College Alternatives Archives

A group of people of varying ethnicities and genders, standing in a row and smiling at the camera. They are wearing business casual attire.

IT Careers: Find an IT Career Path Right for You

Centriq Training August 31, 2022

Technology is an exciting field that is always offering great opportunities for career growth. These roles are ideal for anyone looking to upgrade from their current position or completely transition from their previous careers. Centriq is all about getting you on the path towards your new role in IT. With over 30 years of training experience under our belts, we know how to teach technology and are there for you from your first inquiry to the moment you start your job search. Get started today and learn more about our program by filling out a contact form on our website

Cheerful woman working on laptop excited for her new IT career

ALTERNATIVE CAREERS FOR SELF-EMPLOYED GIG WORKERS

Centriq Training August 30, 2022

The gig economy is attractive work for those who value freedom in their roles. But jumping from one project or role to the next takes its toll. What freelancers may not realize is that going from self-employed to employed offers many of the same benefits in the IT industry. Gig workers are self-motivated and reliable people, making them a great fit for IT careers that require people to be dedicated to self-learning and following through on commitments. If you are looking for how to get out of the self-employment life and into a full-time role, a transition into an IT career is the fit for you. Whether you are an Uber delivery driver, pet sitter, virtual assistant, or personal shopper, your skills will transfer seamlessly to the IT field.

A College Degree Or Technical Training?

Elizabeth Granada August 26, 2022

Technical School vs College  It’s a common misconception that the only way to enter the workforce is to have a college degree. Most high school students are told that without a degree, a high-paying job or successful career isn’t possible. However, not everyone thrives in a traditional college setting, and the cost of a college degree often outweighs the return-on-investment.   Luckily, the need for college experience is fading, especially in tech. While computer science or programming degrees were often the go-to path for those wanting to break into tech, the IT industry has continued to evolve—especially to combat the nation-wide shortage of tech talent. 

An instructor sitting at a desk with a laptop and pointing to a whiteboard behind him displaying a diagram of IT things

How to Become a Full Stack Developer

Centriq Training August 24, 2022

Full stack developers play a core role in any organization they work in. They’re crucial members of the team that write code, create user interactions, and perform duties on the front and back-end. Curious about the exact details that come with the role? We share everything you’ll need to know about becoming and being a full stack developer.

Man sitting in a chair working on his laptop excited for his IT career training

Best Careers for Veterans

Centriq Training August 23, 2022

Veterans have seen and done a lot in their time. Being adaptable while also being great team players creates a good blend of traits that would fit well within the technology world. Great communication skills and the desire to help others are just a few of the characteristics that veterans hold. They also happen to be characteristics that employers in IT look for and value.

Help Desk Technician working on a computer and talking on the phone probably resetting a customer's password

How to Become a Help Desk Technician

Centriq Training August 17, 2022

Help desk technicians are an integral part of an IT team. Curious about the role they play in a technology setting? We share everything you’ll need know about becoming and being a help desk technician.

Smiling young african man working on a laptop applying to escape working for tips into a salaried IT position

How To Get Out Of Food Service And Into An IT Career

Centriq Training August 16, 2022

Thinking of leaving the food industry? Maybe you’re tired of the job instability, low wages, or long hours on your feet that come with working in the restaurant industry. Maybe you want your weekends or evenings open to spend quality time with your family, or the option to work remotely. Perhaps you worry there’s not much room for upward mobility within the restaurant space. If you’re thinking about leaving or not returning to your restaurant job, you’re not alone — half of U.S. workers will not be returning to their old jobs. A third are considering leaving the industry entirely. But then comes the question — if not the food industry, then what? If you’ve worked in the industry for a long time, it can seem like you’re stuck because you don’t have the experience, education, or training to enter another field. But there are always options, especially now as technology continues to advance and the option for virtual training becomes more widespread. Today we’re talking about how you can train for a new career and leverage the skills you’ve gained from working in the food service industry to get an in-demand job in IT.

How To Make A Career Change Into IT

Elizabeth Granada August 12, 2022

You might have read it only takes 21 days to form a new habit, but when you try it out for yourself, you have no problem reverting back to your old ways on Day 22. So what gives? As it turns out, the idea of developing a positive change in 21 days was a misinterpreted quote from Dr. Maxwell Maltz. Maltz actually states it takes a minimum of 21 days to make a permanent change, and it can take much longer depending on the change you are looking to make. Studies now show it takes anywhere from 18-254 days to make a change, with the average person taking about 66 days to establish a new habit. These numbers might seem daunting, especially if the change you are trying to make is to entirely change career paths. However, with the right tools, you can create a positive change in your future with a new career in IT. Are you ready to make a positive change in your life and join the IT industry? Check out our tips to help set you up for success!

Blond-haired woman working on IT training on her laptop because she's tired of the underpaid large demands of teaching

ALTERNATIVE CAREERS FOR TEACHERS

Centriq Training August 11, 2022

Teachers have a lot on their plate from managing students to preparing lesson plans. It can be a rewarding field but doesn’t come without its fair share of stress. Those looking for a career change from teaching can consider the IT industry. Teachers are skilled at simplifying complex notions, helping others, and staying organized among other things. These qualities become especially useful when starting a tech career.

Woman wearing headphones working on a computer and smiling because she finds her IT career very fulfilling

How to Become a Technical Support Specialist

Centriq Training August 10, 2022

Technical support specialists play an integral role within the IT department in any organization. Curious about the responsibilities they take on in the IT world? We share everything you’ll need know about becoming and being a technical support specialist.

Start Date	End Date	Day/Eve	Break Weeks	Track
Jan 23, 2023	Jul 27, 2023	Eve	4/3/23-4/7/23 5/22/23-5/26/23 7/3/23-7/7/23	CSSP-V
Jan 30, 2023	May 5, 2023	Day	3/6/23-3/10/23 4/10/23-4/14/23	CSSP-V
Feb 6, 2023	May 19, 2023	Day	3/27/23-3/31/23	FSCP-V
Mar 20, 2023	Jun 23, 2023	Day	4/24/23-4/28/23 5/22/23-5/26/23	CSSP-V
Apr 10, 2023	Jul 28, 2023	Day	5/29/23-6/2/23 7/3/23-7/7/23	FSCP-V
Apr 24, 2023	Oct 19, 2023	Eve	7/3/23-7/7/23 8/21/23-8/25/23	CSSP-V
May 15, 2023	Dec 14, 2023	Eve	7/3/23-7/7/23 9/4/23-9/8/23 11/20/23-11/24/23	FSCP-V
Jun 5, 2023	Sep 8, 2023	Day	7/3/23-7/7/23 8/7/23-8/11/23	CSSP-V
Jun 19, 2023	Oct 6, 2023	Day	7/3/23-7/7/23 9/4/23-9/8/23	FSCP-V
Jul 24, 2023	Jan 25, 2024	Eve	10/2/23-10/6/23 11/20/23-11/24/23 12/25/23-12/29/23	CSSP-V
Aug 14, 2023	Nov 17, 2023	Day	9/5/23-9/8/23 10/16/23-10/2/23	CSSP-V
Aug 28, 2023	Dec 15, 2023	Day	9/4/23-9/8/23 11/20/23-11/24/23	FSCP-V
Oct 30, 2023	Feb 2, 2024	Day	11/20/23-11/24/23 12/25/23-12/29/23	CSSP-V
Oct 30, 2023	May 2, 2024	Eve	11/20/23-11/23/23 3/4/23-3/7/23	CSSP-V
Nov 6, 2023	Mar 1, 2024	Day	11/20/23-11/24/23 12/25/23-12/29/23 1/29/24-2/2/24	FSCP-V

Start Date	End Date	Day/Eve	Break Weeks	Track
Feb 13, 2023	Mar 19, 2023	Day	3/20/23-3/24/23 4/17/23-4/21/23	CSSP-I
Apr 17, 2023	Jul 21, 2023	Day	5/22/23-5/26/23 7/3/23-7/7/23	CSSP-I
Jun 5, 2023	Sep 8, 2023	Day	7/3/23-7/7/23 8/7/23-8/11/23	CSSP-I
Jul 31, 2023	Nov 3, 2023	Day	9/4/23-9/8/23 10/2/23-10/6/23	CSSP-I
Sep 25, 2023	Dec 22, 2023	Day	11/20/23-11/24/23	CSSP-I
Nov 27, 2023	Mar 1, 2024	Day	12/25/23-12/29/23 1/29/24-2/2/24	CSSP-I

Start Date	End Date	Day/Eve	Break Weeks	Track
Jan 16, 2023	Apr 21, 2023	Day	2/2023-2/24/23 3/20/23-3/24/23	CSSP-I
Jan 23, 2023	Jul 27, 2023	Eve	4/3/23-4/7/23 5/22/23-5/26/23 7/3/23-7/7/23	CSSP-I
Feb 27, 2023	Jun 2, 2023	Day	4/3/23-4/7/23 5/1/23-5/5/23	CSSP-I
Apr 10, 2023	Jul 14, 2023	Day	5/15/23-5/19/23 7/3/23-7/7/23	CSSP-I
May 22, 2023	Aug 18, 2023	Day	7/3/23-7/7/23	CSSP-I
Jun 26, 2023	Sep 29, 2023	Day	7/3/23-7/7/23 8/7/23-8/11/23	CSSP-I
Aug 7, 2023	Nov 10, 2023	Day	9/4/23-9/8/23 10/9/23-10/13/23	CSSP-I
Sep 11, 2023	Dec 15, 2023	Day	10/16/23-10/20/23 11/20/23-11/24/23	CSSP-I
Oct 23, 2023	Jan 26, 2024	Day	11/20/23-11/24/23 12/25/23-12/29/23	CSSP-I
Oct 30, 2023	May 2, 2024	Eve	11/20/23-11/23/23 12/25/23-12/28/23 3/4/24-3/7/24	CSSP-I
Dec 4, 2023	Mar 8, 2024	Day	12/25/23-12/29/23 2/5/24-2/9/24	CSSP-I