Good set of starter questions. And yes, PLEASE LEARN EXCEL! Without it, you will always be slower and less productive than other people. Anyone can learn Excel if they try. It takes away a key hurdle and let's you shine by showing what questions you ask of your data. I see way too many smart people who let themselves be intimidated by it, and then they are reliant on others for even the simplest questions. Such a waste of good talent!

Nice article. Thanks for sharing.