The Microsoft Copilot Essentials: From AI Beginner to Proficient course is designed for finance professionals and other business professionals who want to increase their awareness of AI. This course will empower you to master AI techniques to save hours of work, whether it's effortlessly summarizing meetings you missed, drafting professional emails in no time, creating stunning PowerPoint presentations in seconds, or streamlining complex Excel tasks with ease. What sets this course apart is its focus on real-life use cases, ensuring the skills you learn are practical and immediately applicable to your day-to-day challenges. You'll learn how to leverage AI to make your tasks a real breeze.

Note: This course was developed in January 2025. 

• You can complete up to 75% of this course using the free version of Copilot for Business, as long as you're signed in with a business email.
• To follow along and complete the full course (100%), you'll need a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. The free version does not support features like searching through your files or using Copilot in Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, and other Microsoft 365 apps.

Topics Include:

Copilot Basics and Foundations

• Master the fundamentals: Learn what Copilot is as an AI tool so you can revolutionize your workflow. 
• Explore Copilot versions: Understand the different versions of Copilot and identify the one that best fits your business needs. 
• Set up for success: Apply essential housekeeping rules to maximize Copilot’s potential and ensure you use it whenever possible. Develop the habit of relying on this handy tool at all times.

The Prompt School

• Master the ideal prompt formula: Learn how to ask the right questions to get the best, most accurate answers. 
• Understand Copilot's best practices and pitfalls: Not knowing how a tool work can lead to disastrous results. Discover how to avoid mistakes and get reliable results every time. 
• Apply Copilot to real-life scenarios: Save time by using Copilot to prepare for important meetings, draft impactful emails, and handle other key tasks quickly and efficiently. 

Game-Changer Features

• Make Your Slides Shine: Easily generate PowerPoint presentations in seconds with AI. From AI-generated images to a complete outline, perfect for a solid first draft.  
• Use AI to read your handwritten documents: Effortlessly digitize your handwritten documents and transform them into Excel spreadsheets in no time. 
• Save Time with Summaries: Missed a meeting? Let Copilot summarize it for you instantly, delivering the key takeaways without the need to sift through lengthy notes. 
• Email management: Let Copilot become your new best friend for managing and searching through emails. Say goodbye to blank page syndrome faster than you ever imagined. 
• Copilot on the Go: Seamlessly switch between your computer and mobile device to stay connected with Copilot. Effortlessly keep up with conversations and tasks, no matter where you are.

Copilot in 365 Apps

• Build PowerPoints in a Click: In a rush for a presentation? Copilot can generate a solid draft in seconds. 
• Excel Made Easy: Struggling with spreadsheet formulas? Just ask Copilot and get quick, accurate answers. What about data analysis and charts? Of course, the tool has you covered! 
• Master Text with Copilot: Whether drafting documents in Word, writing emails in Outlook, or organizing notes in OneNote, Copilot helps you summarize and create text effortlessly. Say goodbye to blank page syndrome and hello to productivity. 

Bonus Material: 6 High Quality Cheat Sheets

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By the end of the course, you will be able to: 

• Explain what Microsoft Copilot is and understand the fundamental concepts of artificial intelligence, simplifying complex ideas for easier comprehension. 
• Assess Copilot’s capabilities, including summarizing meeting notes, digitizing handwritten documents, and streamlining email management, to determine their relevance in your specific use cases.
• Utilize proven frameworks to create precise and effective prompts for Copilot, ensuring more accurate results for tasks such as drafting emails, preparing for meetings, and organizing information.
• Evaluate Copilot’s strengths and limitations, enabling you to make informed decisions on when and how to use it effectively. 
• Apply Microsoft Copilot in programs like PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook, and OneNote to efficiently handle tasks like data analysis, presentation creation, and text organization.