Excel is basically my day job. I lust for the tools and scripts I have built on my own computer. Sadly, I lack the permissions to use Python at my job…. Or at least I did. But now I have the power of Python!
Many companies keep these powerful tools and languages out of the hands of their employees and unbeknownst to them these tools can help with employee burnout and overall efficiency. There isn’t an initiative to equip starter positions with programming languages, training, or even the option of using these tools because the position doesn’t require it to be done successfully. It is currently up to the individual employee to showcase the power of Python (or other languages) and show that, in the right hands, it can be as necessary as Excel.
Companies rarely have issues with allowing an employee to download free software. Therefore the easiest way to get Python (or other tools) is to ask but in the face of adversity there is only one way to get results: taking action. Building out a simple script that can easily show increased workflow is the best way to get python in the door. An example is building an Excel sheet generator. Python works great with Excel and can simplify changing, creating, or even calculating results in Excel. After building my own Python script that simplifies my Excel tasks I was granted permissions to use Python on other work assignments. Here is the process I used.
I wanted to be able to generate very simple, yet random, excel sheets in order to decrease the time I spent filling out excel sheets for testing (this is a good sized project to start with, as you will most likely work on this outside of work). My program is simple and more importantly realistic. I designed my automated sheets to be an exact replica of the handmade ones that I do on a monthly basis. Using a few libraries such as Pandas and openpyxl I streamlined a headache of a monthly task. When building your program outline it to meet your business needs and research libraries that will make building the program even easier. Happy coding!
With Python’s superior documentation, coding a program is easier and more reliable than creating an excel macro. For this specific tool, I decided that all I would need is a terminal tool as the excel output will be enough of a visual (it is always good practice to consider the audience you are presenting to and their comfortability around programming. If it is low, you should consider creating a simple gui as it will provide a more familiar format.). Hopefully you already have a few ideas and are ready to take action!
Presenting will be easy; carve out 1 on 1 time or catch your boss at the end of a slow day. Instantly identify the benefits and reasoning for building this tool, show it in action, and explain how this will save you time. At the end of the day, they just need to know if this can save time or money. Explain that you built this for yourself and are requesting permission to access the program required to use it. This not only shows great work ethic but the importance of this tool for your position. Think about how that looks; an employee took initiative to build a tool for themselves to increase productivity. Finally, ask for some feedback on the tool and what can be done to make your program an asset to the company.
My experience with this tactic was successful; not only did I get Python, which allowed me to build other simple scripts, but I got approval to continue building out my tool for the organization. To unlock the tools that are needed to simplify, automate and create success in your position, you must take action and prove their worth.