Week 9: Muddy

I am still learning how to work with many of the functions of Microsoft Excel, the spreadsheet application of the Microsoft Office suite.

Word has been a constant companion through my education and PowerPoint has helped me out on many occasions as well.

But this is really the first time I have actually opened Excel and used it.

Since I am a Journalism major, I find it necessary to learn how Excel can help me function in that type of employment and it turns out journalists use Excel all the time.

Pivot tables are especially helpful during election time to help cover campaign finances for all the candidates - who can sometimes get money donations from several thousand different people/companies.

It is up to the journalist to play watchdog on campaign finances so there isn't any corruption or bribery and Excel helps to maintain a simple order of who gave to who and how much.

To learn more about what other computer skills are great for journalists, head to the Poynter Institute.