Learn business fundamentals in Chicago through programs that combine leadership, management, and financial planning. You’ll gain the confidence to make data-informed decisions.
Gain the essential skills and knowledge to excel as a Business Analyst with this comprehensive certificate program. Master Excel, PowerPoint, SQL, and Tableau while building hands-on expertise in data analysis, data visualization, and presentation design.
Learn the skills you’ll need to succeed as a business professional with our comprehensive applied business program. This program covers essential tools and strategies for project management, finance, marketing, data analysis, and productivity with generative AI, ensuring you gain practical, hands-on experience to excel in the business world.
Learn the essential skills needed to become a Data Analyst or Business Analyst, including data analysis, data visualization, and statistical analysis. Gain practical experience through real-world projects and prepare for a successful career in the field of data analytics.
Learn the digital marketing tools and strategies needed to succeed online, including SEO, social media marketing, paid search, and analytics tracking. Gain essential skills to promote a business and increase ROI in today’s competitive markets from top digital marketing experts.
Become proficient in Microsoft Excel and go from beginner to pro with our hands-on Excel Bootcamp. Learn functions, formulas, Pivot Tables, macros, and time-saving techniques to conquer all the key skills needed to excel in Excel.
Learn how to harness the power of artificial intelligence to transform your workflow with hands-on training in ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. This course will teach you how to generate content, streamline tasks, and integrate AI into business communication, writing, analysis, and productivity tools.
Boost your social media marketing skills and stay on top of trends with our certificate program. Learn to create effective strategies on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter) to grow your online following and stand out in the marketplace.
Master Excel, review corporate finance, and build a valuation model on a public company. Gain basic and intermediate Excel skills and learn how to read financial statements, build valuations, and predict market trends.
Join our accelerated bootcamp to start your journey towards becoming a successful project manager. Learn the five phases of project management, project management tools, and strategies, as well as gain an understanding of different project methodologies such as Waterfall, Critical Path, and Agile.
“Business” is a term used to describe an enterprising entity or organization that engages in either professional, industrial, or commercial activities. The practice of conducting business has transformed over the centuries, from small roadside markets that relied on the bartering system to international corporations and billion-dollar industries. Today, business is a general term for producing and selling or exchanging services or goods. Businesses take many forms; they can be nonprofit organizations or for-profit entities. Nearly all sectors rely on business practices in some way, regardless of whether they’re small local shops or international organizations. On the global market, business practices are integral in spurring economic growth, fueling innovation, and cementing political alliances. Business activities can occur in various formats, including online, physical stores, or roadside.
Most businesses begin with a vision and a name. The Business Founder then performs extensive market research to find out how viable it is to transform their idea into a business and what the current market need is for their service or product. In general, a business will need to have a business plan before they can commence operations. This is a formal document outlining the organization’s objectives and goals, as well as the plan that will be executed to bring these objectives into reality. A Business Plan is also a requirement for those who need to borrow capital before they can begin operating.
Businesses take many structures. Each has a specific legal and tax structure that dictates its organization. Most businesses are classified as Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships, Corporations, or Limited Liability Companies.
Since businesses operate in all industries and locations, studying business is an excellent way to prepare yourself for a range of career options. The opportunity to be your own boss and succeed as an Entrepreneur is an enticing incentive for many individuals, but it requires a range of hard and soft skills, including innovation, creativity, and execution. Another core component of business study is learning to manage projects of all types. Business training is an excellent way to learn how to solve real-world problems by using an analytical, cost-effective approach, which has applications across industries and professions.
In addition to the professional doors studying business can open, this form of training can also help develop soft skills. Business training relies on clear communication in various forms. Business Professionals must be able to draft compelling reports, present engaging pitches, and write clear emails. During business studies, students also generally work closely with other students from various backgrounds to complete projects. In these situations, students not only have the chance to experience different business perspectives but also handle differing viewpoints. This requires cultivating skills like active listening, teamwork, and conflict resolution. Another asset of studying business is that it prepares individuals to better understand their audience’s unique needs so they can find creative ways to appeal to them.
Business knowledge also has personal applications. It is a useful skill set that can help you make more informed decisions about how and when to purchase a car or house or inform you of when the safest time to borrow money or invest in stocks or real estate is. Those with business training are aware of the different variables they should consider when borrowing or investing, as well as how factors like world events affect the market. This can translate into significant savings or profit.
Enrolling in a business class is an excellent way to learn the tools, techniques, and skills needed to become a successful Entrepreneur. While no two business classes are the same, most programs teach students a range of essential skills they’ll need to succeed professionally.
The following sections will briefly explore several soft and hard skills you’re likely to encounter during business study, including Global Perspective, Collaboration and Negotiation, Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving, Technical Skills, and Leadership and Management.
Business classes prepare students to put their training to use in the real-world. Because business practices take place on a global stage, these courses teach students the skills necessary to understand others’ experiences and emotions, even when they differ from their own. Acquiring a Global Perspective is an excellent way for Business Students to become collaborative thinkers and solve problems with unique approaches. Understanding the global context of companies and individuals is a transferable skill that has applications in a range of career paths. It can also lead to more effective team management practices and drive innovation.
Succeeding in business requires knowledge of how to collaborate and negotiate with all types of people in different settings. Interpersonal communication is essential to being an effective Business Professional and navigating challenging situations. Those who enroll in business coursework usually have the chance to complete hands-on projects and collaborative activities in which they must work with others and feel comfortable negotiating various viewpoints. Coursework often includes practical activities designed to reinforce these skills. Students may take part in group projects, role-playing exercises, class discussions, networking sessions, and peer-reviewed learning—each providing new opportunities to engage with other business-minded individuals and discover alternative approaches to problem-solving.
During business training, most students learn how to think strategically and solve problems in dynamic ways. The art of crafting business strategies requires that students have a robust understanding of concepts like valuation, pricing structures, and market trends. Students must be experienced in analyzing data, communicating their findings, and applying this knowledge within a global context to execute effective business strategies. Coursework also teaches integrative problem-solving techniques so students can consider the perspectives of different stakeholders when making decisions.
Most business programs teach students a range of Technical Skills that are essential for becoming effective leaders. This type of training prepares participants to create and interpret financial statements. Students learn how to evaluate an organization’s financial health using various formulas and ratios. They also become familiar with concepts like supply chain management and how to develop marketing strategies using market research and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Technical training in business programs also includes learning how to collect, process, and analyze business-related data to support an organization’s decision-making process. Students graduate from these programs with a sound understanding of how macroeconomic trends can be used to evaluate international business opportunities and threats.
One of the core challenges of studying business is becoming proficient in the technologies and tools specific to each business or specialty. Since all organizations have different needs, these tools vary. Those working in finance may need to be proficient in using QuickBooks or other accounting software. Some organizations use platforms like Microsoft Teams to communicate across departments. In other professional environments, Business Professionals may be required to work with Tableau or Excel to perform data analysis and visualization.
Arguably one of the most important skills students learn in business training is how to be an effective leader or manager. This skill set requires technical knowledge relevant to the specific business, as well as a range of soft skills. Strong leaders must possess more than clear communication and technical know-how; they also must have well-developed emotional intelligence so they can understand the strengths and challenges each member of their team possesses and how best to inspire them to succeed. Emotional intelligence is also essential for helping Business Professionals understand and manage their own emotions and connect more effectively with others. Leaders take the initiative to empower their employees to build on their strengths and perform to their full potential. Additionally, those in leadership roles must be flexible and resilient as they encounter challenges along the way.
Learning business strategies and best practices is a long process that varies from one person to another. Like any skill, the challenges associated with studying business are subjective and depend on various factors, including prior professional experience, personality traits, technological knowledge, and interdisciplinary skills. Aspiring Business Professionals will likely need to be familiar with Microsoft 365 applications like Teams, Excel, PowerPoint, Office, and Word. They may also work with programming languages such as R, Java, Python, or SQL, depending on the nature of the business. Because business is a broad field that overlaps with many disciplines, those studying it may also need to develop skills in adjacent fields like digital marketing or finance.
Those who study business should keep in mind that most successful Business Professionals draw from a range of skills, which take time, experience, and real-world practice to acquire. The more work experience and interpersonal situations they encounter, the more they will evolve and grow professionally. Some Business Professionals are new to the field and learning new technologies and skills every day. Others are more seasoned and may have been in business for years or decades. Training is available at all levels to ensure that anyone interested in learning better business practices can receive hands-on instruction that will help them become more effective leaders.
Even though the challenges of learning business are unique to each individual, there are several topics and skills that many learners find difficult to acquire. One such skill is becoming familiar with the range of economic and financial concepts necessary to perform well in business. In today’s globalized market, it can be difficult to stay up-to-date with changing regulations and policies. Additionally, those interested in working in business will need to understand many types of financial documents and skills such as how to analyze financial data, interpret and create financial statements, adhere to budgetary constraints, and determine appropriate financial ratios. These can be especially challenging to master independently.
Some students also find it difficult to acquire leadership training. This skill set requires the ability to maintain an authoritative tone while remaining level-headed in collaborative settings. Aspiring Business Professionals may also struggle to make strategic decisions under pressure or manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Clear communication is another common challenge. Successful Business Professionals must become persuasive and effective communicators in situations such as negotiations, stakeholder meetings, sales calls, and public speaking engagements.
Many learners choose to study business in interactive classroom environments like bootcamps or workshops, where they can receive guidance and individualized feedback. This learning format also provides valuable experience collaborating on business ventures. Since the world of business is constantly evolving, it’s important for any Business Professional to stay informed about current developments and trends.
The time it takes to learn business largely depends on the individual and factors such as motivation, education path, learning format, and prior business knowledge. Most students can expect to spend several months to a year acquiring foundational business skills. Generally speaking, basic business concepts can be learned in just a few weeks or months through bootcamps or certificate programs, while advanced training typically takes longer.
Those who pursue university studies will likely spend four or more years completing a degree. Post-graduate training options such as MBA programs, require additional years of study. It’s common for learners to take several years of formal education before feeling fully equipped to enter the professional business world. Moreover, because business practices and tools constantly evolve, most professionals view business education as a lifelong pursuit—one in which they build on their knowledge and field experience while staying up-to-date with changing industry standards. In today’s dynamic business environment, ongoing education is essential for long-term success.
The decision to study business in-person or online is an important consideration for all learners. The following sections provide a brief overview of how in-person and online business training differ to help you select the best option for your goals and lifestyle.
Chicago residents who want to study business can enroll in in-person business classes in Chicago. These courses are available from several top education providers in the city and offer a supportive, engaging environment for students at all stages of their business journey.
Students receive hands-on training from instructors with real-world business experience. Coursework varies in length and focus depending on the selected program. Chicago learners can choose classes that focus on broad business skills like Leadership and Management or pursue more specialized training in tools such as Microsoft Office, Excel, Data Analytics, or Project Management.
In-person business coursework is interactive and project-based, allowing students to explore business concepts deeply and ask questions in real time. Because collaboration is vital in the business world, in-person classes offer valuable opportunities to work with peers on real-world projects. Training facilities hosting in-person classes are equipped with the most up-to-date business tools, software, and programming languages. Although this format requires commuting and proximity to the training site, in-person study provides an immersive and effective path for learning core and advanced business skills in a community-focused environment.
Live online business courses are an excellent alternative to in-person training. This option offers many of the same benefits, including real-time access to expert instructors, support from classmates, and hands-on, project-based learning. Rather than commuting to and from a training facility and spending money on gas and parking, students can complete coursework remotely through teleconferencing platforms like Zoom. This format allows students to ask questions and receive immediate feedback as they explore business concepts.
One potential drawback of live online study is that students must provide their own computer and ensure all necessary business tools, software, and programming languages are installed and functional. Participants also need access to a quiet, distraction-free workspace and a strong internet connection to stay focused and make the most of their training experience.
Another form of online business training is on-demand coursework. This type of class takes place asynchronously and consists of content like videos and tutorials that were pre-recorded and posted online by educational providers such as Udemy and Coursera. Students who opt for on-demand training have the flexibility to choose their learning pace, location, and schedule. This convenient structure allows those with busy schedules or full-time jobs to fit business training into their routines. While this flexibility is a major benefit for many learners, it can also be a challenge for some individuals who may struggle with self-motivation in the absence of formal deadlines. Those interested in studying through on-demand classes should be self-driven enough to practice the business skills they learn and complete coursework even without formal deadlines or assignments with fixed due dates.
Because no instructor is available for on-demand classes, students are responsible for finding answers to their questions independently. This may be difficult for those new to business concepts or tools such as data analytics, Excel, and project management. Additionally, since the business world relies heavily on collaboration and teamwork, some learners may find it challenging to develop this skill set in isolation. On-demand business content can be a helpful starting point in a longer learning journey. However, most learners will eventually benefit from live training to become effective Business Professionals.
In addition to in-person, live online, and on-demand business training, some learners also explore free online content. Many types of online materials are available, including YouTube videos on business analytics or Tableau, blogs, tutorials, and free courses. Since no financial investment is required, these resources provide a low-stakes way to explore the basics of business.
Noble Desktop offers a range of articles on its Learn Hub devoted to various business tools and concepts. Each article takes only a few minutes to read and offers valuable insights into industries and professions that require business knowledge, resources for studying business, and effective learning methods. Noble also provides a free online Excel class for those interested in learning how spreadsheets are used in business. This hour-long seminar teaches core Excel skills such as autofill, charts, data validation, and absolute cell reference.
Although free online resources are great for supplementing business study, they typically aren’t sufficient on their own for those aiming for leadership or management roles. YouTube videos and tutorials are better suited for answering specific questions or offering introductory overviews. Most aspiring professionals will benefit from a more hands-on, collaborative approach—like that provided by live coursework—to truly master business skills.
Once you’ve decided to pursue business training, you may wonder what other skills to study alongside it. Because business practices vary depending on industry and employer, the skill set needed to succeed in business also varies. However, most learners will benefit from familiarity with the Microsoft 365 suite. Business Professionals regularly use applications such as Teams for meetings, Word for document creation, PowerPoint for presentations, and Excel to organize business-related information in spreadsheets.
Some Business Professionals may also benefit from studying programming languages. While coding is not always required in business, knowledge of languages such as JavaScript, R, Python, and SQL can support business tasks. Coding can be used to analyze data, automate repetitive tasks, create prototypes, design websites, and implement cybersecurity measures. Additionally, knowledge of economics and marketing is essential, as all businesses depend on customer engagement and revenue. Many professionals study these subjects alongside business because they improve data analysis, decision-making, and customer experience. Digital marketing training helps Business Professionals build a brand using email and social media. Understanding how the market works also allows professionals to anticipate inflation trends and allocate resources more effectively.
Business practices extend into every industry. The skills needed to succeed in business are largely transferable and are required to work in a range of fields, including healthcare, finance, and retail. The following sections take a closer look at how professionals in these sectors apply their business skills.
Chicago is home to 95 hospitals and six accredited academic medical centers. The city has a large concentration of healthcare professionals available to fill job openings at these institutions. Currently, more than 8,200 individuals are employed in hospital-based roles, 2,260 work as General Practitioners, and 17,900 serve as Specialty Physicians. Business skills are an asset to those who work in healthcare because they assist with essential tasks such as improving patient care, handling daily operations, allocating resources, and managing finances. The skill set needed to succeed as a Healthcare Manager closely resembles that of Business Professionals; these individuals must be strategic decision-makers, negotiate with insurance providers, implement policies, and evaluate multiple factors when developing new protocols. Additionally, healthcare organizations often rely on Data Professionals to analyze and visualize patient-related data.
Chicago currently enjoys one of the country’s most diverse economies. The city also ranks third in the U.S. in employment for insurance and finance jobs. The Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, two of the largest futures exchanges in the world, are located in the city. Currently, 270 banks and 240 credit unions operate in Chicago, along with 4,060 of their branches. Those who work in finance—whether in banking, investing, insurance, or financial planning—use a combination of financial analysis and business skills to assess how economic trends impact operations. This is essential for succeeding in an ever-changing market. Business knowledge also helps Financial Professionals communicate clearly with clients and investors, work with platforms like ecommerce and online banking services, and reshape how individuals and organizations manage their money.
Retail is another major Chicago industry in which business knowledge is essential. Nearly 100,000 businesses are licensed in the city, including bars, restaurants, taxis, industrial plants, and retail stores. Those who work in retail sell products and services while regularly interacting with customers. Business practices play a significant role in retail operations; they help Retailers stay ahead of market trends, effectively market products, understand consumer behavior, and increase profit margins. Studying business is an excellent way for those in retail to learn budgeting, forecasting, negotiation, and communication strategies. Some individuals in the retail sector work as Managers or Sales Associates, responsible for tracking transactions, ensuring a positive customer experience, strategically placing products to boost sales, and overseeing behind-the-scenes operations like inventory management. To perform these duties effectively, Retailers must possess strong attention to detail, well-developed interpersonal skills, and the ability to resolve conflicts efficiently.
Business training is an excellent way to prepare for a profitable and fulfilling career in Chicago. Business skills are essential in professions such as Business Analysis, Project Management, and Marketing Analysis. The following sections briefly examine several job titles, required skills, and average salaries for professionals in these fields in Chicago.
Chicago is an excellent location to pursue a career in Business Analysis. As the third-largest U.S. city, Chicago offers a range of professional prospects for aspiring Business Analysts. These professionals are hired to process, interpret, and document various services, products, software, and processes for their organization, often relying on data analysis to do so. Business Analysts in Chicago also ensure that business operations are running as efficiently as possible. They draw from knowledge of business concepts such as budgeting, forecasting, pricing, reporting, and stakeholder communication. Ultimately, they aim to help their organization become more profitable by improving efficiency at all stages of the business process. Chicago-based Business Analysts can expect to earn approximately $96,000–$102,000 per year.
Project Managers in Chicago are hired to plan, procure, and execute all stages of a project. These individuals may work on one large project or be tasked with managing multiple projects simultaneously. Business skills are essential for Project Managers, as they help professionals stay organized, manage budgets, meet deadlines, and communicate with internal and external stakeholders. Business skills such as conflict resolution and problem-solving are also essential for becoming an effective Project Manager. The average salary for Project Managers in Chicago is $94,000–$104,000 annually.
Chicago currently ranks fourth in the U.S. for employing marketing professionals and is the third highest-paying city in the country for this field. The city has long been a hub for marketing, advertising, and creative agencies. Approximately 24,000 marketing jobs are currently available to professionals in Chicago. Chicago-based Marketing Analysts help their companies determine which products or services to offer, which customers to target, and what pricing strategies to adopt. To reach these conclusions, they study competitor activities, consumer behavior, and current market conditions, then report their findings to leadership. The average annual salary for Marketing Analysts in Chicago is $70,000–$80,000.
If you’re interested in learning business, many excellent course offerings are available from top providers in Chicago. You can search for business classes in Chicago to find the best match for your goals. Because business is a broad field that requires a variety of skill sets, business classes take many forms—some focus on Data Analytics or Data Science, while others provide training in Microsoft Office, Digital Marketing, Leadership, or other essential skills for business success.
Noble Desktop offers a Data Analytics Certificate program for those pursuing careers in Business Analytics or Data Analytics. Enrollees receive hands-on training in Python for data cleaning and manipulation, relational databases, basic data analysis, and data visualization using Tableau. Noble also offers an “MBA” Business Certificate that covers essential business concepts, including data analysis, financial processes, project management, marketing strategies, and generative AI. Instruction also covers Corporate Finance, Financial Accounting, Business Law, and how Microsoft Excel can be used to analyze business data. Students can choose electives in specialized areas like Financial Modeling or Python for Data Science. Both programs include eight 1-on-1 mentoring sessions and a free course retake within one year. Noble Desktop offers these classes live online and in-person at its New York City campus.
General Assembly offers training in Data Analytics, Data Science, and Digital Marketing. Its Data Analytics Immersive is a beginner-level program that teaches students how to work with industry-standard tools like Tableau, Excel, SQL, Power BI, and Python. The Digital Marketing Course prepares students to apply modern marketing strategies to real-world scenarios. This program covers how to grow multichannel campaigns using customer insights and data. General Assembly also offers a Data Science Course that provides students with opportunities to use Python and statistics to create predictive models and solve machine-learning challenges. These courses are available in-person in Chicago or live online.
Chicago residents who want to learn how Digital Marketing is applied in business can receive hands-on training in Boot Camp Digital’s Digital Marketing Workshop. Over several days, students receive a comprehensive overview of the field of Digital Marketing. The course begins with foundational marketing instruction and progresses into SEO and web optimization. By completion, participants are familiar with digital advertising, email marketing, social media, and other marketing platforms. This class is offered in-person in Chicago and live online.
The University of Illinois Chicago’s Online Data Analytics Bootcamp (Full- or Part-Time) is a fully online program in which students explore the core aspects of data analysis. This intensive course teaches essential concepts such as SQL, Excel, and Python and is designed to provide a strong foundation for aspiring Insight Analysts or Data Analysts.
Computer Training Source also offers a Data Analytics program. This course covers key tools and techniques used in data analysis. Participants learn data mining principles, data modeling and visualization, and statistical analysis using Excel. The class is taught in-person in Chicago.
Learners at all levels can enroll in the American Management Association’s Taking on Greater Responsibility, a Professional Development course that prepares students to manage increasing responsibilities in the workplace. This course focuses on how to maximize performance, delegate tasks, and navigate the challenges of greater accountability. Those interested in building data skills can also take the American Management Association’s Using Data to Drive Strategy. This program teaches students how to identify KPIs, develop analytics strategies, and create compelling data visualizations to communicate insights. It is ideal for professionals such as Data Analysts and Managers who wish to make more informed business decisions. These programs are available in-person in Chicago.
If your employees would benefit from learning more about business concepts and practices, Noble Desktop can help. Noble offers corporate and onsite business training in a wide range of skills, including Project Management, Microsoft Office, Data Analytics, and Digital Marketing. Training is available onsite at your Chicago office or live online using teleconferencing platforms. Because business is a broad field requiring knowledge of many tools and techniques, employees can customize their training to focus on the skills most relevant to their roles—including Microsoft Excel, Tableau, Word, Power BI, Google Analytics, or Social Media Marketing.
Noble’s flexible course options include evening and weekend classes to accommodate busy schedules. Employees can enroll in Noble’s existing courses or receive customized instruction. Employers enrolling multiple team members can also purchase training vouchers for Noble’s group classes at a discounted rate. These sessions are regularly scheduled on a wide range of business topics and allow employees to choose training times that best fit their schedules.
To learn more about the corporate training options available through Noble, contact Noble today to schedule a complimentary consultation.