Micro-Lessons:
Learn Office Before the Office
Welcome to Learn Office Before The Office, presented by Her Campus and Microsoft Store.
Yes, we are talking about Microsoft Office, but this is not your parents’ Office. We're talking about the modern Office apps in Microsoft 365 that are intelligent, collaborative and on every device you use. Whether you’re heading back to school or you’re ready to elevate your career this year, we’ve got you covered with all the tips and tricks you need! Explore each micro-lesson for advice on giving presentations, how to stay organized and save time, how to navigate a hybrid work environment, fashion do’s and don’ts, and more.
Present Like a Pro
Demi Bang graduated from Arizona State University with a Communications
degree. From starting a blog to keeping track of homework, Microsoft Office
has helped Demi stay organized throughout college and it has prepared her for her
professional career. Today, she works as an account manager at a marketing agency.
Prep your look.
From college to professional life, presentations are a key part of almost every major industry. So it’s always a good time to work on your presentation skills.
Last, but not least, whether your meeting is virtual or in-person, choose an outfit and hairstyle that makes you feel like your best self. Having a good presentation is rooted in feeling confident! Try on your look at least the night before, so you’re not scrambling and stressing right before showtime.
The number one way for your presentation to be engaging is through the way it looks. Bring your presentation to
the next level by using PowerPoint Designer, creating
polished and professional-looking presentations.
Design is key.
Not only does including a video give you a minute to catch your breath, but it can also inspire and engage your audience. So whether it is a demo or related social video, keep it short and sweet.
Create & embed videos.
Run through your presentation to get comfortable and confident in the material. Lucky for you, with a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can use PowerPoint Presenter Coach. This feature is the biggest game-changer because it helps you prepare your presentation, listening and evaluating things like your pacing, use of filler words, informal speech, euphemisms, and culturally sensitive terms. After each rehearsal, you get a report that includes suggestions for improvements.
Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!
Lesson 1:
(Psst: You can embed videos in Microsoft PowerPoint.)
Whether color coding or a numerical scale works better for you, create an Excel spreadsheet and label and categorize tasks based on urgency or due date. When you organize your to-dos like this, you’re sure
to achieve them all.
Create a prioritization system.
Designate a space for your snacks and
drinks, and organize them in a drawer or in
a mini-fridge below your desk. Then, when you’re running low, place an order or visit the store, so you never run out of mid-day fuel.
Stock up on snacks.
In OneNote, you can organize your to-dos in notebooks that you can divide into sections and pages. With easy navigation and search, you’ll always find your notes right where you
left them. Don’t forget you can also add handwritten notes, sketch diagrams, videos
and pictures into your OneNote pages.
Define your notebook style.
Whether it’s school, work, side hustle or everyday life, these are the best ways to get it all done. Explore the suite of tech tools like OneNote, Outlook, Teams and Excel to hone your organizational prowess.
How to Organize ~Everything~
Lesson 2:
Great minds don’t always think alike, but they can share ideas and brainstorm together on Teams. Whether you’re working on a group assignment or a project at work, connect securely from anywhere to collaborate with
ease and make sure you’re all on
the same page.
Share and collaborate.
Microsoft Excel is a great program to help you stay organized and on top of things, especially when it comes to budgeting. Money in Excel automatically and securely connects your bank info, imports transactions, and organizes info into one workbook. This saves you time and minimizes stress when it comes to your personal finances.
Organize Your $.
Chances are, a lot has changed, no matter where you work. So don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether you’re unsure about the appropriate business attire (TBT to the days of sweatpants all day!) or even the updated work hours, your managers will appreciate your attention to
these important details.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Whether you’re interning, working full-time or forming connections with co-workers at all levels, here are some tips to keep in mind when communicating with coworkers and managers in a hybrid work environment.
The ~New~ Workplace
Lesson 3:
If you wish you were in an office with your full team, try Together mode in Microsoft Teams. Not only can you turn any regular video call into a shared virtual environment using Together mode, but research shows how the feature can reduce video call fatigue. You can choose from a variety of new virtual environments such as a family lounge, coffee shop, or even a summer resort for your next meeting.
Try Together mode.
No one likes to be talked over. So be patient, and wait until your colleague is done speaking to jump in with a note. If this is a video call and your point simply can’t wait, use the chat feature to quickly get your point across. Trust us, this will go a long way when gaining the respect of your team.
Patience is everything.
Overcommunication is key when working remotely or with a hybrid team. Use the group chat feature to connect as a group. Once a group chat is created, you can share a to-do list and assign tasks to others. Everyone can view and edit task details or check-off items when completed. Your productivity is
about to skyrocket!
Chat it up!
Editor: Madeleine Bokan • Designer: Neula Ha
This is a sponsored feature. All opinions are 100% our own.
© Her Campus Media 2021
(Psst: The key is using Microsoft Teams!)
Schedule time to eat something healthy and filling ahead of your presentation. When you feel energized, you're already set up for success! Find what works for you, whether it’s coffee and a bagel or a smoothie and granola bar.
Make sure to fuel up.
First things first: set yourself up for success with an aesthetically pleasing (and neat!) workspace. Treat yourself to organizational decor, like file trays, pen holders, and even a framed memo board. Next, add images to your board to motivate you throughout the day. This can be things like photos of family and friends and an image of the new bag you’re saving up for.
Design your space.
Organizing your email is the biggest way to feel on top of your game. With Outlook, you can categorize threads by subject, topic or even by class so they’re easier to navigate. Psst, did we mention you can color code meetings and calendar invites, too?!
Own your inbox (and calendar!).
For example, take five minutes before your next meeting and go for a walk around your office or home. Getting some fresh air will help you stay productive all day and will keep you
in a good mood.
Make sure to schedule breaks.
