University student excels at Microsoft Office Championship

A University of Gloucestershire student has come second in the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) UK Championship for his prowess with Excel. Matthew Taylor, who is a first year Accounting and Financial Management student, qualified for the finals by scoring 100% in the championship exam in April, making him one of the top 20 students in the country at using the spreadsheet creating software.

The MOS UK Championship is part of a global competition that tests students’ skills on Microsoft Office applications, operated and sponsored in the UK by Prodigy Learning.

The exam that saw Matthew into the final consisted of a real-life example of a business-based Excel project file, with around 15 questions assessing various skills, such as use of advanced formulas and conditional formatting. The final took place at Microsoft’s Paddington office in London and saw Matthew pitted against the other top 20 students. By coming second, Matthew not only scooped a coveted MOS qualification, but also took home a brand new Xbox One.

Matthew Taylor said: “I am very proud – the qualification demonstrates that I am able to use Excel, a skill highly valued by employers, especially in the Accountancy field where I am studying. It is a great thing to have on my CV, as it demonstrates that I have proven my ability to use Excel to an advanced level.”

Photo caption: Matthew Taylor, fourth student from the left, with his Xbox One.