In today’s digital era, the ability to analyze data has become one of the most important skills in the industrial world. Some major industries that rely heavily on data analysis skills as the key to success in their business processes are the financial and banking industry, insurance, technology and information, E-Commerce and retail, manufacturing, education, health to Telecommunications.
The background above, encouraged a number of lecturers from the Actuarial Science Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI), to carry out community service activities (pengmas), through the 5th workshop series entitled “Microsoft Excel Pivot Tables for Data Analysis” at SMKN 1 Depok, in order to equip grade XII students at the school with technical skills that are relevant to the needs of the industry in the financial sector, namely the use of Pivot Tables which are an analysis feature in Microsoft Excel.
“This activity is part of the commitment of the Actuarial Science Study Program, FMIPA UI, to continue to provide positive contributions to society, through the development of knowledge and skills,” said the Head of the Actuarial Science Study Program, FMIPA UI, Dr. Fevi Novkaniza, S.Si., M.Si.
Through the workshop which took place on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, participants had the opportunity to learn directly from the resource person, who is a lecturer and expert in financial mathematics and optimization from the Actuarial Science Study Program (Prodi) FMIPA UI, so that it is expected to provide long-term benefits for them.
Maulana Malik, S.Si., M.Si. as a resource person explained that Pivot Tables in Microsoft Excel are very helpful for novice users in analyzing, summarizing, and visualizing data efficiently.
Skills in using Pivot Tables, he continued, enable the process of grouping data, filtering information, and identifying patterns and trends that may not be visible with other data analysis methods to be done easily.
He also explained how to use Pivot Tables and their benefits. The material related to the use of Pivot Tables presented includes the basic steps of creating Pivot Tables, as well as the use of various tools such as sort, grouping, slicers, and filters.
“By mastering the functions of these tools, participants can sort data, group data for deeper analysis, use slicers for easier data selection, and filter data according to analysis needs,” he said.
In fact, apart from Pivot Tables, said Maulana, there are still many more data analysis tools and techniques used by practitioners or professionals in the industrial world, to analyze data in more depth, complete with statistical and data science packages, such as R and Python.
However, according to him, Pivot Tables are most suitable for students who are beginners as basic data management skills. In addition, Microsoft Excel itself is also considered more familiar and simple to use among students, when compared to tools used in the industrial world which are more complex in their use.
“This skill is expected to improve their competence in processing data which is one of the important skills in today’s work world, one of which is in determining strategic decisions based on the right data, for example in planning market expansion, analyzing customer data and market trends to determine the most potential location or market segment. “said Maulana who is a lecturer and expert in financial mathematics and optimization from the Actuarial Science Study Program, FMIPA UI.
This activity received appreciation from the school, Neneng Hendriani, S.Pd, M.Pd., one of the accounting teachers of SMKN 1 Depok said “This workshop is very helpful for our students in developing data analysis skills, which are useful in various industries, especially in roles that involve reporting, data management, and data-based decision making. This ability also gives them a competitive advantage and makes it easier to adapt to a work environment that requires efficient data processing,”
This workshop not only provides technical knowledge on the use of Microsoft Excel Pivot Tables, but also introduces students at SMKN 1 Depok to the Actuarial Science Study Program, FMIPA UI, as well as the important role of the actuarial profession and career opportunities in the insurance and financial industry. Participants are expected to better understand and be interested in continuing their education in the Actuarial Science Study Program, FMIPA UI, and be ready to face challenges in the world of work.
