Blog
Meet the Instructor: Mickie Brewer
Meet Mickie Brewer, one of Centriq’s Microsoft 365 Training Specialists. Mickie came to Centriq in 2018 with experience as a consultant, specializing in Microsoft 365. Mickie uses her expertise as a trainer and end-user to prepare organizations of all sizes for successful Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams adoption. When Mickie isn’t in the classroom, you can find her hittin’ the road trips in her Jeep!
Featured Networking Student for January 2021
Jason Ashley
Bio
My name is Jason Ashley. I have lived in Kansas City for the last 20 years. The past 7 years I spent as the Director of Operations for a large church on Ward Parkway, managing the day-to-day, paying the bills, managing staff, etc. I enjoyed my time, learning a lot but had reached the top of my potential there. I desired more challenges, more opportunities for growth and professional development. Over the years, I have built small networks, many computers for others and enjoyed it as a hobby. I am super excited to learn, grow and develop in the IT profession.
Featured Developer Student for January 2021
John Swift
BIO
Hello, my name is John Swift. Before taking the dive into technology I worked in government at a Parks and Recreation department and the insurance industry. I started out being self-taught while focusing on front-end development but decided to come to Centriq to expand my abilities.
The New CompTIA Security+ 601 Exam: A Complete Overview
In November 2020, CompTIA released the next version for the CompTIA Security+ exam, SY0-601. CompTIA updates its certifications every three years to keep up with evolving technology and to help keep IT professionals current with these changes. As businesses focus on a digital-first world during the coronavirus pandemic, having the most current security training for your team is more important than ever to help prevent any potential cybersecurity threats. Not only is a CompTIA Security+ certification the most popular security certification for employers, but it also fulfills the U.S. Department of Defense 8570 compliance. If you are an IT professional with an interest in cybersecurity, CompTIA’s Security+ certification might be the best next step in your career.
Year-end reflection: Use MyAnalytics to discover your digital work habits and set goals for the new year
Many of us found ourselves working virtually this year more than ever before, and our reliance on digital tools and workspaces increased along with that change. You may have found yourself using Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Planner, and other M365 apps and services for the first time or perhaps just more than usual.
One unique Microsoft 365 (M365) tool you may not have heard of is MyAnalytics. MyAnalytics is constantly working in the background analyzing your digital work habits and providing you a personalized view into how you spend your time.
MyAnalytics can help you reflect on your virtual collaboration and work habits, such as how much of your week you spend in meetings, as well as provide ideas for improving your digital work life, such as blocking focus time each day when you’re most productive. MyAnalytics is private and specific to you as an individual user and serves exclusively as an information resource for your own consumption.
Featured Networking Student for December 2020
Daniel Deberdt
Bio
My name is Daniel Deberdt, I am an Army veteran that served as a medic for the past decade. I have travelled all over the world during my time in the Army, but finally decided to settle in the KC area. I’ve been here for a while now and so far, I have enjoyed my time here. I have an Associates Degree in Health Sciences, as well as many certifications including Instructing for Basic Life Support.
Featured Developer Student for December 2020
Ryan Pflugradt
BIO
Hi, I’m Ryan Pflugradt. I am a fun going hard working guy that loves to write code, play disc golf (or anything outdoors), and hang out with the family! I am from a small town south of Kansas City, but I’ve always called Kansas City my home. I attended college at Missouri Western State University right out of high school and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics in 2008. Following that, I have worked in the insurance industry for the past 12 years. I am very excited to start a new chapter and pursue my passion for coding!
Featured Networking Student for November 2020
Zach Harvey
Bio
Hello everyone! My name is Zach Harvey. I was born and raised in Kansas City and have spent the last 10 years of my life wearing a variety of hats professionally. I’ve done everything from managing a Waffle House to assembling, repairing, and fitting durable medical equipment for patients. My last job was a retail sales position at a motorcycle dealership, and while I enjoyed interacting with customers and educating them on all of the new gear and performance parts, I felt it was time in my life to “level up” and change careers.
Featured Developer Student for November 2020
Deborah Reed
BIO
Hi everyone, I’m Deborah Reed. Most people call me Dee. I married my high school sweetheart twenty years ago and have grown with him ever since. Love of a challenge has given me a steady, yet eclectic work history. I spent close to ten years working with children, first in a daycare, and later as an aide in an elementary school. I think it’s important to be a good role model and keep a positive attitude. I’ve also run my own business as a traveling massage therapist. Most recently, I spent the last seven years with Nebraska Furniture Mart, a wonderful company. I started in sales and moved into merchandising, and I was even asked to move to Dallas to help open their new flagship store.
New at Centriq: M365 MicroClasses
As companies shifted to a more remote workforce in 2020, tools such as Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365 apps have become essential components of our workday. Most organizations have not had the time to formally train their teams on these tools, so employees instead figured out the “hacks” they needed to continue their normal work routines. In response, Centriq created a series of one and two day Microsoft 365 Apps classes which provided comprehensive training on all different components of M365. Now Centriq has created a new series of shorter training classes focusing on specific tasks or projects within various M365 apps. These new, two-hour learning events are called M365 MicroClasses.