This skill allows freelancers to create connections between Excel and SQL, making client solutions much more powerful.
• The ability to review code. Freelance Excel VBA programmers should have a high comfort level reviewing and refining code used for projects involving Excel and SQL.
• Excellent communication skills. When working with other programmers, stakeholders, and senior management, freelancers need to exhibit excellent communication skills. Good communication skills will enable freelancers to work well with other team members, identify and resolve issues quickly, and provide feedback to others when projects require a course correction.

What are the core freelance Excel VBA programmer job responsibilities?

There are a number of duties clients will ask their freelance Excel VBA programmer to handle. While some duties may vary from client to client and job to job, the responsibilities most freelance Excel VBA programmers will be asked to assume include:

• Developing databases in Microsoft Excel that feature queries, forms, reports, and tables
• Using advanced Excel features, such as lookups, templates, pivot tables, and complex formulas, to help streamline the company’s business processes
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders and external clients to build solutions based on stated requirements and desired outcomes
• Working with other programming team members to review code to ensure best practices and proper standards
• Creating weekly reports outlining the progress of existing initiatives and the success of completed projects

Should I get a degree or certification to become a freelance Excel VBA programmer?

In addition to developing your skills, obtaining a degree and/or professional certification can help your Upwork profile stand out. While some freelance Excel VBA programmers may get work without a degree or certification, it’s best for freelancers hoping to build a long-term career to obtain some type of formal education. It’s also worth stating that there are no formal certifications for Excel VBA, although there are a number of classes available that focus on VBA.

Popular degrees or classes that would be helpful to freelance Excel VBA programmers include:

• An associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in engineering, data analysis, MIS, computer science, or another related field of study from an accredited college or university
• Excel/VBA for Creative Problem Solving Specialization—offered by Coursera
• Master Microsoft Excel Macros and Excel VBA—offered by Udemy