Learn More About Excel Classes in Washington, D.C.
Microsoft Excel is a general-purpose spreadsheet program that is used to store, analyze, and manipulate data. It is one of the most popular spreadsheet programs in the world due to its wide range of tools and ease of use. Users who simply need to input and organize data can use Excel as a basic spreadsheet; however, it also has the capacity to serve as a complex database-building tool for users who need to perform advanced calculations and analytics. This application is used in many different types of jobs, including office work, data analysis, finance, and project management. It is also popular for personal accounting and data organization tasks.
The first version of Excel was called Excel 1.0 and was only available for Mac users. It was released in 1985. In 1987, Microsoft released a Windows version called Excel 2.0. From these early versions, this application has evolved from a simple spreadsheet into a sophisticated tool for business and data analytics. It has many different automated functions, which can save time and help eliminate errors. Users can perform a wide variety of calculations, visualize data, create PivotTables, and use macros. Excel even has its own programming language, which is called Visual Basic for Applications. Excel is part of Microsoft 365 and is available by subscription.
What Can You Do with Excel Training?
Excel is a versatile tool that can be used in many different professional settings. Writing on LinkedIn, a Microsoft Office Trainer stresses, “Excel has become an essential tool for many professionals. In today’s job market, having strong Excel skills can be a valuable asset in a wide range of careers.” Excel is a foundational skill for many office jobs, where this application is used to store and organize many different types of data, from employee information to financial data. A significant percentage of office workers use Excel on a day-to-day basis. Excel is also essential in the field of finance. Professionals in this field use it to record, manipulate, and analyze data. Excel saves time with its automated features, eliminates mistakes, and gives professionals a wide range of different ways to make sense of their data. For instance, an Accountant might use it to calculate depreciation, and an Investment Banker might use it to figure out how a company is performing. Another field where Excel is often found is project management. With this application, professionals can keep track of large projects, tracking tasks, teams, and budgets. Finally, Excel is a common tool in data science. It’s many tools that allow analysts to organize, manipulate, and analyze large amounts of data, and also to create visualizations of their findings.
While Excel is popular in many different professional settings, it is also widely used in non-professional settings. For instance, many people use it to keep personal financial records or to set budgets. It is also used to organize lists and track progress. Some non-professional uses of this application include keeping a list of addresses, tracking workouts, and budgeting for a trip.
What Will I Learn in an Excel Class?
What you’ll learn in an Excel class will depend on the specific class that you choose. If you take a beginner course, you’ll learn the basics, while a higher-level class will cover more advanced skills. Some of the things you’re likely to learn include formatting, functions, PivotTables, macros, and analytical skills.
One of the first things you’re likely to learn in an Excel class is how to format your data. This means changing the way that your data appears. You can do things like changing the style or color of your font, or manipulating your borders or alignment. By formatting your data, you can help people understand it better or draw attention to specific elements of your spreadsheet.
Functions
Working with functions is another key Excel skill and is covered in most Excel classes. Functions are predefined formulas that you can use to perform many different types of calculations. A function will perform calculations in a specific order based on values that you specify. Functions allow you to easily perform complex calculations and avoid errors.
PivotTables
A Pivot Table is a data analysis tool. You can use it to summarize a large amount of data and more easily identify patterns and trends in that data. Some people believe that PivotTables are one of Excel’s most useful tools. When you take an Excel class, you may learn to create and edit PivotTables.
Macros
Macros are another valuable Excel tool. A macro is a recorded set of commands that you can use as many times as you want. Macros are like programming code. They can save you a lot of time because they can be used to automate repetitive tasks. Macros are generally covered in more advanced Excel classes.
Analytical Skills
A major part of using Excel is analyzing the data that you input, so when you take an Excel class, you’re likely to improve your analytical skills. Analytical skills include things like critical thinking and the ability to analyze data, and they can help you solve different types of problems. Strong analytical skills are an asset in many different careers.
How Hard Is It to Learn Excel?
How hard it is to learn Excel depends on how deeply you plan to get into the application. The basics—like data entry and formatting—will be fairly easy to learn. However, mastering Excel’s more advanced features, such as macros and PivotTables, will be more difficult. If you want to master Excel’s advanced features, experts advise that you start by mastering the basics and then gradually move on to more difficult skills. If you don’t build a strong foundation before trying to learn advanced skills, you’re likely to find the learning process much more difficult. Practice is also an important part of learning Excel. ONLC Training Centers advises spending as much time as you can practicing. It says, “The more someone uses Excel in everyday operations, the more familiar they will become with its functionality. Daily practice allows one to master more complicated features and tools in Excel. By making a time commitment and engaging with online learning modules, anyone can learn Excel.”
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Excel?
Excel has its own programming language—called Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)—and many people find that this is one of the most challenging parts of the application to master. VBA is said to have relatively easy syntax; however, unless you have a background in programming, you may find that it takes some time to learn this language. While VBA can be challenging to learn, many people do say that it is not as difficult as many other programming languages.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Excel?
Most people say that it is relatively easy to learn the basics of Excel and that it will only take a couple of days, or possibly even several hours, to learn enough to use this application for simple tasks. However, Excel also has many complex tools and advanced features, and if you’re planning to use the program on a professional level, it will probably take longer to learn. If you already have some experience with spreadsheets or working with data, you’re likely to learn more quickly. You’re also likely to pick up Excel more quickly if you already know how to use other Microsoft applications. One way to speed up your learning process is to enroll in a paid Excel class. When you pay for a class, you’ll gain access to an expert who can guide you through the learning process and answer any questions that you have. Another benefit of a class is that many come with proof of your mastery, such as a certificate of completion.
Should I Learn Excel in Person or Online?
If you’re looking for an Excel class, you’ll find that there are several different Excel class formats, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. You can learn in-person, live online, or on demand. The decision about which format is best will depend on your personal learning style and other circumstances, like where you live and how busy you are. In-person learning is one popular class format. When you take an in-person class, you learn face-to-face in a classroom with an instructor and a group of students. You’ll typically have minimal distractions since you’ll be in an environment dedicated to learning, and you’ll be able to ask questions and get feedback whenever you want. You’ll also have the opportunity to network with other students. In addition, students often say that they find in-person learning to be the most engaging format. A downside is that you’ll need to travel to the class location, so you’ll be limited to classes located in your geographic area. Commuting can also be time-consuming and costly.
If you sign up for a live online class, you’ll eliminate the need to commute. To attend a live online class, you simply log in from your home or any other location with an internet connection. Instruction is live with this format, just like with in-person learning, and instructors can offer feedback and answer questions in real time. In many live online classes, interaction between students is also encouraged, which means you may get networking opportunities. Some students say that they prefer live online instruction because they are more comfortable interacting via computer than in person. One benefit of a live online class is that since you can attend from any location, you’ll often have more class options. A downside is that you’ll usually need to supply your own software and equipment and deal with any technical difficulties that may arise.
A third Excel class option is on-demand learning. With this format, there is no live instructor. Instead, you’ll learn asynchronously. Material is typically prerecorded, and you work through it at your own pace. You can stop and start whenever you need to, and you can even rewatch sections that you need to or skip through content that you’ve already mastered. On-demand learning is the most flexible class format, and in many cases, it is also the cheapest option since there is no live instructor. However, this format may not be the best choice if you don’t have strong discipline and self-motivation, since you’ll be working alone.
What Should I Learn Alongside Excel?
Many of the jobs where Excel is utilized involve sharing information with other people, which means that public speaking skills can be a great thing to learn alongside Excel. One career services professional insists that public speaking is inevitable for most professionals. She says, “At some point in your career, you’ll likely need to speak in front of a group of people. Whether you’re presenting a new project to your team members or pitching an idea to a client, it is important to have strong presentation skills.” Learning public speaking means learning how to share information with other people in a way that makes that information easy to understand and remember. It can also involve persuading your audience to your point of view. No matter what your level of skill in public speaking, it is something that you can improve over time.
Collaboration can be another beneficial skill if you plan to work in a field that involves using Excel. Many Excel-related tasks involve collaborating with other people. For example, you might work on a particular spreadsheet as a group, or you might create a spreadsheet and then send it to a manager for input. Excel is designed to make this easy. For instance, you can save your work to OneDrive and easily share it with team members in real time. In recent years, as remote work has become more popular, so has remote collaboration, and Excel is well-suited to this mode of work.
Washington, D.C. Industries That Use Excel
Excel is a common business application, widely used within many different industries for storing, organizing, and analyzing data. When people think about Excel, they often associate it with finance, and the majority of financial professionals do utilize Excel. However, Excel is not just used in finance. It is also a popular tool for sales, government, engineering and construction, and data analysis.
Finance
Excel is a popular tool among financial experts and is used for creating financial reports, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling. Washington, D.C. is a major financial center. Dc.gov explains, “The world recognizes DC as an international and national magnet for domestic and foreign affairs, with more than 180 embassies and foreign councils located in the city. DC is also home to some of the most iconic financial institutions in the world: the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the Inter-American Development Bank.” The organization reports that Washington, D.C. is rated as a top-ten city globally for ease of doing business and is also home to four Fortune 500 companies.
Sales
Excel is also utilized in the sales industry, where it has several different applications, including tracking stock levels, managing customer information, analyzing sales, and measuring market trends. Dc.gov reports that the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region has more than 6 million residents, attracts many international visitors, and supports a thriving retail scene. The Washington, D.C. Economic Partnership calls it “one of the top retail markets in the United States” and reports that it employs more than 266,000 people in retail.
Government
Government agencies commonly use Excel too, for administrative tasks, budgeting, analyzing data, and managing projects. The U.S. Government is the largest employer in the United States, and many of the jobs it supports are based in Washington, D.C. Government workers are employed in a wide range of different types of jobs, including planning, taxation, governing, regulation, national security, and administration. According to a recent Washington Times report, 15 percent of full-time federal employees work in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, which is the highest percentage in the country. The Partnership for Public Service reports that the top federal employers are Veterans Affairs, Defense, Army, Navy, Homeland Security, Air Force, and Justice.
Tech
Excel is widely used within the tech industry for organizing and analyzing large amounts of data. The Washington DC Economic Partnership states, “Washington, DC is a globally recognized tech hub.” It explains, “The local innovation ecosystem is supported by top-tier educational institutions such as George Washington University, Georgetown University School of Continuing Education, American University, Howard University, Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus, and many other nationally recognized institutions. In addition to educational institutions, DC is recognized for its strong talent pipeline, active venture capital community, and access to the world’s most prominent decision-makers shaping the regulatory landscape for new technologies.” The organization forecasts 25,000 tech jobs in the area over the next ten to twelve years. It also calls Washington, D.C. a top area for women in tech.
Excel Job Titles and Salaries
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts analyze data and make recommendations to individuals and companies about how to invest their money. This job typically involves gathering information, analyzing it, and creating a variety of reports. Financial analysts can work for many different types of businesses, including banks, insurance companies, and securities firms. They need research, critical thinking, analytical skills, and an education in economics and finance.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS) is a federal agency that tracks U.S. labor market statistics and publishes reports of its findings. Between 2022 and 2032, it projects 8 percent job growth for Financial Analysts. This is faster than the average U.S. job growth rate of 3 percent. The agency finds that the growth of big data is one factor driving this growth. It explains, “Demand… is projected to increase as big data and technological improvements allow financial analysts to conduct high-quality analysis. This analysis will help businesses manage their finances, identify investment trends, and deliver new products or services to clients.” Washington, D.C. is one of the top employers of Financial and Investment Analysts in the country, according to the BLS, employing more than 10,000 people. As reported by Payscale, a Financial Analyst working in Washington, D.C. can expect to earn about $73,000 yearly.
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist gathers, organizes, and interprets data. Data Scientists work in many different types of businesses and organizations. This job has become increasingly popular in recent years, as data is used for a growing number of purposes. Data Scientists need strong mathematical and analytical skills and typically need to be able to use a variety of programming languages and data analysis and modeling tools. One of the tools that they often use is Excel.
According to the BLS, data science jobs will increase by 35 percent over the next ten years, which is much faster than average. The agency explains that this will be because the volume of data, the way it is used, and the demand for data-driven decisions are all continually increasing. It says, “As a result, organizations will likely need more data scientists to mine and analyze the large amounts of information and data collected. Data scientists’ analysis will help organizations to make informed decisions and improve their business processes, to design and develop new products, and to better market their products.” The BLS reports that the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area has one of the highest levels of employment of Data Scientists in the country. Payscale finds the average salary for a Washington, D.C. Data Scientist is $97,000.
Project Manager
A Project Manager oversees the management of a project, which includes things like tracking budgets, keeping track of deadlines, and monitoring progress. Excel is used for many of these tasks. It is a favorite tool in this profession because it can be used as a simple spreadsheet or for more complex management tasks. Project Managers need strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
The BLS projects 6 percent growth in jobs for Project Management Specialists between 2022 and 2032. It notes, “Demand for project management specialists is expected to be strong in computer systems design services. More project management specialists will be needed to manage the growing volume and complexity of information technology (IT) projects required to support expanded telework.” More than 33,000 people are employed in project management in the Washington, D.C. area, according to the BLS, making it one of the biggest employers among metropolitan areas in the United States. It is also a top-paying area, as reported by the BLS. According to Glassdoor, the average Washington, D.C. salary for a Project Manager is $108,000.
Accountant
The role of an Accountant includes working on a range of finance-related tasks, many of which are accomplished in Excel. For instance, Excel is used to create financial reports and to analyze things like cash flow and profits. It is also used to perform a wide range of complex financial calculations. Most Accountants have strong mathematical and critical thinking skills.
The BLS projects a 4 percent growth in accounting and auditing jobs over the next ten years, which is slightly above average. It finds that technological advances such as artificial intelligence may lead to the automation of some accounting tasks in the future; however, it predicts that this will simply increase efficiency and is unlikely to significantly affect job growth. In addition, it says, “The continued globalization of business may lead to increased demand for accounting expertise and services related to international trade and international mergers and acquisitions.” According to the BLS data, Washington, D.C. is the third-largest employer of Accountants and Auditors among U.S. metropolitan areas, with more than 43,000 people employed. It is also a top-paying area. The average salary for an Accountant in Washington, D.C. is $69,000, according to Payscale.
Administrative Assistant
An Administrative Assistant performs a support role in an office setting, completing a variety of different office tasks such as managing calendars, completing paperwork, and organizing financial information. Administrative Assistants use Excel for things like keeping financial records, entering budget information, and managing inventory. Skills that are helpful in this job include good communication, time management, and organizational abilities.
The BLS predicts that over the next ten years, there will be a decline in some Administrative Assistant jobs. However, it projects an increase within the medical field, explaining, “Employment growth is projected for medical secretaries, primarily due to the growth of the healthcare industry. For example, baby boomers will require more medical services as they age. Medical secretaries will be needed to handle administrative tasks related to billing and insurance processing of Medicare and other claims.” As reported by Payscale, an Administrative Assistant working in Washington, D.C. earns about $50,000 annually.
Excel Classes from Noble Desktop
Noble Desktop offers several shorter Excel classes tailored to students with a variety of different levels of Excel experience. Excel Level 1 is focused on becoming familiar with the interface, entering data, using essential formulas and functions, and creating charts. In addition, it covers formatting and printing. Noble’s Level 2 class covers intermediate-level skills like splitting and joining text, using named ranges, adding data validation, database functions, adding logical statements, and PivotTables. Instructors also cover statistical functions, and students learn to create advanced combo charts. There is also a Level 3 class, which is focused on advanced topics like auditing, cell locking, hotkeys, advanced functions, formatting for calculating dates, advanced analytical tools, and PivotCharts. In addition, students learn about using advanced database functions and recording macros. Noble Desktop was founded in 1990 and is licensed by the New York State Education Department.
Another Noble option is the Excel Bootcamp. This multi-day class is a combination of three separate courses and takes students from beginner to pro level. It covers a wide range of Excel skills, from basic functions and formatting to advanced database functions and creating macros. Students receive a digital certificate of completion at the end of the class. They also receive a proprietary workbook and a refresher video suite. All Noble classes also include a free retake within one year.
If you’re interested in an Excel certification, Noble Desktop also offers a certification course. The Excel Specialist Certification Program is designed for students who want to earn a Microsoft Excel Specialist certification. The course includes three Excel courses: fundamental, intermediate, and advanced. In addition, students get two hours of private training. Finally, the course includes the Excel Specialist exam. Students get exam proctoring and a free exam retake. They also receive lifetime access to Noble’s Excel video courses.
Excel Corporate Training
Excel is widely used in the business world, and corporate Excel training can be a good idea for many different types of companies, both large and small. Noble Desktop offers several in-person and online corporate Excel training options. Companies can choose to train their employees onsite, or they can schedule a live online training session. Content can be customized according to specific company needs, and there are a variety of flexible scheduling options. All training sessions include comprehensive support materials such as handouts and access to premium training videos.
Some companies choose to train their employees by purchasing vouchers for Noble’s regular group classes and letting employees pick their own training schedule. There is a discount for the purchase of multiple vouchers. For information about corporate training options or to schedule a complimentary consultation, email Noble Desktop.
Learn From Noble Desktop’s Experienced Excel Instructors in Washington, D.C.
As the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., is a hub for government, public service, and major organizations, which means there’s ample opportunity for professional development. If you’re looking to expand your knowledge in the field of tech, data, business, or design, you can explore training options available to both individuals and federal professionals. Classes are right in the heart of the city, offering knowledgeable instructors with decades of combined training and a wide range of specializations. From their real-world experience in the field, these instructors provide valuable insights that help students get comfortable while learning the material. Not to mention, the skills they develop in the classroom are practical and transferable, meaning students can put their newfound knowledge right to work.
Training with Noble Desktop’s team is easy with the modern facilities located at 600 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, D.C., 20024. It’s mere steps away from L’Enfant Plaza and offers an array of benefits, like a professional yet welcoming environment and a modern workspace. Getting there from anywhere in D.C. is straightforward, whether by Metro, bus, or car. L’Enfant Plaza is served by multiple Metro lines, and there are several bus routes that stop nearby. Those driving can also access parking garages that are easily within walking distance.
Excel remains the backbone of budgeting, reporting, and data analysis in many D.C.-area organizations. Noble Desktop's instructors have long-term experience in finance, government, and operations, and show students how to use formulas, charts, and data tools in practical, job-ready ways. Learning at this school also offers a wide range of professional development opportunities, with classes led by expert instructors who can help you acquire skills that get you ready for the real world.
Brian Simms
Brian is an educator and training leader passionate about helping professionals grow in fields like project management and AI. He designs adaptive learning programs that combine instructor-led sessions, live online experiences, and self-paced study, making training practical and within reach for anyone. Brian’s work also centers heavily around AI integration, particularly in training situations to show organizations how easy it can be applied to the workplace, showing ways to tackle real-world problems, enhance leadership, streamline projects, and support better decision-making. Beyond teaching, he has also developed curricula and led training on a massive scale. Brian’s blend of talents and interests makes him well-positioned to train others and help them navigate the complexities of the subject matter.
Clarissa Corbin
With more than 25 years of experience, Clarissa is a seasoned corporate trainer, Project Manager, and Business Consultant and has helped professionals and organizations alike achieve tangible results around the world. Her work has taken her to amazing places around the world, from China to Africa, training over 10,000 participants in leadership, project management, business analysis, and emerging technologies. Clarissa has worked with teams at NASA, Microsoft, Citibank, and FEMA, just to name a few, and is known for designing interactive yet practical sessions where her listeners can apply their skills immediately. At Graduate School USA, she played a pivotal role and contributed to numerous programs, including the Managing for Results course. She’s a quality instructor, focusing on subjects like project management, AI, and even Adobe, and has a heavy commitment to professionalism, innovation, and student success.
Michelle Proctor
Michele’s professional record in Human Resources, organizational development, and leadership training has been acquired over 25 years in the field. She is a Business Strategist and HR innovator who has helped public, private, federal, and higher education organizations on their path to success. In particular, Michele excels in organizational assessment, project and performance management, workforce development, change management, conflict resolution, and AI initiatives. She prides herself on guiding individuals to leverage their strengths while fulfilling their professional lives. Her consulting work includes leading the DC Courts HR Division’s Five-Year Strategic Plan and Workforce Development Program, “Fulfilling Our Future.” She’s also held senior executive positions at Howard University, the Air Line Pilots Association, and Executive Transitions International. She’s currently working as an adjunct faculty at Graduate School USA and Anne Arundel Community College.
Alan Zucker
Alan Zucker brings real-world expertise from both the federal government and Fortune 100 companies to the classroom. With more than 25 years of professional work in project management, he makes for an ideal instructor. He has managed the project execution organization of 175 professionals, led high-visibility strategic initiatives, and delivered thousands of successful projects. His education began at George Washington University, where he earned his Bachelor’s, before progressing to earn a Master's in Economics from the University of Maryland. Moreover, he holds a wide variety of certifications, such as the Project Management Professional Certification (PMP), PMI-ACP, Disciplined Agile Coach, SAFe Program Consultant, Certified Scrum Professional, and Agile Leadership Academy Trainer. Alan is an active member of the project management community, having served as a keynote speaker, frequent industry commentator, and author of nearly 150 articles on project management.
Tashea Coates
Tashea is a Human Resources Executive and Federal Consultant, holding over 23 years of experience across multiple federal agencies, including the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, Treasury, State, and Health and Human Services. Known for her ability to strategize and take the lead, Tahsea has transformed HR policies to align with mission strategies and outcomes, influencing government-wide procedures such as onboarding and pay equity. Tashea is a staunch advocate for ethical leadership, inclusivity, and organizational success. In addition, she prides herself on her authenticity and purpose-driven spirit, which translates into her work as an educator as well. In addition to teaching subjects like AI. She’s an author and entrepreneur, and is always looking for ways to help organizations and individuals alike.
Charles Byrd
With a strong foundation in federal human resources management and legal counseling, Charles is a highly knowledgeable Employee and Labor Relations Consultant in Washington, D.C. He began his education at Loyola University, earning his B.A. in Business Administration and Political Science, before graduating from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Throughout his career, Charles has guided agencies through complex HR and labor-related challenges, managed HR programs, and represented organizations in legal proceedings. He has also designed and delivered specialized training in human resources, project management, and marketing. Charles’ professional background has led to numerous accolades and awards, showcasing his impact in the field.
David E. McCullin
Dr. David E. McCullin, better known as Dr. Mac, specializes in strategic communication, homeland security, data analytics, and accurate decision-making. Prior to his work at Graduate School USA, Dr. Mac obtained his Bachelor’s in Engineering, his Master’s in National Security and Strategic Studies, and a Doctorate in Management of Complex Adaptive Systems. He served 24 years in the U.S. Army, including 13 in Special Operations. He later worked at the Department of Homeland Security as an Intelligence and Infrastructure Security Analyst for nearly a decade. Through his education and solid professional career, he has been able to teach students a variety of important skills and has also developed innovative learning tools and games that help improve decision-making and analytical thinking skills.
Natalya Bah
As a part-time instructor at Graduate School USA for over 15 years, Natalya’s expertise cannot go unnoticed. She’s an educator and has developed curricula for the school, including the Change Management Workshops and several project management courses. Not to mention, she’s also served as a learning coach, facilitator, and instructor for government leadership programs and has developed the Define and Achieve Your Goals Process. Natalya earned her Master’s in Project Management and her Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification, making her a well-qualified and effective educator, project manager, coach, and consultant.
Alan McCain
Alan is a retired combat veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Navy with over 30 years of experience in federal and commercial budgeting, auditing, programming, operations, supply chain management, and IT acquisitions. He holds an MBA from George Washington University and a Teaching Certification from Harvard’s Bok Center for Teaching and Learning. Throughout his career across federal, state, and local government agencies, Alan has worked for numerous departments, such as the Department of State and Defense, as well as the Office of the Mayor of D.C. Alan is also an accomplished consultant and business strategist, having aided in the development of organizational projects at Lockheed Martin and PwC, to name a few. His background and lengthy career make him an ideal instructor for those looking to learn more about finance, accounting, and project management.
Derk Mattocks
As a skilled instructor and business leader, Derk Mattocks possesses the skills and career experience to bolster his credibility. He gained his B.S. in Organization Management from Nyack College and his Master’s in Leadership and Military Installation Management, as well as an MBA in Financial Management and Analysis from the University of Maryland. He is a licensed Certified Advanced Professional Business Coach and trained mediator, with the certification to facilitate the “Five Practices of Leadership” workshops. Derk has also served as a Senior Advisor and Instructor for the U.S. Army. Overall, he has the credentials to serve as an accomplished and well-versed instructor, often covering topics related to project management and marketing.
Melanie Dooley
Melanie is a federal acquisition and contracting expert with over 30 years of professional experience in Washington, D.C., spanning both government and education sectors. She has served as the Vice President of Acquisition Policy at SAIC and as the Managing Editor of the Federal Contracts Report at Bloomberg BNA. She’s currently an instructor at Graduate School USA, often teaching classes related to the marketing realm. She’s a Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) and a Fellow of the National Contract Management Association, positioning her as a person with incredible leadership skills and knowledge of her field. She earned her MBA from Georgetown University and is known as a clear, trusted instructor who consistently challenges students to take their skills to the next level.