While studying for a Masters in Environment and Development, LSE student Nanako Ueda, embarked on a learning journey with the Digital Skills Lab (DSL). The practical and tailored support she received bridged the gap between her skills and the job market, as she learned all the Excel intricacies needed to prepare for an assessment centre test at one of the largest global information and data providers.
Before studying at LSE, Nanako worked as a climate finance analyst at a consulting firm, and while she enjoyed her role, engaging with stakeholders and advising on sustainable investments, she realised that she needed to develop some of her data skills.
A job interview at a top global information and data provider was the catalyst for her digital skills learning journey. Impressed by her background and performance, the employer invited her to their assessment centre, where she would be tested on her analytical skills, by demonstrating her proficiency with data analysis and visualisation, using Excel, pivot tables and charts.
Having limited knowledge of Excel, to prepare for the test, Nanako enrolled in the DSL Excel Basic and Fundamental workshops.
“I really enjoyed the practical, learn-as-you-go and interactive approach in a supportive environment. I learned incrementally, each learning stage validated by a tangible task. And the knowledge gained was immediately applicable to real-world tasks.”
From the first session, she became more confident using Excel and, by the end of the second session, she learned pivot tables. However, she was working against the clock, there was less than a week to prepare for the test!
Nanako sought guidance on which aspects to focus on from the workshop’s tutor, Nedelin Velikov, Learning Developer at the Digital Skills Lab. She was given homework and invited to attend one-to-one support sessions. The focus of these were on data cleaning techniques, data visualisation - using pivot tables and creating dashboards, ensuring Nanako was well prepared for the test.
The hard work and personalised support paid off, as Nanako demonstrated her analytical skills during the assessment and was invited for a second round of interviews by the employer.
“The work that I accomplished with Nedelin and the team at the Digital Skills Lab was the most efficient work I have ever done in such a short amount of time!”, adding, “Excel is a life skill, it’s absolutely essential and it has boosted my career prospects.”
Nanako’s learning journey has been transformative, having found a new confidence in the way she approaches data in her studies and in her job search.
“The practical and personalised learning experience provided by the DSL has been invaluable, I feel equipped with the right digital skills to be successful in my studies and career”.
Inspired? Browse DSL workshops here.