Learn Microsoft Excel from Home
By Amelia Yeager ‘20
Looking for ways to develop your professional skills while you’re off campus? Microsoft Excel is one of the most versatile platforms for any work setting. Peter Nolan ‘11, Vice President of Exchange-Traded Fund and Index Product Strategy at BlackRock, uses Excel for “everything from building out financial models to keeping to do lists.” In a fast-paced professional setting like BlackRock, Nolan utilizes Excel’s features daily to interpret financial data. “I have it open 100% of my day, and typically use it for data analysis,” he said. “The analyses vary from competitor analysis—monitoring the relative performance of our business to its competitors—to other financial analyses, including discounted cash flow and other forms of asset valuation.”
Kenyon has resources in place to assist students in learning Excel remotely. Use the LBIS website to access Hoonuit, a site that contains hundreds of tutorial videos on topics for both students and professionals. Hoonuit’s Microsoft Excel series, taught by Dr. Dan Fanella, includes dozens of short videos that cover everything from basics like data entry to advanced skills such as geocoding and descriptive statistics. Once you’ve gone through the videos, a “ProveIt” section offers assessments where you can practice your skills.
Excel is a prime feature of a LinkedIn profile and resume; it also has real-world applications. “Personally, I used it to plan my wedding—budgeting, keeping track of invitations, and planning accommodations,” Nolan said. In personal as well as professional pursuits, Excel is an essential asset. “At a minimum, graduating students should understand how to keep a spreadsheet,” Nolan added. “Building a foundation of Excel skills is critical for anyone going into a career that will involve any form of data analysis. Jobs that do not include any form of data analysis are becoming fewer and fewer.”
In addition to learning Microsoft Excel, Nolan suggests that students take advantage of online courses. “They’re quick, cheap, and will help students test hypotheses for what they might be interested in professionally,” he said. “Some platforms I would recommend students visit are EdX, Coursera, and Harvard Business Online (for those inclined to pursue careers in business). Online courses will help provide skills and context helpful in getting jobs and internships in what will inevitably be a challenging job market.”
Looking for more resources or career counseling? The CDO staff is available online. Sign up for a virtual appointment through Handshake.