Student Success Story: Steve

“My confidence in using Excel and the reports I generate has increased greatly. I can rely on them, and my clients can rely on them. That is big in my industry!”

Results

  • New knowledge of pivot tables
  • Better able to filter complex information
  • Time saved looking for solutions independently 
  • An organized way to learn advanced Excel functions

Improved Processes with Excel

  • Well organized course material
  • Clear progression through levels, from beginner to advanced
  • Useful templates and exercises
  • Experienced tutors
vimeo-video-thumbnail

What was life like before you joined Excel University?

My name is Steve Hymes, and I have my own CPA company in Tarzana, California called Hymes & Company. I have been doing this for over 35 years, and have used Excel throughout my career.

I do not even have a 10-Key calculator on my desk, I just use Excel all the time! I attended national accounting conferences, and I have taken Excel courses in the past to beef up my knowledge. 

There are always helpful videos and files on YouTube. It is a real wealth of information, but the big problem is that it is not well organized.

 

What has changed since you joined Excel University?

Excel University provides that organization. There is natural progression, and the exercises that you work on are practical. 

From the way the material is presented there is a ‘wow’ effect, which is nice. You can see how a new tool or method is going to save you time and you start to get excited about it.

 

What makes Excel University better than searching Google or YouTube?

What makes Excel University better than searching Google or YouTube?

All of the information in Excel University is out there, but it is not organized. You are wasting time trying to find a natural progression with the material freely available. 

You can find out how to use a certain function for yourself, but what is good about the Excel University course material is that it keeps repeating things, like using the SUMIFS function. 

When you repeat a new skill you really own it, and the exercises are all very practical. It is nice that you get to work the problems out and then see the solutions, because then you can own your knowledge.

 

What is one of your favorite time-saving techniques?

Learning the pivot tables feature was big for me. I think the other one was learning data filtering, where you set up a column, and run a filter so you can error check your worksheet and formula. This helps me identify outliers and focus on what I am trying to resolve.

Would you recommend Excel University?

I would recommend Excel University to anybody looking to increase their Excel knowledge, from beginners to advanced users.

Excel University does get into some very advanced concepts. What you will learn can help you to set documentation, structure an Excel file and clearly communicate what the sheet is used for.

Subscribe to Receive Excel Tips via Email