The shock I got in my first MBA Excel Class

I had my first Excel MBA class and got the shocker of my life. To an extent, I thought I knew Excel but after my first class, I have a different thought now. At least I thought my competency level was between beginner and intermediate. By the time I was done with the class, I knew I had a lot of work to do concerning my Excel skills.

It all started when the instructor asked everyone in the class to rate ourselves on what we believed was our competency in Excel using a scale of one to ten I graded myself a five. Thinking about it now I do not see why I would rate myself a five. I did not put into consideration the fact that I had not used the software in the last ten months.

It began to dawn on me that my proficiency level was not a five was when our instructor asked us to sum up a list of dollar figures in an Excel spreadsheet and I could not. The solution to the exercise was demonstrated and what I needed to do first was confirm that the listed figures were written in the correct format for Excel. After that first exercise, I graded myself again and immediately changed my mindset. From that point in time, I began again to approach Excel as a beginner.

The class was majorly on the know-how of entering data in Excel. During the class, the foundation of an Excel spreadsheet was thoroughly illustrated in a practical manner and the instructor took us through the data types in Excel. Examples of data types are Numbers, Text and Boolean. Various Excel keyboard shortcuts were explained and practised. A very important part of the class for me was the in-depth explanation of basic rules when working with datasheets in Excel.

A few rules when working with Datasheets in Excel:

1. No Empty Rows.
2. No Empty Columns.
3. One Row of Header.
4. No total or Subtotal.
5. Dates should be in a Single Column.
6. All Categories or Variables should be in a Single Column.
7. No obstructions around the data. For example, if you have something to say put it in the comment of the cell.
8. Most important information must always come first in a data sheet.

After the rules were stated, I realized I had been using Excel wrongly. Previously in an Excel spreadsheet, I would have empty rows and columns, I would merge cells and hide data. All of these and more of my previous practices had been a total violation of the rules of Excel. 

Asides all the analytical learnings I gained, my other key takeaways from the class asides were:

1. Excel is a tool that makes us work smart and the earlier I get familiar with it the better for me.
2. When working with datasheets in Excel, always follow the basic rules.
3. Consistent practice makes perfect.

After that experience, my Excel competency level is a beginner and on a scale of one to five I am below five. However, I am well on my way to changing my current proficiency level. I have a determination to move from beginner to intermediate. I am aware that I constantly have to practice if I want to improve my Excel skills and maintain a satisfactory level.