The Data & AI Literacy Program now offers several new and expanded ways for the NU community to build Tableau skills, ranging from free self-guided modules to hands-on expert coaching. Here is a roundup of what is available now, along with links to get started.
Self-Guided Learning Through Trailhead
Trailhead is a free, gamified online learning platform that teaches Tableau and broader data and AI skills through interactive, hands-on modules. Courses are organized by level (Foundational, Intermediate, and Advanced), by role (Data Analyst, Business Analyst, Administrator, and more), and by skill area, including AI Analytics, AI Ethics, Data Analysis, Data Governance, Data Management, Data Science, and Data Visualization. Modules range from 10 minutes to 1.5 hours and include both hands-on challenges and quiz-only options. Trailhead content is already available through the NU Data & AI Literacy SharePoint site. If you do not yet have an account, you can sign up for a Trailblazer Account before getting started.
Instructor-Led Training (vILTs)
For those who prefer a structured, live class, Virtual Instructor-Led Trainings are offered through Trailhead Academy at no cost for Signature customers like Northeastern University. Courses typically run one to three days and are available in multiple languages. To register, log in to Trailhead Academy with your NU email, select Learn, filter by the Tableau product, and browse the catalog of Tableau instructor-led offerings by name, role, or level. Only one active registration per course is permitted, and you will receive a confirmation email once your order is placed. Note: You must be a registered Tableau User at Northeastern to access VILTs. If you are not, contact [email protected] for assistance.
Expert Coaching Sessions
New this year, Expert Coaching Sessions connect NU staff directly with Salesforce experts to get more value from Tableau. Two formats are available: Virtual Interactive Workshops, where groups of 3 to 5 participants work through demos and guided exercises in a 90-minute session, and Individual Sessions, which offer one-on-one guidance tailored to your specific use cases and challenges. You can learn how to request an Individual Session or browse the full Expert Coaching Catalog to see the full range of topics.
If you are interested in individual expert coaching, please complete this brief survey. Feel free to share it with colleagues who might also be interested. All inquiries will be forwarded to Tableau, and someone will reach out directly to schedule your session or sessions. Note: You must be a registered Tableau User at Northeastern to access Expert Coaching Sessions. If you are not, contact [email protected] for assistance.
Structured, Role-Based Learning Paths
To help you find the right mix of resources, the Tableau learning resources described above are also organized into four role-based paths, each directed at a different Tableau audience:
- The Viewer path focuses on navigation, data analysis, and filtering basics for those who primarily consume dashboards.
- The Explorer path builds on that foundation with data literacy, intermediate desktop skills, and chart creation, with optional expert coaching on Tableau Desktop and dashboard building.
- The Creator (Power User) path is the most comprehensive, covering advanced data analysis, Tableau Prep, and metadata management, along with a full suite of expert coaching options.
- The Creator (Site and Server Admin) path centers on platform ownership, including server and site administration, governance, and security.
Coming Soon: NU Experiential Data & AI Literacy Badges for Tableau
These Tableau learning paths are currently being converted into NU Experiential Data & AI Literacy learning paths and badges under the Credentials Constellation Model. More details are available on the Experiential Data Literacy Badges page of the SharePoint site.
To turn on notifications for future Tableau User Group meetings and other Tableau updates, join the Tableau User Group Teams channel. Questions about any of these Tableau learning opportunities can be directed to [email protected].