# AI Bootcamp with ChatGPT

Canonical URL: <https://training.sdfm.org/courses/ai-for-business>

## Overview

Unlock the possibilities of artificial intelligence (AI) in this immersive two-day course. Gain a solid understanding of AI technology, its significance, and how to apply it effectively in a wide range of scenarios.

 

On day one, you’ll dive into the world of generative AI with the most talked-about tool: ChatGPT. Learn to craft precise prompts, manage conversations, and use advanced features such as custom instructions and memory. We’ll cover the differences between GPT models and plans, discuss data privacy, and examine the ethical considerations of AI use. By the end of the day, you’ll have practical skills to leverage ChatGPT for writing, summarizing, generating creative content, and more.

 

On day two, you’ll take your ChatGPT skills further. Explore advanced capabilities like custom GPTs, Projects, and integrated tools for reasoning, research, voice, and image generation. Through hands-on exercises, you’ll discover how to tailor ChatGPT’s output, streamline workflows, and turn AI into a powerful extension of your daily work. Join us to revolutionize how you and your team operate with AI.

## What you'll learn

- Explore generative AI and ChatGPT to understand what’s possible and how you can use it
- Learn how to write prompts that generate useful responses
- See real-world applications of ChatGPT in professional settings
- Discover how to personalize ChatGPT’s tone, behavior, and output through advanced features
- Use Projects and Custom GPTs to manage files and streamline workflows
- Work with ChatGPT’s voice, image, and research tools to boost productivity and creativity

## Curriculum
1. **Generative AI with ChatGPT**
2. **ChatGPT Level 2**

## Schedule
- Aug 12, 2026 – Aug 13, 2026 — Live Online
- Sep 15, 2026 – Sep 16, 2026 — Live Online
- Oct 13, 2026 – Oct 14, 2026 — Live Online
- Jun 16, 2026 – Jun 17, 2026 — Live Online
- Nov 2, 2026 – Nov 3, 2026 — Live Online
- Dec 8, 2026 – Dec 9, 2026 — Live Online

## Instructors

### Bruce Gay — Instructor

Bruce is an engaging trainers and program manager who brings 25+ years practical experience to deliver effective and experiential training to students. Able to engage adult learners with a range of backgrounds and professional experiences. Successful at building effective stakeholder relationships and coordinating multi-disciplinary teams for solution delivery.

Bruce has over 25 years of project and program management experience across multiple industries. He has a Masters degree from The George Washington University and a B.A. from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. 

Bruce currently runs his own freelance training and consulting business, helping project managers and team leaders improve their business skills, become better leaders, and achieve professional greatness. 

Bruce is a well-received speaker in the areas of design thinking, project management, cross-team collaboration, and AI tools for projects, and has presented at regional and international conferences.

### Steve Pesklo — Instructor

Steve is an energetic trainer who focuses on applying technical concepts to everyday work practices. He is the founder and president of SoftLake Solutions, a company that specializes in providing data and AI applications to identify fraud for Internal Audit, Criminal Investigations, Forensic Accounting, Privacy, and Compliance.

Steve brings a large amount of experience across multiple industries and government agencies. He is an expert in implementing large data analysis projects across the world, including Inland Revenue in the UK and Argentina, New Zealand, Africa and across Europe. Previously, he was the manager of Data Architecture and Data Services for a large mortgage company. He is a frequent speaker on data analytics and project management topics and speaks fluent German. He has been teaching at the Graduate School for over 10 years.

Steve has an M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas and a B.S. in Computer Science from California Lutheran University and the Universität Salzburg in Austria. He is certified as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Project Management Professional (PMP), and a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM).

### Brian Simms — Instructor

Brian Simms is a seasoned educator and training leader with extensive experience developing and delivering innovative learning programs in project management and emerging technologies. Over the course of his career, he has designed adaptive learning models that combine instructor-led sessions, live online experiences, and self-paced study, ensuring professionals can access training in flexible and effective ways. His work has emphasized the integration of artificial intelligence into professional development, helping organizations and individuals understand how AI can be applied to solve real-world challenges in leadership, project execution, and decision-making. 

In addition to his instructional expertise, Brian has guided curriculum development, led large training initiatives, and advanced the use of collaboration tools that improve learner engagement and retention. His depth of experience and forward-looking perspective make him uniquely equipped to prepare federal professionals to navigate both the complexities of project management and the transformative potential of AI.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $549
