Blog
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.
Leadership In Action
Effective leadership is essential to the success of any organization. It is also a major ingredient in how much an individual contributor achieves in their personal job role. Do you want to develop your leadership skills so you can further your career and make significant contributions to your company? If yes, then read on.
Featured Networking Student for September 2019
Al Canole
Bio
For the past 5 years I have been working in the service industry as a bartender and server. Out of high school I went to Missouri State University for 1 year and continued my education at Maple Woods Community College the next year. Although I enjoy my current profession, I feel that I am ready to start a career in a field that I have passion for. I have always had an interest in IT and finally decided to pursue that interest here at Centriq.
Featured Developer Student for September 2019
ALYSHA WILLIAMS
BIO
For the last five and a half years I worked as an Integrated Health Specialist, which is like a social worker. Back at the end of January, I found a coding book at Aldi that used Berkeley’s drag and drop coding system SNAP! I enjoyed learning to use that program and wanted to learn how to write the actual code, not just drag and drop code.
Featured STL Networking Student for August 2019
Brandon Thomas
Bio
I am a Marine Corps combat veteran originally from Kansas City. I moved to St Louis almost 9 years ago and it has slowly, but surely, felt like home. I spent the past 10+ years in various roles in the foodservice and hospitality industry, most recently as General Manager of an iconic St. Louis pub.
Featured Networking Student for August 2019
Heidi Hintenach
Bio
Heidi Hintenach is the Help Desk Manager for Dialectic Engineering and a Platoon Sergeant for 135th Signal Company. She grew up in the panhandle of Oklahoma. Heidi began her IT journey back in 2007 when she enlisted in the US Army as a Signal Support Specialist. Her and her family reside in Lees Summit, MO.
What’s an Office 365 Champion (and Why Do I Need One)?
As you dive deeper into Office 365, you’ll hear the word “Champion” thrown around quite frequently. But what exactly is an O365 Champion?
What is an O365 Champion?
To put it simply, an O365 Champion is a team member who has been chosen to help lead your company’s O365 adoption plan.
Your O365 Champion Team will act as your company’s early-adopters— they’ll receive additional training to build proficiency with the O365 apps while working together to establish O365 policies, procedures, and best practices.
Technology is Rapidly Changing, Can Curriculum Keep Up?
Technology is rapidly progressing and with it the technical skills and knowledge required to successfully step into an I.T. career become ever-changing. With this progression, do education institutions have the ability to successfully stay on pace with technological advancement?