Blog
Featured Networking Student for November 2019
Andrew MacKay
Bio
I started on a traditional route to a state university, where I accumulated a small house worth of debt. I decided to join the Army rather than continue to accumulate debt. I enjoyed my time in the Army and it was not an easy decision to separate, although I can’t say I miss all the running. I spent about three years working at a help desk and found that I enjoyed solving technical problems.
Featured Developer Student for November 2019
Jacob and Nicholas brokaw
For the first time at Centriq, we have a set of twins that have both been chosen to be our featured student! Though they may be similar in appearance, both Jacob and Nicholas have their own unique sets of skills, and both decided to come to Centriq for their own reasons. Congratulations to you both!
BIO
Jacob: In short, I’m a recent high school graduate, tech enthusiast who loves trying new things, and a business-minded person. I became interested in technology ever since I got a PlayStation 2, but that interest grew when I read a biography of Steve Jobs. In the coming years I made friends who shared similar interests, that led to the founding of a tiny tech company. During my high school years, I dove into the world of software and web development, mainly focusing on fun user experiences.
Nicholas: I am a recent high school graduate who is excited by the opportunity to learn more about technology. My interest in technology as a whole grew exponentially when my high school offered a class for repairing Chromebooks, and in that class, I learned even more about business and project management. These topics are my favorites to learn and apply throughout my everyday life, and in doing so, I started a small software company.
Featured STL Networking Student for October 2019
Johnny Hammers
Bio
I’ve spent majority of my working life in the restaurant business while having a little over five years in the middle of that in Law Enforcement. I enjoy playing in sand volleyball leagues with my son, and doing whatever my little girl wants to do. I also play on the computer at home— a lot— doing various things.
The Power of Goal Setting
Setting goals can help you have a vision for the future and take steps towards making that vision a reality. Through goal setting, you become more focused and have a greater sense of direction for where to place your efforts and energy.
Featured Networking Student for October 2019
Jimmy Snider
Bio
I’m Jimmy, a carpenter of 10 years. I have been interested in technology since I can remember. From my first RC car, to the first time I ever dialed-up the internet on a 56k connection, to the first time I played NES with my sister. I’m a hands-on type person who likes to build things whether it be a house, a custom computer, or a hovercraft made from a vacuum cleaner, plywood, and a couple rolls of duct-tape.
Re-Skilling is the New Recruiting
It’s no secret that jobs are becoming more automated and digitized all the time. There are self-checkout lines in every grocery store, we bank online, and we can order our food through an app without ever speaking to another human. But these aren’t the only jobs at risk. Studies show that factory workers, office and administrative personnel, transportation workers, and healthcare support roles are identified as being the most at risk.Read More
Featured Developer Student for October 2019
Tasha Lesmeister
BIO
I grew up on a farm in a small town called Montrose, MO where I helped with farm chores. In 2016 I enrolled in the IT Systems and Security Administration track through Centriq where I graduated and obtained my CompTIA A+, Security+, and MTA; Networking Fundamentals. With this training, I moved to TX where I performed many different IT roles including Helpdesk, IOC, & NOC. I then moved back to KC June 2019 and decided to pursue Centriq’s Full Stack Web Development Program.
Learning and Developing Soft Skills for Future Success
Many studies and articles over the last couple of years have brought attention to the types of “soft” skills employees need to be successful in today’s ever-changing workplace. NOTE: See a list of links at the end of this article for more information. In fact, many would argue that these “soft” skills are just as important (if not more important) than the “technical/hard” skills required for the job.
You Have the Technical Skills, Do You Really Need Soft Skills?
The quick answer…YES!
Strong technical skills are necessary for anyone wanting to work in the IT field; however, in today’s job market, employers have placed even more focus on soft skills. Soft skills are people skills (or, basic human skills) that characterize how an individual interacts with the world around them. Common examples include communication, active listening, adaptability, problem-solving, teamwork – the list goes on and on.
Featured STL Networking Student for September 2019
JARED STEVENS
Bio
When I was 8 or 9 years old my dad brought home our first family computer, an IBM 186. I had to learn DOS just to play Everquest which at the time was a glorified paper game. Ever since I’ve been in love with technology. It didn’t help that my family were and still are big SciFi nerds. I took that love of tech to the Navy with me becoming an Aircraft Electrician, I was really into planes at the time. I spent 13 years in the Navy learning and working on a plethora of aircraft and electronics, rather rapidly I was put in charge of ever-increasing levels of responsibility. After an injury I left the Navy and started my journey into more interesting technologies.