Considering all the phases of data analysis, what tools/software work the best for you or do you feel the most comfortable using, and why?

"As a data analyst, I find basic tools such as Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access work the best for me. I feel the most comfortable using these tools because they are the ones I have the most experience using since most--if not all companies--have them readily available. Although most consider these tools basic, I believe with the right training and knowledge, you can accomplish many things using them."

This question may seem similar to one you were asked earlier in the interview. Morningstar interviewers will ask several questions about the same topic during an interview to ensure that your answers are consistent. They also use this process to explore a topic from different perspectives. If you recognize this during the Morningstar interview, try to answer similar questions similarly, providing additional details in the subsequent answers.