Microsoft Excel Basics for Career Development and Life

The Microsoft Excel application supports users in various ways, from planning budgets and creating invoices to retirement planning and loan calculations. Excel is also a convenient tool for planning and creating to-do lists, including school assignments, event planning, and monthly calendars. Learn more about this helpful tool below.

Who Uses Excel?

Teachers, students, jobseekers, project managers, entrepreneurs, and other professionals will use Excel in their daily life for anything requiring numbers or organization. Apart from helping project managers analyze and sort group assignments, it also enables business organizations to automate billing and payroll processes.

Should Excel Workbooks Look Like Spreadsheets?

Today’s Excel program has stark differences from its predecessors. Along with the attractive aspects of the tool’s design, current versions integrate fun features to make the spreadsheet resources more enhanced and user-friendly.

Spreadsheet Tips and Tricks for College

Make use of the “Format as Table” button within the “Home” toolbar. This button has built-in formulas ensuring users don’t have to learn all those formulas and also provides colorful formatting. Exploit the "Ideas” function that processes information once data has been placed on the spreadsheet. Users can also explore the “Recommended Charts” feature to build various charts using the “Insert” toolbar for school projects, business plans, and to create budgets.

Using the Formulas Feature

Microsoft offers an array of templates that can be used for personal or commercial purposes based on licensing. To find a template, go to “File,” then pick “New from Template” and click on “Select Template.” Another option is what Microsoft refers to as a “Formula Builder.” This feature breaks down formulas by type, taking users step-by-step through the equations. The “Auto Sum” feature will also perform all the essential mathematical calculations, meaning that after highlighting a selection, users only need to click on a button to have their desired outcome.

Over time, Excel has become more user-friendly while also creating vast new resources. This analytical program is considerably more comfortable to use and accessible to many people of all levels, assisting you in achieving your business goals. As a student or professional, Microsoft Excel can even strengthen your career prospects. If you're ready to learn more about enriching your education and bridging the gap between your academic and life experience, the Tulane School of Professional Advancement is here. Contact us today to learn more about our assessment program.