Centriq Blog Category: Featured Students

Brian Simpson

Bio

Ever since I graduated from college, I’ve been fortunate to excel in different high paced, customer focused roles like retail management, insurance sales, and auto claims. I’ve always had an interest in and aptitude for technology and have often been the go-to “IT-person”. Outside of work, I’m very passionate about the scouting program as an Eagle Scout. I’m also a die-hard fan of soccer. I’m looking forward to finding a company that I can have the same kind of passion in my new chosen career.Read More

Joe McNeely

Bio

I was born and raised in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.  After High School I joined the Marine Corps as a Rifleman and was stationed in Twentynine Palms, CA and then deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. After I left the Marine Corps, I went to the University of Central Missouri and have been doing sales related jobs since college.Read More

BOYD SIMMS

Bio

I grew up in Pleasant Hill, Missouri until the age of 18 where I joined the United States Army. In the Army I specialized as a Network and System Administrator. The Military gave me awesome opportunities to live in and visit countries such as Ireland, Korea, and Japan. I worked as a Network Administrator after the Military for two years, but was ready for something new and challenging.

Read More

Jon Beckner

Bio

Hello, my name is Jon Beckner and for the last few years, I have worked in the restaurant industry as I completed undergraduate and graduate studies. As I worked my way up to a management position I learned valuable skills such as adaptability, planning, organization, teamwork and communication that I feel will enable me to succeed in this field. My educational background includes a bachelor’s in criminal justice and sociology, as well as progress towards a master’s in criminology with a focus in cybercrime.Read More

JT Bird

Bio

At a young age I loved to take things apart to see how they work. From old stereos to the first computer that I opened, the technology amazed me which lead me to focus on STEM classes through my education. When I moved to a workplace environment I always had jobs that were customer facing and technical such as drafting and manufacturing eyeglass lenses. After having careers like these I realized that a career in IT would be the perfect match for me.
Read More

DOUG MCKINNEY

Bio

I grew up in Wichita, Kansas, spending my late teens and early twenties in Lawrence, Kansas. After spending some time in beautiful Monterey, California, I lived in Brooklyn, New York for 6 years before moving back to the Kansas City area where I’ve happily resided since 2011. Along the way I taught myself HTML and CSS to be able to make websites for friends working in the creative world. I’ve always enjoyed the challenges posed by teaching myself things and I try to embody the DIY spirit. Though I do find that nothing is better than working with a team.

Read More

James Coleman

Bio

I come from a background in retail, fast food, loss prevention, and mobile repair. I also love helping people and animals, so I did some volunteer work as a roofer for habitats for humanity, and a janitor at a pet shelter. I consider myself a lifetime learner, and have taken several courses on various subjects that catch my interest like: music theory and performance, Stagecraft, policing with a focus on homicide investigation, and Geology (I like shiny rocks what can I say).
Read More

CINDY GONZALEZ

Bio

I have been an elementary and high school substitute teacher and a teaching assistant. I have also coached competitive girl’s gymnastics teams and volunteered through AmeriCorps with Habitat for Humanity. I was also in the Army as an Information Technology Specialist.  Any time my friends or family have computer issues, they usually come to me to help them out.Read More

Kaylynn Keller

Bio

I have worked the last several years in Customer Service. During this time I’ve developed a lot of really good skills, such as active listening, working in a fast paced environment, and speaking and explaining things clearly. I also started my own side business at the beginning of the year making and selling paper art. This has taught me a lot of skills as well like organizing, prioritizing, and planning work. Aside from work and running a business and I am a partner to my wonderful Fiancé, Jake, and a Mother to my awesome 3-year-old, Lincoln.

Read More

Dennis Michalicek

Bio

I have mostly worked in a manufacturing environment, both technology and non-technology related. During that time, I’ve learned a lot of what it’s like to be in a team setting, and how communication is the key to success for the team, the project, and the company. Every team member’s voice needs to be heard, and their knowledge utilized for overall success. Most importantly, I learned that technology is not just the future, but it is the here and now.
Read More