Advance your Microsoft Office abilities through focused training in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. These courses promote workflow efficiency and professional presentation skills.
Become proficient in Microsoft Excel and go from beginner to pro with our hands-on Excel Bootcamp. Learn functions, formulas, Pivot Tables, macros, and time-saving techniques to conquer all the key skills needed to excel in Excel.
Join us for a beginner Excel workshop where you'll learn the essentials of Microsoft Excel, including calculations, basic functions, graphs, formatting, and printing. This comprehensive course is perfect for those with limited experience looking to expand their proficiency.
Learn intermediate Excel functions like VLOOKUP and SUMIFS, and how to summarize data with Pivot Tables, Sort & Filter databases, and split and join text. Gain the skills needed to utilize complex Excel functions and prepare for more advanced training.
Learn advanced Excel functions, macros, and data analysis to improve efficiency and manage complex data in any job setting. This advanced course is ideal for Excel power-users.
Take your PowerPoint skills to the next level with our accelerated course. Learn everything from the basics of creating presentations to more advanced features like custom themes, animations, and managing large presentations.
Learn basic through advanced Outlook skills, including contact and group creation, calendar management, working with mailboxes and activities, and using automations.
Learn essential Microsoft Word skills, from basic formatting and text editing to advanced features like mail merges and custom templates.
Learn all the Microsoft Office programs in-depth in this bootcamp. This package includes three levels of Excel, two levels of PowerPoint, two levels of Word, and two levels of Outlook classes at a 15% discount.
Learn the fundamentals of the essential Microsoft Office programs in this 4-day bootcamp. This package includes our beginner Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook classes at a 15% discount.
Boost your resume with a Microsoft Excel Certification. Our program offers three courses, private training, the Specialist Exam fee with free retake, lifetime access to Excel video courses, and free exam proctoring.
Prepare for the Microsoft Excel exam and become an Excel expert with our certification program. Learn formulas, functions, Pivot Tables, charts, and more through group classes, private training, and an exam with a free retake.
Enhance your resume with the Word Specialist Certification package, featuring Microsoft Word training and certification at an affordable price. Includes exam costs, proctoring, and benefits like free class retakes, private tutoring, and the official study guide.
Advance your Microsoft Word skills with the Microsoft Word Expert Certification Bundle, which includes both Level I and Level II classes. Prepare for the official Microsoft Word Expert Exam with included free retakes, private tutoring, and exam proctoring.
Prepare for the PowerPoint Specialist Certification Exam with our comprehensive certification program. This package includes group classes, private training, and the exam with a free retake, along with study materials.
Get certified in Microsoft Office suite with this comprehensive program: group classes, private training, and exams in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook. The affordable price includes 7 group classes, 6 hours of private training, and 4 certification exams. Free retakes, MOS study guides, and instant digital certificates are included.
Microsoft Office is the most popular suite of desktop productivity software in the world. It includes four programs: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook. Released in 1990, it has fast become the business productivity software by which all others are compared. It’s available in 35 different languages and can be run on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. Microsoft Office has a vast user base. You’ll find students, interns, healthcare professionals, managers, legal professionals, and even IT professionals using this software for various tasks, from organizing data to basic office duties to academic research. Microsoft Office facilitates productivity by helping users work remotely or onsite, manage calendars and to-do lists, build databases, and design promotional materials.
Indeed, learning new professional skills is always going to boost your resume, but it can also be applied to your workflow in amazing ways. When you’ve received comprehensive Office training and learned how to use all of its features, you’ll be better able to carry out your job duties. With Office, you can organize tasks, create stunning and engaging presentations and reports, keep track of household finances, draft academic writing, and visualize data. Microsoft Office’s basic functions are beginner-friendly and easily picked up by most learners. However, the more advanced features and functions will require more effort.
Many careers make use of Office in various ways. Office correspondence and written reports are often managed with Outlook and Word. Word is a powerful word processor that makes correspondence look clean and professional while allowing for more efficient production with the use of macros, templates, and advanced functions. You’ll also appreciate the ability to integrate the other Office tools, save files in multiple formats, create hyperlinks, and edit files of different types.
PowerPoint is made especially for the creation of slideshow presentations. Whether you’re an educator or a business professional, a well-designed slideshow can make a more compelling and engaging presentation. Office allows you to integrate data from Excel and Word into your PowerPoint files, as well as animation, video, layered objects, and graphics. Whatever you have to present, PowerPoint can handle it gracefully. Outlook offers you the ability to manage email functions, organize contact lists and calendar settings, and schedule appointments and meetings.
Excel is the most popular spreadsheet application currently in use. It has a powerful set of tools that can be used by beginners, and advanced functionalities that data experts rely on to get their jobs done. It’s possible to use Excel to track basic research and independent contractor expenses, compile data from various sources, and create data visualizations like charts and graphs. While this application may be the most intimidating in Office, you can master the fundamentals relatively quickly and get started on simple projects like budgeting and data-driven decision-making.
Since Microsoft Office is such a diverse suite of tools, you’ll have plenty to learn. While its basic functions have a short learning curve, some applications’ more advanced features require a bit more effort to master. Some classes will focus on the applications separately, while others will give you the fundamentals of the full suite. Whether you choose to do a deep dive into Office or simply need a working knowledge of how to use the software suite, taking a class can help you gain fluency. Here are some skills you can expect to learn in an Office class.
One of the more advanced features of Excel is PivotTables. They are a way to quickly analyze, summarize, and present data. With a minimal number of steps, PivotTables can transform large datasets into meaningful and insightful information. It also allows you to easily manipulate data, filter and sort data, identify trends, create calculations, and perform statistical analyses. This skill is very useful in the fields of financial analysis, data science, and business intelligence.
By leveraging macros, you can automate many tasks. Macros allow users to record sets of instructions, assigning them to a keystroke to reduce manual input when taking on repetitive tasks. VBA scripts are another way to enable automation that allows a user to write custom code that can carry out complex tasks effortlessly. Tedious tasks are less so, and you can work more efficiently with these tools.
Efficiency and effectiveness in any workplace require time management skills and well-designed tools like Office. Office aims to assist you with time management. The suite has plenty of drag-and-drop features, templates, and shortcuts that can reduce repetitive tasks to leave room for some of the more demanding tasks in your position. Office was created to make word processing, spreadsheets, email, and presentations simpler and more accessible, which is why it’s such a popular and versatile suite of software.
Using templates in any Office tool will save you time and reduce the tedium of repetitive tasks. It also improves collaboration, because anyone on your team can access your templates and apply them to the necessary projects. You’ll learn how to work with prefabricated templates as well as customize your own to meet your needs. Templates also allow you to make quick and easy changes.
Add-ins and extensions are small software programs that allow you to access additional features or functions in Office that are otherwise inaccessible. They quickly and easily complete tasks that could take hours or days to execute. There are add-ins and extensions for a variety of things, from grammar checking to animation to math equation editors. You’ll have hundreds of add-ins to choose from that can help take your project to the next level.
How difficult it is to learn Office depends largely on you. Your learning style, your ability to retain the information you learn, the learning medium you choose, and how much experience you have with the software will all be factors in how hard it is to learn Office. Some people need more hands-on practice and exercises to master Office, while others merely need to be shown what to do to retain the information. The truth is, it will take as long as it takes, and it will require your persistence and practice to become an Office expert. You will be comfortable using Office for casual tasks long before you’ve truly mastered all of its features. No matter the level of difficulty you experience, just know that worthwhile knowledge doesn’t typically come easy. If you are dedicated to gaining expertise or certification in Microsoft Office, you will succeed if you put in the effort.
The most challenging aspects of learning Office are its more advanced features. Although a training class is going to be a major help, you will need to practice. Reaching a professional level of fluency will take time. Gaining mastery or expertise will require your dedication. The advanced design functions in each Office product are what make this suite of products so appealing to professional users. The ability to perform statistical analysis in Excel and write code to retrieve the answers you need from data may be difficult for many learners. Customizing design features in PowerPoint is an advanced design function that will enhance your presentations and your skills as a presenter. Adding animations and other advanced design elements will require you to learn more advanced design and composition skills. In Outlook, the calendar is an advanced function, as is integrating the application into the other Office applications.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. If you’re already familiar with Office and feel comfortable using its most basic features, you’ll have a shorter path to understanding it on a professional level. But it may take longer if you’re a beginner with no experience. Many factors will make a difference in the length of time it takes to learn Microsoft Office, including your learning style, how well you retain information, which learning method you choose, and how much practice you’re able to put in. Keep in mind that you’ll be comfortable using it long before you’re proficient with it on a professional level. Learning and knowing when to apply some of the more advanced features will take additional practice.
The three main methods for learning Microsoft Office are in-person, live online, and on-demand online. In-person classes are very popular, as they are the most traditional learning method. Face-to-face courses are also the fastest way to reach Office fluency. These classes offer a dedicated, distraction-free environment to learn in, and all instructors and students need to be in the same place at the same time. In-person classes allow you to fully interact with your peers and instructor during hands-on exercises, lectures, and group learning activities. You’ll be able to receive feedback in real-time and get more personalized attention in this class format. There is also a perceived increase in accountability because there is often a level of competition among peers, inspiring you to want to be an active participant.
Live online instruction is very similar to in-person learning, but the main difference is that instructors and students gather simultaneously from their locations. This allows students to choose from a wider range of training facilities, not just those in their geographical location. Live online courses are led by a live instructor from whom you can get real-time feedback. Whether you have questions or they’re assisting or critiquing your work, you can have focused and individualized attention. Instructors will often share their screen, ask you to share your screen, and create break-out rooms to keep the learning interactive and engaging. Although you don’t have full-body views of your peers or instructor, you can still access some social cues. Online learning is desirable because it skips the commute, allows you to learn from anywhere in the world, and gives you more choices of instructors and training centers. It’s a great option for those with a busy schedule or an inability to commute.
On-demand courses are also called asynchronous or self-paced learning. This learning format is preferred by those who have busy schedules or are not on a strict timeline, as well as those who are self-motivated self-starters who aren’t easily distracted. These courses can offer limited access, where you have a finite timeframe to complete the course, or lifetime access, which allows you to take as long as you need to go through the training program. On-demand training does not require that you, your classmates, and instructors be present at the same time. Lessons are recorded and uploaded to the facility’s platform for you to access at your convenience. If you have questions, you can contact the instructor online, but you’ll have to wait for a response; however, some programs offer live Q\&A sessions, discussion boards, or call center support. When choosing this learning format, it’s best to set a schedule or timeline for yourself because it’s easy to procrastinate when there’s an open-ended deadline.
Microsoft has a wide range of products to offer individuals and organizations. What you choose to learn alongside Office will largely depend on your career path and your goals. Some Office classes teach each Office application separately, while others teach them all in the same training course. If you’re taking an Office course where the suite applications are separate, you’ll most likely want to learn how to use the other applications in the suite as well. If your primary focus is Excel, learning how to use Word or PowerPoint can enhance your Excel use. You’ll be able to present your Excel findings in multiple ways with the other applications in the Office suite. If you have a greater need for PowerPoint, understanding how to use Word and Excel can help you integrate their functionalities into your presentations to create an easier workflow. When you’re focused on getting a handle on managing email communications, Outlook is going to be your main focus, but learning how to navigate Word will help you send mass emails more efficiently and easily.
Your reason for learning Office and your career can help better inform you of other skills you will want to learn alongside Office. If you’re working as a Data Analyst, it can be helpful to also learn how to use data visualization tools like Tableau to deepen your spreadsheet understanding. If you’re in the marketing field, you may want to learn some of the Adobe Creative Cloud software, like InDesign or Illustrator, to enhance your PowerPoint presentations. Whether you’re already in these fields of work or you’re getting started, you’ll find these complementary skills to be useful in carrying out your daily tasks. Those who find themselves often working as part of a team or in information technology will want to get familiar with the other tools in the Microsoft 365 suite, like Teams, Access, and SharePoint.
Office is a rather general software that can be applied to a wide range of tasks, including basic home use, professional and business use, and even for academics from primary to doctoral. How the software can be used and its ease of use are part of its mass appeal, not to mention its functionality and capabilities. That’s why you’ll find it difficult to pinpoint an industry that does not have Office in its tech lineup. You’re likely to find Office hard at work in the finance, human resources, tech, and legal industries. And with good reason. Its functional set of products helps streamline tasks.
The finance industry is responsible for offering financial services to commercial and retail consumers. Loans and mortgages are the main money-makers for this sector, which is in its best health when interest rates are low. You’ll find banks, investment companies, real estate firms, and insurance companies in this industry. In many ways, the health of a nation’s economy depends largely on the health of its financial sector. When financial institutions can profit from interest rates and servicing fees, people can use their money more freely and earn more.
In Washington, D.C., the financial industry is quite healthy. Not only will you find financial organizations like The World Bank and National Savings and Trust, but also other federal monetary institutions like the United States National Treasury and Federal Financing Bank. Within the finance industry, the most commonly used Office product is Excel. This spreadsheet software can handle large amounts of data and be useful when organizing, analyzing, and visualizing it. With Excel, the industry can generate reports that can be supplemented with words in Microsoft Word.
The human resources industry is tasked with the management of every employee’s lifecycle. It covers recruiting, onboarding, and training, while also managing payroll, benefits, upskilling, employee termination, and diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies. The goal of the human resources industry is to create a balance between what the employer needs and what the employee needs. In and around Washington D.C., human resources play a big role. The city hosts job fairs, employee health screenings, and professional development opportunities among a host of other events.
With so many employees in the city, there is a lot to cover. That’s why Microsoft Office is an instrumental tool for many working in this industry. It relies heavily on spreadsheets like Microsoft Office’s Excel to keep track of the lifecycle of employees, pay rates, benefits, disciplinary actions, and other important metrics that impact an organization’s relationship with employees. When onboarding employees, it’s not uncommon to find PowerPoint presentations showcasing the necessary policy and payroll information and need-to-know contacts. Written reports are often drafted on Microsoft Word, and Outlook manages emails and calendars.
The tech industry includes businesses that make electronic products and services, software and hardware, computers, artificial intelligence, and other IT-related goods and services. Part of the tech industry is heavily invested in research and development, which requires documentation and analysis. This industry also includes anything that is based on coding, social media, and FinTech. Because Office has a wide range of applications, the tech industry leverages its capabilities to carry out many processes and tasks.
Businesses like Amazon, which is headquartered a few miles outside of D.C., and Booz Allen Hamilton are just a few tech giants that benefit from the use of Office in their operations. Excel is a favorite for data entry and analysis. Being able to perform statistical analyses and visualize data, PowerPoint and Word are useful when presenting findings in a professional and beautiful way.
Washington, D.C. is known for its legal industry. With the Supreme Court in town, there is no shortage of legal activity in D.C. The legal industry comprises attorneys, law firms, legal services, legal goods suppliers, and legal education. For the legal system to operate, there have to be interpreters of the law, enforcers of the law, service providers, and researchers to keep the industry moving forward.
Excel is used to keep track of expenses and time. Outlook can help manage contacts and email lists. A large part of the legal industry revolves around drafting briefs, contracts, and other legal documents. There’s a lot of writing involved, which is why having an excellent word processor at your disposal is critical. Microsoft Word can handle the demands of estate planning, drafting wills and trusts, and writing briefs. Although the details of every case are different, some basic elements remain the same. This is where Word templates are a great timesaver.
Many professionals benefit from using Office in many of their daily tasks. This powerful suite of tools is capable of a lot of heavy lifting. Whether you need spreadsheets to organize data or a way to manage email communication and presentations, Office has a tool that can help. Some careers that use Microsoft Office include Office Managers, Data Analysts, Desktop Publishers, and Project Managers.
Every office environment benefits from an Office Manager helping to maintain an orderly and efficient running business. Some of the typical duties in this position include coordinating administrative functions, budgeting and financial management, implementing policies, and handling office communications. That’s why Microsoft Office is such an integral part of many Office Managers’ skill sets. Excel is useful in monitoring budgets and office supplies. Word, Outlook, and Teams help with office communications, and PowerPoint is useful in presenting information and proposals to decision-makers and other office staff, while OneDrive serves to keep an organization’s files organized and accessible. Office Managers are seeing an increased growth rate. An Office Manager in the District of Columbia can earn a salary ranging from $53,000 to $87,000.
A Data Analyst analyzes raw data to extract trends and insights that facilitate problem-solving, decision-making, and predictions to guide an organization’s decision-making. Some common duties of a Data Analyst include visualizing and analyzing data, designing and maintaining databases, creating reports of their findings, and documenting the analytic process. The work of a Data Analyst is technical and grounded in technology, but they benefit from using tools like Microsoft Office that aren’t overly technical. Microsoft Excel is a popular spreadsheet software that Data Analysts use to help organize, analyze, summarize, and visualize data and compile that information into valuable insights. They support data-driven decisions by analyzing data and presenting it in ways that decision-makers can easily digest. Other Office products that are used include SharePoint and Access. Access is sometimes used for smaller sub-sections of data that need to be handled quickly. SharePoint is used in managing content analytics, which is useful when collaborating with other departments and team members. A Washington D.C. Data Analyst can expect to earn a salary between $67,000 and $109,000. Your salary will depend on the employer, your level of experience, and your education, and the field is growing much faster than average.
The publishing industry uses various tools to design layouts and edit text. Microsoft Office is one of the publishing tools that can be used by a Desktop Publisher. They design page layouts for journals, books, newsletters, and other print and digital publications. Although many Desktop Publishers work for organizations, there are just as many who work as independent contractors or freelancers. Each project is different and has different requirements; however, some tasks are fairly constant. Typical job duties can include ensuring that text is free from spelling and grammatical errors, editing and formatting images, importing graphics and text into software like Office, positioning text, images, and graphics, and converting physical images into digital images. You’ll need to be creative, detail-oriented, and a critical thinker in this position. This position typically pays a salary between $64,000 and $111,000.
Project management is needed in many industries, from government to construction to information technology. Project Managers are tasked with supervising a project from start to finish, keeping a close eye on a project’s budgeting, planning, scheduling, risk management, and contracts. The duties of a Project Manager include hiring and firing, delegating tasks, troubleshooting issues, creating reports, and liaising between leadership and the project’s team. Those in this position have to have strong organization and communication skills, be a good leader, and have knowledge of the industry they’re working in. For instance, in the Washington, D.C. government industry, you’d need to be familiar with policy, defense, and legislation when managing a government-related project. It’s possible to earn a salary ranging between $88,000 and $152,000 in this career that is growing faster than average.
Being proficient in Microsoft Office will be useful in many different roles in many different industries. It’s a valuable skill that will help you stand out in a crowded job marketplace. While most people are comfortable using Office on a casual level, it pays dividends to have a professional understanding of how to use the many tools and features that it has. Knowing how to leverage the full functionality of Office adds to your productivity and efficiency. This is where the value of Office lies for employers. Consider some of these Microsoft Office classes near you to gain mastery of this popular and useful software suite.
If you’re looking for in-depth and comprehensive training in all of the Microsoft Office programs, you’ll want to enroll in this Complete Microsoft Office Bootcamp by Noble Desktop. This bootcamp offers three levels of Excel and two levels of Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. This is a beginner-friendly, hands-on, expert instructor-led course with no prerequisites to enroll. You should be comfortable using a computer on your own and know how to open, close, save, and retrieve files. The course topics will cover creating PowerPoint presentations, adding photos, graphics, transitions, and animations, incorporating Excel tables, and customizing layouts and themes in PowerPoint; managing Outlook, configuring mail accounts, automating tasks, using advanced calendar and contact management techniques, and tracking correspondences; navigating and formatting Word documents, adding images and graphics to documents, using tables, endnotes, footnotes, and citations, tracking changes, and customizing styles and templates; managing Excel workbooks, adding formatting and visual effects, creating PivotTables, using database functions, and recording macros. You’ll have the option to take this course live online or in-person in New York City. No matter the format you choose for this bootcamp, you’ll have access to class recordings and the option to retake the course for free within one year of enrollment. When taking this course online, you can receive remote setup support, and when taking this class in-person, you’ll have the option to work on either a PC or a Mac system.
As the most popular word processing software, Word is a skill everyone should have. That’s why Noble Desktop also offers a Word Expert Certification Program to students who want to become proficient users on more than a casual level. This certification program is designed to meet you where you are. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have minimal Word experience, you’ll gain a strong foundation before moving into more advanced topics and features. This is a hands-on and comprehensive training that will cover topics like customizing the Word environment, basic and advanced formatting, working with lists and tables, inserting graphics and images, tracking document changes, customizing styles and templates, and working with reference tables, mail merge, and forms. Upon completing the course, not only will you be ready to use Word with confidence, but also to take the Microsoft Word Expert Exam. This certification program includes project-based learning, a certificate of completion, two hours of private tutoring, proctoring for the exam, and the cost of taking the Microsoft Word Expert Exam. If, for any reason, you need learning reinforcement or to deepen your learning, you have the option to retake the course for free within one year of enrollment. Class sessions are also recorded and available up to one month following the session. You can take this course live online or in-person in New York City.
In addition to these larger courses, Noble Desktop offers standalone courses in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Access, and other Office and Microsoft tools. Whether you’re ready to start Excel Level III or just want to get familiar with presentation design in PowerPoint Level I, there’s a course to suit your needs, goals, and learning preferences.
Corporate training allows companies to offer professional development opportunities to employees. If your company has employees who would benefit from learning all of Microsoft Office’s features and tools, consider Noble Desktop’s corporate training opportunities. When an organization decides to invest in its employees’ professional development, it’s enabling its employees to stand out in a competitive job market, boosting employee morale, and improving the overall culture of the workplace. Demonstrate your interest in providing employees with high-quality Office skills they can carry with them throughout their careers while ensuring that their contributions to the organization are well-informed by scheduling corporate training today.
Noble Desktop’s corporate Microsoft Office classes are taught by experienced instructors who can adapt their lessons so that the curriculum meets the needs of your organization. Training classes can be offered virtually or on-site. If virtual or on-site training doesn’t meet your organization’s needs, you can purchase vouchers for open-enrollment public Office classes. Discounts are available with this option. Noble Desktop also offers free consultations to help you figure out how to best invest in your employees. Contact Noble Desktop for more information when you’re ready to offer Microsoft Office classes at your organization.
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.
Microsoft Office is essential for communication, reporting, and productivity throughout D.C.’s federal and private-sector workplaces. With this, the students at Noble Desktop get an opportunity to learn efficient techniques in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint from instructors who demonstrate how these tools support everyday professional tasks. 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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.