Why learn MS Excel?

Do you think Microsoft Excel is just about making tables? Well, it’s not so. Excel is used for several functions, such as to sort and analyse the data that range from basic mathematical functions to complex statistical analyses. Excel allows one to turn piles of data into helpful graphics and charts. Moreover, having knowledge of Excel is extremely valuable to employers and can increase employees’ chances of getting hired as this projects one’s analytical skills. Being proficient in Excel can therefore make one a valuable asset to the company.

Thus, understanding the need to familiarise budding professionals with ‘Basics of Excel’,   the Department of Economics at Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar, organised a two-day workshop on the same for its BA and BSc students. 

Tally Instructor Mr. Gagan Jyoti was the resource person for this session. He introduced students with the usefulness of workbooks and worksheets and talked about its other aspects too. He discussed with students in detail regarding the worksheets, rows, columns, cells, font, basic formulas, moving and copying worksheets, etc.  Further, he made them understand its various functions such as sum, average, finding a minimum and maximum value, and understanding error messages.  Also, he explained, “You can do quick total analysis through charts and by formatting cells in Excel.” In addition, he threw light on page layout, margins, orientation, page size, print titles, and scale pages that are to be taken care of before printing a worksheet. Subsequently, students discussed their queries with Mr. Gagan Jyoti and he responded to all their queries satisfactorily.

Sharing her experience of attending the workshop, Bhavini from BSc Economics programme said, “The two-day workshop by Economics Forum was definitely a hit.We learnt not only the basics, but also various latest features, advanced formatting and printing techniques, which can make us more efficient while working with MS Excel.It was really a remarkable experience.I feel blessed to be a part of Apeejay where I get to study the subjects practically as well.”

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“The Economics Forum gave us an opportunity to attend the excel workshop. It helped me gain a whole new experience and a deep insight into the use of excel sheets in data analysis, a fast-growing field of today. It is an invaluable tool for career growth and such events are essential for getting a practical exposure to the world,” added another BSc Economics student Sukriti.

In the end, Dr. Neerja Dhingra, Principal of ACFA, appreciated the efforts of Mr. Gagan Jyoti for imparting the instructions on ‘Basics of Excel’. She expressed, “In today’s time, computers are pivotal and Excel is of utmost necessity and proves to be of great help in making assignments and projects.” Dr. Dhingra congratulated Dr. Simkee Dev, Assistant Professor in Economics, for successfully conducting this workshop and encouraged her to conduct similar workshops in future too.