Throughout Phase 2 I was playing a lot of catch-up more to my liking. I had started off the first half in a good standing throughout the Excel LabSim course but lost my stride and fell behind. After spring break I took too much time off and let the assignments build up. It was demotivating at times to catch-up as Excel is considered probably the most difficult of the 3 applications so at times it felt tiresome. All in all, it probably wouldn't have been an issue if I stayed ahead. Although I found the A6 Spreadsheet Analysis relatively difficult I found it very beneficial to learn as I'm expecting to pursue a degree and career in finance. Knowing Excel is one of the most common uses when managing finances in a job/career setting I know it can only be beneficial to learn and heighten my understanding to make things easier in the near-future. Being able to learn the formulas and implement it within real word situations is a great asset to learn and understand. Considering that, I guess it all goes hand in hand of how I can apply what I've learned here in Phase 2 later into my career and work life.
The LabSim topic I selected was (5.4.1 Data Protection). The topic is self-explanatory, but with this you are able to lock cells,formats,rows and so much other components within excel to keep your data protected. This section really stood out to me as I've said I plan to work within finance. Being able to manage and have access to others finances takes extreme care and precision when it comes to someone else's money. Knowing that and having that data and information protected is obviously a non-negotiable. Co-workers and advisors can overlook those specific excel sheets and if a formula or input is damaged throughout that process it is very unfavorable for yourself and definitely the client. Learning how to prevent this type of scenario is key if you want things to run smoothly without any major issues and also why I chose this specific topic.
As I'm typing this I've already completed phase 3 and currently on the last coming days of the semester. I can honestly say I didn't do things to the best of my ability on staying ahead but completed what needed to be done before it was generally due.
Hi James, I know the feeling of getting demotivated, and that is honestly why I rely a lot on lists and breaking things into smaller parts. When I see something like “read chapters 4 to 5,” my brain immediately treats it like a giant wall, so instead I try to focus on smaller goals like reading for 25 minutes or finishing a few pages at a time just so I can cross something out and feel progress. I do not really have the endurance to sit for hours fully focused on one thing, so I need to stretch tasks out little by little to keep myself moving.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately that strategy does not always work during exams because there is no time to mentally recover, but for assignments and projects it helps me avoid feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes if I spend two hours on one chapter without visible progress, I start feeling discouraged, so breaking things into tiny chunks helps me feel like I am actually accomplishing something instead of just suffering in front of a screen for half the day.
James, I liked how you connected Excel and data protection to your future career in finance because it makes the skills feel way more meaningful. Also, catching up during Excel phase was rough honestly, so I get what you mean about it feeling tiring at times.
ReplyDeleteHello James, data protection is huge! I had no idea that it was possible to protect your files and leave only certain areas that could be edited. Catching up can be difficult but you pushed your final post out so excellent! A finance career is going to require extreme diligence and thoroughness so hopefully this class gave you a taste! Happy summer break!
ReplyDeleteHi James. What stood out to me is that you connected a skill that you learned in Excel to your dream career. Protecting worksheets allows you to feel less concerned about accidentally changing data on a document.
ReplyDeleteHey James, it's okay to be behind sometimes. Rest is often needed and although you may have taken more rest than you should've, you're here now and that's all that matters. Finish strong!
ReplyDeleteHello James, falling behind can be very demotivating but glad to hear you were able to complete assignments in the end thankfully life isn't all or nothing.
ReplyDeleteHello James. It's a difficult class to stay ahead in, at least in my experience. So, as long as you can catch up that's all that matters. Data protection does seem like it would be something super important especially in finance, it's great that you're paying attention to stuff like that.
ReplyDeleteHey James, the thought of me staying ahead always lived in my head rent free, that was never the case because I mostly had done stuff on time and sometimes fell behind but everyone's got their own story, as long as it get's done, its not a race here.
ReplyDeleteHi James, I can relate to falling behind after breaks and then having to play catch-up with Excel, it definitely takes more time than people expect.
ReplyDeleteGlad you found A6 Spreadsheet Analysis with Trailer difficult but beneficial, James :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, you will be able to apply what you learned in IS101-3003/5, Spring 2025 into your career and life!
It takes courage to be honest with oneself and the world ^_^
Hey James! I like 5.4.1, I also think that it is so important and just like what you mentioned, it is especially useful for workplace settings where a lot of people will work together on one worksheet. We all make careless mistakes from time to time, so this tool is useful to just lock something permanent in its place!
ReplyDeleteYou may not be in the same pace like everyone in the class but seeing your blog post and you telling us that you have completed the different Phases just goes to show that you are pushing through the activities and giving you best in every activity. Remember, comparison is the thief of joy, so different students might be a little ahead or you might be behind on things, but you got to give yourself credit when it's due. You made it! That's what matters.
ReplyDeleteHi James, I totally understand that. Sometimes we think we have all the time in the world to finish things, so we leave them for the end, but that usually doesn’t work out haha. I’ve learned that too, and honestly, I really don’t like working under pressure.
ReplyDeleteHello James. It's nice you'll be able to apply your Excel knowledge to your career! It'll definitely come in handy with finance!
ReplyDeleteHey James! We share similar experiences with falling behind! But everything will be okay in the end! Thunder only happens when it's raining!
ReplyDeleteHi James, good job keeping up with all the assignments, it is a lot of work but luckily our professor gives us a lot time to finish up, which is cool. Have a good one and hope you enjoy your summer break as much as the spring break!
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