Best IT Classes in Chicago
No matter your industry, you have probably heard of or needed the IT department. Every company has a specialized department for solving tech issues. However, the IT (or Information Technology) field handles more than fixing small computer issues. IT has become an indispensable field in the digital age. This field combines technology and business to solve problems, make decisions, and keep businesses running smoothly. While many individuals see IT as a support role within companies, IT professionals care for so much more behind the scenes. IT has several subcategories, including data science, cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, DevOps, augmented and virtual reality, and blockchain. Some common positions within the IT field are experiencing employment growth of 15%, like Computer and Information Systems Managers. With this growth expected to continue until 2032, IT is one of the better tech fields to enter.
Learning IT opens doors to a multitude of exciting opportunities. Through IT, individuals learn how to navigate and harness technology, improving their efficiency, effectiveness, and communication in various aspects of their lives. IT professionals are in high demand across industries, offering excellent job prospects and competitive salaries. IT fosters innovation and problem-solving, enabling individuals to create solutions to real-world challenges and contribute to technological advancements. In a world increasingly reliant on technology, learning IT empowers individuals to stay relevant, adaptable, and well-equipped for the opportunities and challenges of the future.
Best IT Classes & Schools in Chicago
Throughout Chicago, students can assess a variety of IT courses.
Sprintzeal Americas Inc. offers consulting or training solutions to enhance the workforce and drive business success. The school offers various classes focused on technology and business practices. Students wanting to learn it can take the ITIL 4 Specialist to High Velocity IT Certification course. Anyone of any skill level can enroll in this program. Students will meet for three sessions. During the course, students will learn Lean, Agile, risk management, infrastructure, and management skills. A framework for IT service management is known as ITIL, or Information Technology Infrastructure Library. Students may also opt for the CompTIA Fundamentals and Certification Training course. In this four-session course, students will learn the basics of IT, like operating systems, common software applications, security, and web browsing practices. The course prepares students for the CompTIA exam.
Mountainview ITSM focuses on providing IT service management training. Students can enroll in the 3-day ITIL Foundation course. In this beginner-level course, students learn the ITIL framework and how to enhance the quality of IT service management. Students will explore key principles, models, processes, functions, and roles. The courses focus on providing students with the best practices for service management while preparing them for the ITIL Foundation certification exam.
Computer Training Source also offers an ITIL course. Students who enroll at CTS receive high-end computer software training. In the ITIL course, students meet for three days to learn what ITIL is and how it functions. They will begin by understanding the service management before jumping into various strategies, designs, and operations. This course also prepares students for the ITIL Foundation certification exam.
Students can opt for a hybrid learning option with ONLC Training Centers. Students can utilize the training labs on campus while learning from a remote instructor. In the AWS (Amazon Web Services) course, students learn what AWS is and how it works. They will explore best practices and how to use them to develop databases and cloud formation. They will learn about storage options, sample codes and libraries, and security measures.
IT has various paths one can take for a successful career. You can check out live online training if these in-person courses don't fit your schedule or interest. Noble Desktop has several live online IT training options to choose from. Those interested in the security side of it can enroll in the Cybersecurity Bootcamp. In this three-month boot camp, students are for security systems and computer communication. Students will learn operating systems and how to create security scripts with Python. They will also look at cloud formation with AWS.
Chicago Industries That Use IT
Information technology plays a pivotal role across numerous industries in the bustling metropolis of Chicago, renowned for its lively culture and flourishing business scene. Several of Chicago's prime industries rely on IT, including:
- Finance: Chicago is an exciting hub for innovation and employment growth, especially in the FinTech sector, one of the city's fastest-growing tech verticals. The finance industry relies heavily on IT to transform its operations, from electronic banking and algorithmic trading to data analysis and cybersecurity. Thanks to advanced IT systems, financial institutions can offer lightning-fast trades, online banking services, risk management through data analysis, and advanced cybersecurity measures for sensitive information. Chicago boasts the most diverse economy among U.S. metros, making it an ideal location for those looking to advance their careers in the finance industry.
- Innovation/technology: Chicago is the fifth largest city for tech startups and has the fourth largest output of STEM talent, making it the place to be for tech.The world of technology is a vast space that enables us to develop innovative software, hardware and applications and operate data centers and cloud computing infrastructures that support modern digital services.
- Manufacturing: Chicago has one of the largest manufacturing industries in the United States.The utilization of technology has proven to be essential in streamlining production processes, elevating quality control, and enhancing supply chain management. The integration of automation and robotics, which are powered by technology, has transformed assembly lines, resulting in heightened efficiency and precision.
- Life Sciences: With more medical lab space in Chicago, more focus is being put on pharmaceutical and medicine development. The healthcare sector has embraced the potential of information technology to push the boundaries of research, improve patient experiences, and promote innovation. With the aid of IT, extensive biological data can now be stored and analyzed, hastening genomics research and the development of personalized medicine. Electronic health records (EHRs) and telemedicine systems have revolutionized patient care, making remote consultations more accessible and convenient.
IT Jobs & Salaries in Chicago
After looking through the various industries one can enter into with IT skills, you may wonder what career path you should pursue. Depending on the training you pursue, you can look into various paths. If you want to learn all aspects of information technology, you can pursue careers like IT technician, Application Engineer, Cloud System Engineer, and Data Quality Manager. These positions earn between $65,000 and $125,000 annually.
You may also pursue roles like Cybersecurity Specialists if you want to focus on learning the security aspect of IT. These professionals earn an average of $110,000 annually. Although, they do need certification before they can be employed.
You may also pursue other traditional tech positions like Web Developer, Software Engineer, UX (User Experience) Designer, Data Scientist, and QA (Quality Assurance) Tester. These positions earn between $85,000 and $120,000 annually. They may also require you to learn other skills beyond IT to qualify for the positions.
Currently, the cost of living in Chicago is 19% higher than the national average, at $48,000 annually. Choosing to enter into any one of these positions within Chicago can be a highly lucrative move.
