As part of its commitment to preparing future business leaders and professionals, the School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA) student organizations collaborated to create workshops on various topics that will help students develop their information technology (IT) skills.
One of the workshops, “Excel Essentials: Mastering the Basics,” was led by the Junior Financial Executives (JFINEX) and took place on April 6, 2024, at the Computer Laboratory in the Centennial Building. The event kicked off with a simple yet interactive game, presided over by the JFINEX Officers. Attendees shed their reluctance and pondered their way to answer the Microsoft (MS) Excel-related questions. Everyone became lively, setting a positive tone for the rest of the workshop. As the game progressed, three students stood out. Their rapid thinking and analysis earned them not just applause, but also a cash prize for their great performance.
Ms Jezreel Casiano, an SBAA Alumni and the former governor of the SBAA Student Body, graced the workshop as the guest speaker. Ms. Casiano presented and taught the students several formulas and key combinations that they could utilize for different purposes based on the objectives or outcomes that needed to be completed on the Excel spreadsheets. According to her, Microsoft Excel is a crucial software that business students should not only be familiar with but also something that they should master using. She highlighted that Microsoft Excel is an industry-standard software. Professionals, especially in the world of business, use Microsoft Excel to enhance productivity, manage data, and create professional reports. Before ending her discussion, she left a message to the students stating they should see the importance of learning the basics of Microsoft Excel while still in college.
“Mastering software tools like Microsoft Excel will help you on your career path later on,”
– Jezreel Casiano, SBAA Alumni and Guest Speaker
The students, guest speaker, and JFINEX officers surely had a productive time during the workshop. As the students navigated the spreadsheets and formulas, they were not only learning software, but they were also honing a skill that would illuminate their professional journey. This workshop helped SBAA students to realize that being equipped with essential skills in navigating Microsoft Excel is a stepping stone toward success as future business leaders and professionals, especially in the rapidly evolving technology landscape of business administration.
The “Excel Essentials: Mastering the Basics” workshop, organized by the Junior Financial Executives of SBAA, directly aligns with UN SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. By teaching students to master Excel, they acquired relevant practical skills that made them more competitive in the future workforce—where proficiency in Microsoft Excel is often a prerequisite for various roles. As they master these basics, students are able to enhance their employability, contributing to a future of decent work opportunities.
Written by Ms. Michelle Joyce Quitaleg and Dhonna Vayne Depolio
