# ChatGPT Level 2

Canonical URL: <https://training.sdfm.org/courses/chatgpt-level-2>

## Overview

Unlock ChatGPT’s advanced capabilities in this interactive course designed for users ready to go beyond the basics. Learn to select the right AI model for your needs, compare outputs across models, and leverage features like Deep Research, Projects, and Custom GPTs. You’ll also explore tools for adjusting writing tone, generating images, and using ChatGPT’s voice features to create more natural, personalized outputs.

Through guided exercises and live demos, you’ll practice tailoring ChatGPT’s responses, organizing work with Projects, and building your own Custom GPTs. You’ll gain skills in effective prompting, testing reasoning models, and knowing when to use tools like Sora for image creation.

## What you'll learn

- Compare different ChatGPT modelså to understand their strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases
- Use reasoning and research models effectively, including how to leverage deep research features and connected apps
- Train ChatGPT to reflect your unique writing style or tone using targeted prompts and style adjustments
- Customize ChatGPT with saved preferences and learn how to create and manage personalized instructions
- Work with Projects and Custom GPTs to organize tasks, files, and workflows tailored to your specific goals
- Explore ChatGPT’s voice and image generation capabilities, including hands-on practice using Sora for visual outputs

## Prerequisites

Students should have knowledge equivalent to our [ChatGPT Level 1](https://www.nobledesktop.com/classes/generative-ai-intro) course.

## Curriculum

#### Understanding & Choosing the Best ChatGPT Model

- How do the different AI Models work, and what are their usage limits?
- Comparing Model Performance: Testing Prompts Across Models
- Testing the Models & Comparing the Results

#### Deep Research vs Web Search, & Thinking Models

- What is “Deep Research”?
- Deep Research Usage Limits
- Deep Research vs Web Search
- Deep Research vs Thinking Models
- Deep Research Using Connected Apps

#### Agent Mode (Deep Research + Execution)

- What is Agent Mode and how does it compare to Deep Research?
- Example uses of Agent Mode

#### Prompt Engineering

- Use ChatGPT to Write Prompts For You
- Use ChatGPT to Optimize Your Prompts
- The Perfection Loop
- Apply OpenAI’s Own Best Practices

#### Make ChatGPT Write More Like You (or a specific writing style)

- Adjust ChatGPT’s Writing Style via a Prompt

#### Customize ChatGPT: Formerly Called “Custom Instructions”

- How to Tailor ChatGPT’s responses to your specific needs
- Make ChatGPT’s Writing More Natural (Less like AI)

#### Projects: More Than Just Folders

- Creating & Using Projects
- Managing Memory in Projects
- Adding Files to Projects
- Adding Custom Instructions to Projects

#### Custom GPTs: Tailoring ChatGPT to Your Specific Needs

- What are Custom GPTs?
- Finding & Using Custom GPTs
- Creating Your Own Custom GPTs
- Projects vs Custom GPTs

#### Intro to Vibe Coding: Let AI Write Code for You

- Create Tools Specific to Your Workflow(s)
- Common Coding Terminology Explained
- Vibe Coding: Things to Watch Out For
- Vibe Coding Example

## Schedule
- Jul 15, 2026 10:00am–5:00pm — Live Online
- Aug 13, 2026 10:00am–5:00pm — Live Online
- Sep 16, 2026 10:00am–5:00pm — Live Online
- Oct 14, 2026 10:00am–5:00pm — Live Online
- Nov 3, 2026 10:00am–5:00pm — Live Online
- Dec 9, 2026 10:00am–5:00pm — 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:** $299
