Centriq Training | Technology Blog

A group of students in a photo holding electronics.

Centriq In The Community

LaDazhia Taylor October 22, 2024

At Centriq, our mission goes beyond training; it’s about empowering the Kansas City community. Through partnerships with local organizations and educational institutions, we help community members explore new career paths and develop valuable tech skills. We understand that a traditional college degree isn’t the only way to start a fulfilling career. That’s why we actively engage with high schools and military bases to introduce students and adults to alternative education options, like our four or six-month IT Career Program. We also offer AI training and workshops at colleges, making tech education accessible to diverse groups. These AI-focused sessions prepare students to use technology for creativity, productivity, and staying up-to-date with industry trends. Our commitment bridges the gap between education and career success, fostering a stronger, more skilled workforce. Paving the Way for Career Changers Career paths aren’t always linear, and for many, a four-year degree may not be feasible or necessary. Knowing this, we provide accelerated training programs that allow students to enter the IT workforce in as little as four months. Our courses cover key areas such as networking and cybersecurity, ensuring graduates have the skills employers need. Additionally, our Career Services team collaborates closely with local employers, building connections that lead to job opportunities. From resume workshops to mock interviews, we guide our students every step of the way, helping them confidently transition to new careers. Why Centriq Stands Out Our dedication to community doesn’t end in the classroom. We actively build relationships with local businesses, nonprofits, and

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 and Service Industry

Centriq Training October 17, 2024

Are you thinking about transitioning out of the restaurant industry? 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. If you’re like many others working in food and service, you’ve likely considered reasons to make a career switch. Common factors include: Job instability Low wages Long hours on your feet Limited growth 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 Become a Cybersecurity Specialist – Centriq

Centriq Training October 16, 2024

Security support specialists play a central role in any organization. These positions are responsible for managing company security. They should be well-versed in protecting information from cyber threats and monitoring for suspicious activity. Are you curious to learn more about a security specialist’s role? We share everything you’ll need to know about becoming and being a security support specialist in the IT world.

Woman working on virtual training on a laptop with so many stickers on it, you gotta admire she went well above the minimum required pieces of flair

How to Become a Desktop Support Technician

Centriq Training October 15, 2024

Desktop support specialists hold an organization together with their technology expertise. Curious about how this role helps a company work to its optimal performance level? We share everything you’ll need know about becoming and being a desktop support technician.

You have unique skills as a veteran. Use them in the civilian workforce.

Leveraging Your Military Experience

Centriq Training October 10, 2024

As a veteran, you possess a unique set of strengths. Be sure to recognize and highlight these skills by sharing examples from your military service that will help you stand out as a candidate. 1. Leadership and Teamwork Strength: Military service members are trained to lead and work within a team, making them excellent candidates for roles that require leadership and collaboration. They excel at motivating others, managing teams, and ensuring mission success. They recognize that effective teamwork stems from a shared commitment to the team’s or organization’s success. Application: Highlight leadership roles and team projects on your resume. In interviews, share specific examples of how you led a team or contributed to its success. 2. Problem-Solving and Adaptability Strength: Military training emphasizes quick and effective problem-solving under pressure. Veterans are experienced in making critical decisions in high-stress situations and adapting to rapidly changing environments. Application: Demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and manage unexpected challenges. Share examples of how you solved complex problems and adapted to new circumstances in your military career. Then, connect these experiences to how they will benefit you in the role you’re applying for. 3. Discipline and Work Ethic Strength: Veterans have a strong work ethic and a high level of discipline, qualities that are highly valued in any workplace. They are punctual, reliable, and committed to achieving their goals. Application: Showcase your dedication and reliability in your job applications. Mention specific instances where your discipline and work ethic contributed to your success.

Introducing ChatGPT 4.0 with Canvas: A New Way to Create

Centriq Training October 7, 2024

Artificial Intelligence just got a lot more exciting—say hello to ChatGPT 4.0 with Canvas! If you’ve used ChatGPT before, you already know it’s a fantastic partner for answering questions, brainstorming ideas, and helping out with everyday tasks. But now, it’s more than just about chatting—it’s about bringing your ideas to life. What’s New in ChatGPT 4.0 with Canvas? Canvas adds a visual and organized layer to working with AI. Imagine having a digital workspace where your ideas come to life, not just as text, but as a structured, easily editable document. With Canvas, you can create, edit, and visualize your content—all without leaving ChatGPT. It’s perfect for those moments when a casual conversation turns into something bigger: a story, a report, or even a coding project. No more copying and pasting into a Word document to make edits, you can do it all within the Canvas model! Instead of scrolling back through messages to piece everything together, Canvas gives you a clean, organized view of your work. Whether you’re drafting an email, writing a blog post, or designing a new app, Canvas helps you see the big picture—turning AI-assisted brainstorming into a streamlined creation process. How Does Canvas Make Life Easier? 1. Seamless Content Creation: Start creating instantly when inspiration hits. Canvas is like having your own editor and workspace in one spot. Need changes? Just click and edit—no more switching apps or losing drafts. 2. A Versatile Workspace: Canvas is for everyone—writers, developers, designers, and more. You can create

Computer Hardware

Tyler Bowser September 27, 2024

Computer hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, including the processor, memory, storage, and input/output devices. These components work together to enable a computer to process, store, and transmit data, as well as interact with users. There are a lot of components that make up a system. Here are a few key components you’ll learn about in our IT Career Program: Central processing unit (CPU): The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the computer. It is responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations, and it is typically the most powerful and expensive component in a computer. Memory: Memory, or RAM, is used to store data that is being actively used by the processor. It is a volatile type of storage, meaning that it is wiped clean when the computer is turned off. Many people consider this a key-metric for how “fast” a computer will run. Storage: Storage, or hard drive, is used to store data and programs that are not currently in use. It is a non-volatile type of storage, meaning that it retains data even when the computer is turned off. In modern laptops we are starting to see a wholesale shift to SSDs, or solid-state drives. These are a faster, more reliable update to the traditional spinning hard-drives of the past. Input/Output devices Input/output devices are used to communicate with the computer and interact with it. Examples include keyboards, mice, and displays. The list of these devices also

Operating Systems

Tyler Bowser September 27, 2024

Computer operating systems are a vital component of any computer system, but one that often gets overlooked. They are the software that manages and controls the computer’s resources and functions, enabling users to run applications and programs, access and store data, and interact with the computer. Without an operating system, a computer is just an expensive desk ornament. There are several different types of operating systems available, including Windows, macOS, and seemingly limitless variations of Linux. At work, you are likely using Windows, and if you are in music or design, you may gravitate toward Mac, and you true computer enthusiasts may already be deep in the world of Linux. Each has its own unique features and capabilities along with their fair share of drawbacks, but there are great options no matter your criteria! One of the key features of an operating system is its user interface, which is the way that a user interacts with the computer and its resources. For most everyday desktops the interface is in the form of a graphical user interface, or GUI, which uses icons and visual elements to represent different functions and options. Many servers, or more specialized OSs relay on a more simple command-line interface, which uses text-based commands to interact with the device. Operating systems also perform a wide range of tasks, such as managing hardware resources such as the processor, memory, and storage; controlling input and output devices such as keyboards, mice, and displays; and running applications and programs. In addition to these

Meet ChatGPT o1: OpenAI’s New AI Model and When to Use It vs. 4o

Centriq Training September 24, 2024

AI just got a big boost with the release of OpenAI’s o1 model. But before you swap out your trusty GPT-4o, let’s take a closer look at what o1 does (and doesn’t) do. Each model has its time to shine and knowing when to use which can make all the difference. What o1 Does Best: Think of o1 as the AI that really thinks before it speaks. In fact, you can see it thinking as it processes your prompt! It’s built to handle complex tasks that need deep reasoning—perfect for problems like solving advanced math, coding, or analyzing scientific data. If you’re asking tricky questions or need thoughtful, multi-step solutions, o1 is your new AI go-to. It’s like having a REALLY smart best friend who sits next to you all day. It even manages to give solid answers with less instruction than other models, this means your prompts should be short and sweet, rather than the longer, detailed, prompts that need frameworks with other models. What o1 Can’t Do (for Now): Despite how smart o1 is, it’s not ready to be as creative. It can’t browse the web, upload files, or create or analyze images. If your task involves research or attachments, you’ll still need GPT-4o for those. But OpenAI says o1 is just getting started, and more features will be coming soon. When You Need 4o: GPT-4o is still your everyday go-to. It’s better for general tasks like drafting emails, summarizing content, or answering everyday questions. It’s creative and

Featured Student: Meet Donald Caswell

LaDazhia Taylor September 18, 2024

Centriq recognizes 2-3 outstanding students as our Featured Student of the Month. Donald Caswell was awarded our Featured Student of September 2024. Meet Donald Caswell, our featured cybersecurity student! Donald is passionate about helping others and loves learning, so a career in IT was a natural fit. After spending five years in Healthcare IT, he’s now diving into networking and security—fields he finds both challenging and fascinating. Donald enrolled at Centriq because he wanted a more hands-on, focused learning experience than what traditional boot camps and formal classes offered. During his time here, networking quickly became his favorite subject, especially understanding how data moves from one point to another. Donald appreciates how Centriq’s instructors go the extra mile, even meeting outside of regular hours, to ensure every student gets the most out of their learning. Looking ahead, Donald is excited about the possibility of becoming a SOC or NOC analyst, and we’re ecstatic about where his career will take him!

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 29, 2024	Mar 24, 2024	Day	3/25/24-3/29/24 4/22/24-4/26/24	CSSP-I
May 13, 2024	Aug 16, 2024	Day	5/27/24-5/31/24 7/1/24-7/5/24	CSSP-I
Aug 19, 2024	Nov 22, 2024	Day	9/2/24-9/6/24 10/21/24-10/25/24	CSSP-I
Dec 2, 2024	Mar 14, 2025	Day	12/23/24-12/27/24 12/30/24-1/3/25 2/10/25-2/14/25	CSSP-I

Start Date	End Date	Day/Eve	Break Weeks	Track
Jan 15, 2024	Apr 19, 2024	Day	2/19/24-2/23/24 3/18/24-3/22/24	CSSP-I
Feb 26, 2024	May 24, 2024	Day	4/1/24-4/5/24	CSSP-I
Apr 08, 2024	Jul 12, 2024	Day	5/27/24-5/31/24 7/1/24-7/5/24	CSSP-I
May 20, 2024	Aug 23, 2024	Day	5/27/24-5/31/24 7/1/24-7/5/24	CSSP-I
Jun 24, 2024	Sep 27, 2024	Day	7/1/24-7/5/24 9/2/24-9/6/24	CSSP-I
Jul 29, 2024	Feb 6, 2025	Eve	9/2/24-9/5/24 11/25/24-11/28/24 12/23/24-12/27/24 12/30/24-1/3/25	CSSP-I
Aug 5, 2024	Nov 8, 2024	Day	9/2/24-9/6/24 10/7/24-10/11/24	CSSP-I
Sep 9, 2024	Dec 13, 2024	Day	10/14/24-10/18/24 11/25/24-11/29/24	CSSP-I
Oct 21, 2024	Jan 31, 2025	Day	11/25/24-11/29/24 12/23/24-12/27/24 12/30/24-1/3/25	CSSP-I
Dec 2, 2024	Mar 14, 2025	Day	12/23/24-12/27/24 12/30/24-1/3/25 2/10/25-2/14/25	CSSP-I