# Getting Familiar with Tools

> **Step 4 of 4** — Tools Introduction

## Tools Introduction

AIESEC in Denmark uses a core set of digital tools for exchange operations, communication, file management, education, and analytics. This page introduces each tool, explains what it is used for, and tells you how to get access.

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You do not need to master every tool on day one. Start with Expa and your communication platform (Slack or Teams), then explore the rest as your role requires.
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### Expa

**What it is:** Expa is AIESEC's global digital platform. It is the single most important tool in the organization.

**What it does:**

* Manages the entire exchange lifecycle: opportunity listings, EP (Exchange Participant) applications, matching, approvals, and realizations
* Stores member data for every AIESEC entity worldwide
* Provides analytics dashboards for tracking exchange performance at local, national, and global levels
* Hosts the opportunity board where students browse and apply for GV (Global Volunteer), GT (Global Talent), and GTe (Global Teacher) exchanges

**How to get access:** Your Team Leader (TL) or Vice-President (VP) will send you an Expa invitation to your email. Accept it, create your account, and set up your profile.

**Tips for new members:**

* Explore the opportunity board to understand what exchange looks like in practice
* Check the analytics dashboard for your LC to see how your team is performing
* Ask your TL for a 15-minute Expa walkthrough — it is much easier to learn with someone showing you

### Slack (or Microsoft Teams)

**What it is:** The primary communication platform for day-to-day conversations within your LC and nationally.

**What it does:**

* Real-time messaging organized into channels (e.g., #general, #ogx, #marketing, #announcements)
* Direct messages for 1:1 or small group conversations
* File sharing, polls, and integrations with other tools
* National channels connecting all LCs for cross-entity communication

**How to get access:** Your TL or LC VP TM (Talent Management) will send you an invitation link. Some LCs use Microsoft Teams instead of Slack — ask which platform your LC uses.

**Tips for new members:**

* Mute channels you do not need yet to avoid notification overload
* Use threads (click "Reply in thread") to keep conversations organized
* Set your profile with your name, role, and LC so people know who you are
* Check #announcements regularly — important deadlines and events are posted there

{% hint style="info" %}
Some LCs also use WhatsApp groups for informal or social communication. Ask your TL what channels to join.
{% endhint %}

### Google Drive

**What it is:** AIESEC in Denmark's shared file storage and collaboration platform.

**What it does:**

* Stores documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and templates organized by LC and functional area
* Enables real-time collaboration on Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
* Houses the national shared drive with resources accessible to all LCs

**How to get access:** Your TL or VP will share the relevant Google Drive folder with your AIESEC or personal Google account. You may need access to both your LC folder and the national shared drive.

**Tips for new members:**

* Do not reorganize folders without asking — there is a structure in place
* Use the search function (Ctrl/Cmd + F in Drive) to find specific files
* When creating new documents, use the templates provided in the [Templates Library](/resources-and-tools/templates-library.md) rather than starting from scratch

### GitBook (This Knowledge Hub)

**What it is:** The platform hosting this Knowledge Hub. GitBook is a documentation tool that renders Markdown files into a searchable, navigable website.

**What it does:**

* Provides a central, always-accessible reference for AIESEC in Denmark knowledge
* Organizes content into pillars (General Knowledge, Functional Knowledge, Governance, etc.)
* Supports search across all pages — use `Ctrl/Cmd + K` for quick search

**How to get access:** The Knowledge Hub is accessible via a shared link. No account is needed to read. If you need to contribute or edit content, contact the MC TM Manager.

**Tips for new members:**

* Bookmark the hub landing page
* Start with the [New Member Guide](/new-member-guide/welcome.md) section and branch out as needed
* Use the [Dictionary](/general-knowledge/dictionary.md) when you encounter unfamiliar terms

### National and LC Dashboards

**What they are:** Analytics dashboards (often built in Google Sheets, Looker Studio, or similar tools) that visualize exchange performance, member engagement, and financial data.

**What they do:**

* Track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) like sign-ups, applicants, matched, and realized exchanges
* Compare LC performance against national targets
* Provide real-time data for decision-making at the VP, LCP, and MC levels

**How to get access:** Dashboard links are typically shared by the MCVP Organizational Development (OD) or your LCP. Some dashboards pull data from Expa automatically; others are updated manually.

**Tips for new members:**

* You may not need dashboard access in your first month — focus on Expa first
* When you do access the dashboard, start with your own LC's numbers before looking nationally
* Ask your VP to explain which KPIs your team is responsible for

### Conference portals

**What they are:** Dedicated platforms or websites created for national and regional AIESEC conferences (e.g., National Conference, Leadership Development Seminar).

**What they do:**

* Conference registration and agenda access
* Session sign-ups and logistics information (venue, accommodation, transport)
* Post-conference materials (presentations, outputs, action items)

**How to get access:** Conference portals are shared via Slack or email before each event. Registration is typically required.

**Tips for new members:**

* Attending at least one national conference during your first term is highly recommended
* Check with your TL about upcoming conferences — some have limited spots per LC
* After the conference, find the output documents on the [Conferences & Outputs](/conferences-and-outputs/conferences-and-outputs.md) page

### Setting up Your Email Signature

{% embed url="<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pz__XdoyfZ_X3HLHB6RVW9i6lsj5SLZVZaTgsp4-T5w/pub>" %}
Setting up Your Email Signature
{% endembed %}

### Customer Flow

{% embed url="<https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v_V2QSKEp8Mv7f8kurBfUakJ6Y4d60h1/view>" %}

### Summary table

| Tool                    | Primary use                            | Access                                  |
| ----------------------- | -------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| Expa                    | Exchange operations and analytics      | Invitation from TL/VP                   |
| Slack / Teams           | Daily communication                    | Invitation from TL/VP TM                |
| Google Drive            | File storage and collaboration         | Shared by TL/VP                         |
| GitBook (Knowledge Hub) | Organizational knowledge and reference | Shared link (no account needed to read) |
| Dashboards              | KPI tracking and analytics             | Shared by MCVP OD or LCP                |
| Conference portals      | Event registration and outputs         | Shared before each conference           |

{% hint style="info" %}
Ready for more? Explore your [functional area](/functional-knowledge/functional-knowledge.md).
{% endhint %}

*Last updated: April 2026 · Maintained by: MC TM Manager*


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