Are We Moving Away from Excel?

I analysed 225 health economics job postings on EuropeanHealthEconomics.com over a period of three months. Surprisingly, only 15% specifically mentioned Excel skills as a requirement. Even fewer—just 8%—looked for VBA expertise, typically for modelling and HTA roles.

This raises an interesting question: do hiring managers assume every health economist already knows Excel, so they don’t bother listing it? Or are we seeing a shift in tools and methods, with alternatives like R, SAS, or Python becoming the go-to options for technical tasks such as economic modelling and data analysis?

Excel’s Role in Health Economics

For years, Excel has been a cornerstone of our profession. From creating CEA and BIM models to localising them, Excel has been indispensable. But its dominance is no longer guaranteed. Tools like R and Python offer advanced capabilities for statistical modelling and automation, while platforms like Tableau and Power BI have made data visualisation more dynamic and intuitive.

Perhaps this explains why Excel isn’t being mentioned as often in job descriptions—it’s still useful, but it’s no longer the only tool in the box.

Are Excel Skills Overlooked on CVs?

Most health economists don’t explicitly highlight Excel skills or related courses on their CVs. If you’re proficient, particularly in advanced functions, macros, or VBA, making this visible could be a simple yet effective way to stand out. Many hiring managers still value candidates who can leverage Excel for quick, reliable insights, especially in fast-paced environments.

The Future of Excel in Health Economics

As the field evolves, staying flexible and open to new tools is vital. R, Python, and visualisation platforms continue to expand the possibilities for health economics, but there’s little doubt that Excel remains a foundational skill—perhaps not as explicitly mentioned, but still quietly expected.

Interested in Excel VBA Roles?

Explore the latest opportunities in health economics that require Excel and VBA expertise here: Excel VBA Jobs