(Courtesy of Project Ezrah) It was early on the Sunday before Chanukah and most people were still in bed keeping warm on that frigid morning. However, a number of professionals with the drive and initiative to be up early invested in themselves to attend the Project Ezrah workshop: Pivotal Moments in Excel. The workshop was led by Peter Globus, director of business intelligence at L’Oréal.
The group gathered at the Young Israel of Teaneck with the session attracting a diverse group of participants, ranging from business professionals to social workers and curious individuals eager to sharpen their data analysis skills. As Globus pointed out in his introduction, many Excel users are intimidated by pivot tables due to their seemingly complex nature. However, he reassured the audience that with the right guidance and practice, even beginners could become proficient in using them. His methodical approach aimed at demystifying the process which made the presentation accessible to all skill levels.
The workshop was highly interactive, with participants working through real-world examples of pivot tables. Globus began by explaining the basic mechanics of creating a pivot table. He demonstrated how to select a data range, insert a pivot table and organize it.
What set this workshop apart was Globus’ engaging teaching style. Throughout the session, he encouraged participants to ask questions and share their own challenges with Excel. His answers were clear and patient and he often provided tips and tricks to speed up workflows and improve efficiency.
Jeff Mendelson, director of employment at Project Ezrah, noted, “Excel can be overwhelming, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes a powerful tool that can save you hours of work. Employers like to see an employee who can analyze and delve deeply into a project.” Mendelson chose Globus to lead the workshop because of his enthusiasm and encouragement as well as his incredible knowledge of the use of Excel. “It really helped participants feel more confident in their ability to tackle Excel tasks with ease.”
By the end of the workshop, attendees had not only gained a solid understanding of pivot tables but also developed a sense of empowerment in their data analysis abilities. Many participants expressed excitement about applying their new skills to their professional work, with some mentioning they planned to take the concepts learned and share them with their colleagues.
Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many praised the practical, hands-on nature of the workshop, as well as Globus’ approachable teaching style. “I’ve used pivot tables before, but this workshop showed me features I never even knew existed,” said one attendee. “I feel much more confident now and am excited to start using pivot tables in my daily work.”
To stay informed and learn about future workshops and programs provided to the community, visit www.ezrah.org.
