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How Excel VBA got me to London
In 2024, Four million people in the U.S. graduated with a bachelor’s degree. That’s a lot of competition. I’ve been there, wondering how to stand out. Diligence helps, but working smart is the real game-changer. Here’s my advice:
Intentionally Embrace Technology (IET).
In my experience, Excel users fall into three categories:
- The Reluctant User: “Technology isn’t my thing.” This attitude is dangerous—being proficient in Excel today is as critical as knowing how to use a calculator.
- The Pragmatist: Uses Excel only when necessary, getting better over time, but without intention.
- The Master: Seeks out opportunities to improve their skills, using technology to increase productivity and solve problems creatively. This person’s value skyrockets.

I didn’t start out as a developer. My career began in auditing—a challenging field filled with roadblocks. At Chase Manhattan, I worked with 500 auditors globally, but standing out wasn’t easy. After a merger with JP Morgan, I thought my days were numbered. Then my boss handed me a challenge: “Figure out this User-Developed Tool (UDT)—an Excel macro.” My response? “I’ll sure try.”
That challenge led me to a book, Excel VBA Power Programming, by John Walkenbach. It was a game-changer. Through it, I discovered Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)—an incredibly powerful tool for automating tasks, creating custom functions, and integrating Excel with other programs. Learning VBA transformed my career, and more importantly, it taught me how to enjoy the process of solving problems creatively.
Here’s where it gets exciting: Excel VBA got me to London. Mastering VBA opened doors I hadn’t dreamed of. Soon, I was sitting in a London pub, enjoying fish and chips with a view of St. Paul’s Cathedral, sent there by my firm because of my skills. Later, my expertise took me to Hong Kong. These experiences weren’t just career milestones—they were proof of how much I enjoyed learning and applying VBA.
With each project, I discovered something new. Reading and querying databases became second nature. Each year, my skills grew, and with them, my ability to reveal insights buried in data. The process wasn’t just rewarding—it was genuinely fun.
Success is subjective, but for me, technology became my shield. It helped me build a solid career, avoid layoffs, and stay ahead of the curve. Learning new skills, like VBA, wasn’t a chore—it was an opportunity to grow and enjoy the work I did.
If you’re hesitant about learning technology, think of this: I completed two master’s degrees while working full-time. It’s all about focus and avoiding distractions. Let your work speak for itself, and don’t let long hours or office politics get in the way.
Call to Action: Learn VBA Programming<
- Start with the right books: Microsoft Excel Bible and Excel 2010 Power Programming. Even at over 10 years old they are invaluable resources, even for beginners. I bought mine used.
- Study actively. Use a highlighter, take notes, and practice each chapter to build a strong foundation.
- Apply your skills. Create a personal budget in Excel as a project. This hands-on approach reinforces what you’ve learned.
- Think automation first Use Walkenbach’s book to automate tasks and explore advanced VBA features.
- Share you knowledge. Nothing makes forever friends like helping people out. People always remember the “Happy to Help” guy.

Remember, Excel VBA got me to London, and it can open doors for you too. The possibilities are endless if you commit to learning and enjoying the process. Let Excel, Access, and VBA be your starting point—you won’t regret it.
Do you think you have or had adequate MS Office skills for that first job? Did you actively seek to enhance your skills? Please leave a comment Here
If you would like to say hello and buy me a cup of coffee Click here

Raymond Mills, M.B.A., M.S. has spent over 20 years of his career as Accountant, Investment Bank and Credit Card Technical Auditor/ Data Analyst. His specialty was using Excel to get Big Databases including Teradata, Oracle, Squel Server and Sybase to give up their secrets.
Ray has said “I love nothing better than using VBA to unleash the power of Microsoft Office.” You can contact Ray @ 484 574-3190 or by emailing him Here
If you have a challenge with Excel, Access or Word and would like to speak with Ray, You can get his contact details by clicking here: Contact Me
1 thought on “Excel VBA got me to London, Hong Kong and a Great Job.”
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Becoming the ‘go to” Excel person person in my office has made a big impact on my annual ratings. A big portion of that review is to provide a list of colleagues to attest to the work we do and the collaboration we provide. I never have a problem providing coworkers grateful for the help I’ve given over the year. I always say “happy to help” when asked.