Using Excel with AI

AI in Excel introduces business professionals to the practical use of artificial intelligence within Microsoft Excel to improve everyday tasks and decision-making. The course begins with a clear overview of AI, machine learning, and large language models, focusing on their role in business intelligence. Participants will learn to navigate Excel Copilot, write effective prompts using the C-G-P framework, and apply AI to clean, organise, and interpret data without needing advanced technical skills.

Through guided exercises, learners will use natural language to generate formulas, create PivotTables, and automate multi-step tasks like formatting and summarising data. A final project allows participants to apply their skills to a real-world dataset, reinforcing confidence and independence. The course also covers best practices for privacy, troubleshooting, and understanding AI’s limitations. Ideal for professionals in finance, operations, HR, and administration, this course empowers users to work smarter and faster using AI-enhanced Excel tools.

Contents:

• Foundations of AI to introduce artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and large language models (LLMs), and explore their role in business intelligence.
• Getting Started with Excel Copilot to navigate the interface, check system requirements, and execute your first AI-powered commands.
• Writing Effective Prompts to craft precise commands using the C-G-P framework (Context, Goal, Parameters) and apply iterative prompting to improve results.
• Basic Data Analysis with AI to clean, analyse, and visualise data using AI tools integrated in Excel.
• Advanced Copilot Features to generate logical formulas (e.g., IF statements), clean data formats and cases, and create PivotTables using natural language.
• Introduction to Agent Mode to automate multi-step tasks such as calculating, formatting, and summarising data with a single command.
• Practical Applications and Projects to complete a 90-minute final project where participants independently analyse a new dataset from start to finish.
• Best Practices and Troubleshooting to understand data privacy, resolve common errors, and recognise the limitations of AI in Excel.

This course is intended for professionals across roles—HR, finance, operations, and administration—who use Excel and want to enhance their workflows with AI. It suits those interested in automating tasks, analysing data, and generating insights using AI-powered Excel features. Recommended prerequisites include basic Excel skills and curiosity about practical AI tools. The course provides versatile, hands-on experience for improving productivity and decision-making across industries.

By the end of the course, the student will:

• Understand the fundamental concepts of AI, Machine Learning (ML), and Large Language Models (LLMs) and their application in business analytics.
• Write clear, specific, and effective prompts using the C-G-P (Context, Goal, Parameters) framework to get accurate results.
• Automate common data cleaning and formatting tasks (e.g., standardizing text, formatting dates and currency) with simple natural language commands.
• Generate, explain, and apply complex Excel functions (like IF, SUMIFS, XLOOKUP, and text functions) without manually writing the syntax.
• Build insightful PivotTables and charts instantly by describing the desired summary in plain English.
• Leverage “Agent Mode” to automate complex, multi-step workflows (like calculation, formatting, and summarization) in a single prompt.
• Analyze a new dataset from start to finish and present key findings.
• Identify and troubleshoot common issues and understand the critical data privacy considerations of using AI in Excel.

Certificate of Attendance, issued by Semos Education upon successful completion of the course.