How spreadsheets changed my Life
How spreadsheets changed my Life
December 3, 2012
During my first year of high school, I took an introductory computer course. I think it was called “Computers for Business” or something of the sorts. I thought it would be simple; I obviously already knew how to use computers. But as it turned out, that class gave me some incredibly useful knowledge.
During the class, we spent a couple weeks learning about spreadsheets. You know, the software used in offices, with hundreds of columns and rows and cells, commonly used for databases and organizing information. To me, these spreadsheets seemed overwhelming and complicated with hundreds of numbers and mathematical formulas.
But as we took the time to learn the basics of the program, it all began to make sense to me. Of course everyone needs spreadsheets! They are the perfect way to organize. They can add numbers, count how many times a number appears, take the average of a row of numbers…the possibilities are endless. And not only do they sort numbers, but words too! You can put words into the cells and sort them and count them just like numbers. I learned how to use spreadsheets for so many different tasks.
I know this may all seem well and good in a business or school setting, but spreadsheets have also helped me in my day-to-day life. I keep a monthly budget on my spreadsheet program to help me add up my spending and determine where my money is going. I also use one to keep a running to-do list with due dates and a schedule to keep me organized for school. If you can put it in a chart, you can put it in a spreadsheet!
And now that I work in an office, where we use spreadsheets every single day, I can’t even tell you how they’ve helped me stay organized, efficient, and on-top of things. Coming into the workplace already knowing how to use spreadsheets was the best advantage I could have given myself. My colleagues even come to me for advice when they’re having trouble with their spreadsheets!
Knowledge about spreadsheets and the skill to use them have made my school life, professional life and even personal life easier, and much less stressful. Yes, the program may take a while to learn, but anything worth learning takes time and patience. So when you have the opportunity to learn about them or take a computer course, go for it! Spreadsheets will change your life!
Comments
Kyle says,
December 14, 2012
Have to admit Excel was the reason why I passed my accounting course. Are you planning to add more cover letter or resume samples?
Rob says,
Hey Kyle! Nice job with the accounting course. We’re always looking to update our content online, including new templates and samples. Is there anything in particular you’d like to see? Thanks for reading!
I hope you continue to read and comment,
Rob