In today’s digital era, the ability to analyze data has become one of the most important skills in the industrial world. This has encouraged a number of lecturers from the Actuarial Science study program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Indonesia (UI), to carry out community service activities (pengmas), through a workshop titled “Tabel Pivot Microsoft Excel untuk Analisis Data” (Microsoft Excel Pivot Table for Data Analysis) at SMKN 1 Depok.
“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 Dean of FMIPA UI, Prof. Dr. Dede Djuhana. Through the workshop which took place on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, participants had the opportunity to learn directly with experts in financial mathematics and optimization. They are the FMIPA UI Community Service team who are also lecturers at the FMIPA UI Actuarial Science Study Program, namely Suci Fratama Sari, S.Si., M.Si., Dr. Dra. Dian Lestari D.E.A., Sindy Devila, S.Si., M.Si., Rahmat Al kafi, S.Si., M.Si., Fida Fathiyah, S.Si., M.Si., Arman Haqqi Anna Zili, S.Si., M.Si., Dr.rer.nat Hendri Murfi, S.Si., M.Kom., Dr. Fevi Nofkaniza, S.Si., M.Si. and Maulana Malik, S.Si., M.Si. as well as students Savindra Mukarram, Natanael Timothy Ebenhaezer and Tshabitha Aqnia Putri.
Head of Community Service, Maulana Malik, S.Si., M.Si., said that Pivot Tables in Microsoft Excel are very helpful for novice users in analyzing, summarizing, and visualizing data efficiently. “Skills in using pivot tables allow the process of grouping data, filtering information, and identifying patterns and trends that may not be visible with other data analysis methods can be easily done,” said Maulana at the workshop which presented 50 students.
He further explained how to use pivot tables and their benefits including 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 addition to pivot tables, there are many more tools and data analysis techniques used by practitioners or professionals in the industrial world, complete with statistical and data science packages, such as R and Python. However, according to Maulana, Pivot Tables are most suitable for students who, in this case, are beginners in basic data management skills. In addition, Microsoft Excel itself is also considered more familiar and simple to use by 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 the right data-based strategic decisions. “For example, in planning market expansion, analyzing customer data and market trends to determine the most potential location or market segment,” said Maulana.
Neneng Hendriani, S.Pd, M.Pd., one of the accounting teachers at 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.”
Some of the main 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. This workshop not only provides technical knowledge on the use of Microsoft Excel pivot tables, but also equips grade XII students at the school with technical skills that are relevant to the needs of the industry in the financial sector.
In addition, the FMIPA UI Community Service Team also introduced students at SMKN 1 Depok to the FMIPA UI Actuarial Science Study Program, 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 at the FMIPA UI Actuarial Science Study Program, and also, be ready to face challenges in the working world.
