Student Success Story: Robin

“My biggest win as a result of using Excel University was learning new tools to do repetitive work, and the data analytics that I require in my job.”

Results

  • New ways of using functions she is familiar with
  • Better knowledge of shortcuts 
  • More efficient at data analysis
  • Eliminated some repetitive tasks

More Efficient at Processing Large Amounts of Data

  • Clear and logical course structure
  • Video lessons on demand
  • A bank of useful resources
  • Experienced course tutors
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What was life like before you joined Excel University?

My name is Robin Lee, and I am based in Maryland. I work for 14 West Administrative Services, which is a shared service for a conglomerate of publishers. My current job title is tax technologist. 

I am responsible for the tax technology used in our company's tax department. I have been using Excel for a very long time, and I have a basic understanding of the basic functions.

It seemed like I was getting the job done. 90% of my time is using Excel, and I know that it has advanced uses but because of the demands of my particular job, I don't necessarily have the time to develop those skill sets.

 

What has changed since you joined Excel University?

I was not looking for any additional career opportunities, but I did get a better understanding of pivot tables and VLOOKUP functions. I was using just the basic VLOOKUP functions. 

I learned some additional tools from Jeff that I find useful in my day-to-day work. I also did not realize the SUMIF function was as powerful as it is!

 

What makes Excel University better than searching Google or YouTube?

I liked that I could start and stop my lesson and work at my own pace when I was available to take the classes. 

I know I could do that on YouTube, I know I could do that probably if I try to Google search, but you need to know what you are looking for. The things I learned about I was not even aware of.

The Excel University provided the building blocks, and was organized in such a way that it was building on previous knowledge. 

You start out at 101, then you go to 201, which builds on some of the things that you learned in 101. It is good to have that clear progression.

 

What is your favorite time saving technique?

I do a lot of VLOOKUPs. There were tools that I can utilize now that I didn't before. 

I have done thousands of VLOOKUPs, but using it in combination with some of the ADDIF statements or the SUMIF statements should help me as I analyze these data points.

 

Would you recommend Excel University?

Excel University is great if you have to do a lot of analytic work. It is not just about adding and subtracting numbers. 

If you find yourself doing the same type of analytics for the same type of data, then you may want to learn how to do it more effectively.

Excel University is at your convenience and you can dip in whenever you have time. Having another tool at your disposal is always good.