Excel for Grads
The introduction of the article calls to mind the importance of Excel in the workplace. Excel was launched literally decades agoso it has been around quite a while and has become basically enshrined or institutionalized in the business world as one of the go-to tools of workers, whether they are in marketing, accounting, research, doing presentations, creating reports, and generating figures and stats. It is seen as a tool that everyone should probably have some experience using because in the business world you are likely going to need to do things like create charts, analyze statistical data, and other things that Excel can help with (Elrod et al., 2015). Thus, there are going to be a lot of middle-skilled jobs that require at least basic proficiency in Excel. Employers are going to assume that if you went to college you will have these skills. I would say that having advanced skills will significantly increase a graduate's employability and maybe even earning potential (King, 2009). It all depends on the skill level. Excel is going to be very important for business students, as employers expect them to have strong analytical skills, especially proficiency in Excel, to be able to do their jobs well.
As a college graduate, developing advanced Excel skills is going to be important for being able to compete in the job market. Excel is a tool for data entry, but it also helps with analyzing data and decision-making, especially if you are in a role that involve business intelligence and data analysis. If you are proficient in Excel it is going to open doors to higher-paying jobs and faster career advancement, most likely.
My plan of action is to focus on really understanding and mastering all essential Excel functions such as PivotTables, data analysis tools, and advanced formula usage. I will also seek opportunities for practical experience, such as internships, where I can apply these skills in real business situations. I also want to continue learning through online courses and tutorials to stay up-to-date with any new features.
References
Elrod, H., Pittman, K., Norris, J., & Tiggeman, T. (2015). Excel training and the technology
student learning outcome.Academy of Educational Leadership Journal,19(2), 43-49.
King, M. A. (2009). A Realistic Data Warehouse Project: An Integration of Microsoft Access
and Microsoft Excel Advanced Features and Skills.Journal of Information Technology Education. Innovations in Practice,8, 91.
