What's more important
Hey all,
During your guys' analyst stint, what did you use more on the job: Excel or Powerpoint? Which do you recommend mastering first? Appreciate all insight!
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The correct answer is both, but if you had to choose I guess Excel.
Thanks!
Honestly the best thing you could probably do is learn how to use Excel without a mouse, and memorize some of the most common functions that you're going to be using in your job. I recommend taking an Excel for Finance course, either from WSO, WSP, linkedin learning, udemy, coursera etc. because you don't know what you don't know, y'know?
You probably will spend equal time in both, but that's because by nature Powerpoint is more tedious. Your more quality value-add work will be done in Excel. Would 10/10 rather work with a guy who was proficient in Excel than Powerpoint.
Being mediocre at Powerpoint is fine and you'll get by, but being mediocre at Excel is NOT enough to get you by.
The work you'll be doing in PPT can be done by a 3rd grader, the work you'll be doing in Excel is where the real analysis is done.
Appreciate it man. Definitely going to look into some courses. Thanks for the help!
Your Associate will care more about your Excel skills
Your neurotic MD doesn’t remember what Excel is and will care more about the dimensions of your shapes on Powerpoint
Your VP doesn’t care about either because the only things he cares about are how he’ll never make MD and how he’s going to die alone
Be good at both
Excel is a steeper learning curve, spend your time there. If you're starting from scratch, learn basic Excel (including shortcuts) up to making a basic 3 statement model. It's an asset to be a proficient modeler on day 1
Analysts spend equal or more time in PPT than Excel, but it's mindless stuff - rearranging charts/lines/logos, changing words, etc. The quick access toolbar is your friend. Reps on the job will make you faster.
Appreciate the reply!
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