IT, or Information Technology, refers to the use of computer networks, systems, and software to store, manage, and process data. IT involves activities such as programming, database management, cybersecurity, system analysis, and technical support. Learning IT can benefit individuals looking to pursue a career in technology or who want to improve their skills in managing computer systems and networks.
IT classes in Chicago help individuals learn the necessary skills to succeed in the tech industry. These classes cover topics such as programming languages, web development, network security, and cloud computing. Attending IT classes in Chicago also provides opportunities to network with local professionals and to gain hands-on experience with the latest technology.
Learning IT can lead to several career opportunities in industries such as healthcare, finance, education, and government. These positions are often in high demand and can earn competitive salaries. Because IT evolves as new technologies and tools emerge, continuous learning opportunities allow IT professionals to grow their careers, sharpen their skills, stay ahead of the competition, and incorporate best practices.
Industries That Use IT
Information technology has become an essential component of almost every industry in today's world. IT is used in major industries such as healthcare, finance, education, transportation, manufacturing, retail, and entertainment. In the healthcare industry, IT professionals store and manage patient data, facilitate communication between healthcare providers, and enhance diagnostic and treatment capabilities. The finance industry relies heavily on IT to process transactions, manage customer data, and analyze market trends. In the education industry, IT improves the learning experience through online platforms, educational software, and virtual reality. The transportation industry uses IT to manage logistics, optimize routes, and improve safety. IT professionals in manufacturing industries use their skills to automate production processes, monitor supply chains, and improve efficiency. Businesses in the retail industry use IT to manage inventory, improve customer service, and offer personalized shopping experiences. Lastly, the entertainment industry uses IT to create and distribute content, enhancing the overall viewing experience for consumers.
IT Jobs & Salaries
IT offers a wide range of exciting opportunities and generally attractive salaries. How much you earn varies depending on several factors including how many years of experience you have, the area where you live and work, the industry in which you work, and the seniority of the position. The average salary for IT professionals in the United States is around $100,000 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, it’s important to note that this is the average of all salaries across this sector, including positions ranging from entry-level to C-suite. Many factors go into determining salary, including the cost of living in the area where the company is based. Higher cost-of-living areas tend to command higher salaries while lower cost-of-living areas offer lower salaries. Therefore, to determine the actual worth of your salary, you will want to consider how far each dollar stretches depending on where you live and work.
For example, compare the cost of living in San Francisco to Chicago. The San Francisco Bay Area is known as a tech hub which often pays high salaries. The salary range for IT Specialists in San Francisco is $67,000 to $85,000 per year according to Salary.com. Salaries may be higher in San Francisco than other cities in the U.S., but so, too is the cost of living, which is 79% higher than the national average, according to Payscale.com. Compare that to the cost of living in Chicago, which is just 20% higher than the national average. Despite a much lower cost of living in Chicago compared to San Francisco, Chicago IT Specialists actually command a higher pay range than their San Francisco counterparts. The average salary range for an IT Specialist in Chicago is $73,000 to $93,000, according to Salary.com.
Are There Prerequisites to Learning IT?
The prerequisites for learning IT can vary depending on the specific area within IT that you are interested in. Before diving into more advanced IT topics, you should have a basic familiarity with computer operating systems, file management, and common software applications.
For those interested in IT networking, a basic understanding of how computer networks function is beneficial. This includes knowledge of IP addresses, protocols, and network architecture. When pursuing a career in software development, having a grasp of basic programming concepts will help you understand the learning material. This might include understanding variables, loops, and conditional statements. For individuals aiming to work with databases, a foundation in data management concepts and some knowledge of database query languages can be useful. Familiarity with tools like SQL may also be necessary. Those interested in web development should have a basic understanding of HTML and CSS, which are often considered prerequisites for learning more advanced languages like JavaScript. Those interested in a career in cybersecurity may benefit from having a fundamental understanding of computer security concepts, including encryption, authentication, and common security threats. Individuals looking to become System Administrators should have a good understanding of operating systems, server management, and system configurations.
Regardless of the specific IT field, strong problem-solving skills are crucial. IT professionals often need to troubleshoot issues and find effective solutions.
The exact prerequisite skills required largely depend on the type of IT class or program you intend to take. If you have existing IT knowledge and skills, you may be able to enroll in a more advanced class to build upon your existing skills. If you are new to IT, beginner-friendly IT classes in Chicago provide a solid foundation. You can also explore IT certificate programs that guide students from learning the basics of IT to grasping advanced techniques and tools, resulting in the skills and experience needed to pursue a career in IT.
Is It Difficult to Learn IT?
Learning IT can pose challenges, but it can also result in a rewarding career. One of the unique challenges of learning IT is the constantly evolving nature of technology. This can make it difficult to keep up with new advancements and trends. Additionally, the technical jargon and complex concepts may overwhelm someone new to the field. However, with patience and persistence, anyone can develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in IT. The key is to start with the basics and build a strong foundation, then gradually work your way up to more advanced topics. Having a knowledgeable and accessible mentor or instructor also goes a long way to helping you master IT skills by giving you an expert who can answer your questions, provide feedback, and help you prepare for the job market.
What Will You Learn in an IT Course?
In an IT course, you will learn a variety of subjects related to information technology. These may include programming languages, software development, databases, networking, cybersecurity, and web development. You may also learn about emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. Depending on your course and specialization, you may be required to complete projects, assignments, and practical sessions to apply your knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios.
Chicago Industries That Use IT
Chicago is a thriving city with a diverse range of industries that rely heavily on technology and information technology. Some of the major tech industries in the area include software development, telecommunications, ecommerce, and financial services.
The software development industry in Chicago includes many companies specializing in developing software for various industries such as healthcare, logistics, and education. There are also several tech startups that have emerged in recent years, each with its focus area such as FinTech, ecommerce, and mobile app development.
Telecommunications is another major industry in Chicago, with companies such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile located in the city. These companies provide a wide range of services, including wireless and broadband communications, cloud services, and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions.
Ecommerce is also a growing industry in Chicago, with companies such as Groupon, Grubhub, and Raise.com headquartered in the city. These companies specialize in online marketplaces, food ordering and delivery, and gift card sales, respectively.
Finally, Chicago has a robust financial services industry, which increasingly relies on technology to stay competitive. Many banking and financial institutions are headquartered in the city, including JPMorgan Chase, Northern Trust, and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). These companies rely on IT to manage their vast amounts of data, improve customer experience, and develop new financial products and services.
IT Jobs & Salaries in Chicago
Chicago is a bustling city with a growing tech industry, making it a great place for IT professionals to build their careers. There are a variety of IT-related jobs available in the area, ranging from entry-level positions to senior-level roles. Some of the most popular job titles in Chicago’s IT industry include Software Engineer, Network Administrator, Cybersecurity Analyst, and Data Scientist.
Software Engineers in Chicago often use IT skills to solve problems and deliver results. Back-end development skills help Software Engineers ensure that web apps and websites remain secure. Skills with SQL help to protect databases and keep information secure. Other valuable IT skills for Software Engineers include cloud computing, version control, testing and debugging, and mobile development. The exact skills a Software Engineer uses day to day will depend on their role and specialty. Software Engineers in Chicago earn an average base salary of $115,000, according to Indeed. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there are around 40,000 Software Developers employed in the Chicago area, and projects that demand for jobs like this will grow by 25% between 2022 and 2032.
According to the BLS, the Chicago area is home to more than 8,000 Network Administrators. The BLS projects a modest 2% growth in this and similar occupations in the coming years; however, becoming a Network Administrator can prove a lucrative career for those interested in configuring, installing, and managing computer infrastructure. The median income for a Network Administrator in Chicago is upwards of $70,000 per year, according to Salary.com.
Cybersecurity Analysts monitor and respond to security threats by investigating threats, analyzing security alerts, and taking swift action against risks. According to the BLS, employment for Information Security Analysts is expected to grow by 32% by 2032. Cybersecurity Analysts in Chicago earn an average salary of $93,000 annually, according to Glassdoor.
Those interested in learning IT skills may also wish to become Data Scientists. Data Scientists use IT skills to manipulate and analyze data, manage databases, implement machine learning algorithms, create data visualizations, and perform statistical analysis, among other tasks. The BLS projects a 35% job growth for Data Scientists from 2022 to 2032. Data Scientists in Chicago earn an average base salary of around $110,000, according to Indeed.
Best IT Classes & Schools in Chicago
Computer Training Source, Inc.
The Certified Info Systems Security Professional (CISSP) course from Computer Training Source, Inc. Is an in-person cybersecurity class in Chicago near North Side. CISSP stands as the forefront certification for information system security professionals. Originating from the renowned International Information System Security Certification Consortium, Inc (ISC)²®, this certification represents the pinnacle of expertise in the field. This CISSP certification course focuses on mastering the eight CISSP domains, ensuring that participants are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of information security. Lessons cover a wide range of topics, including security engineering, communications and network security, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, security operations, and software development security. By the end of the course, students will have acquired the expertise needed to navigate the challenges of information system security and successfully earn the CISSP certification.
Individuals interested in an IT career can also enroll in Computer Training Source’s AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Exam Prep course. This class covers the skills and knowledge needed to pass the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Cloud Practitioner exam. Hands-on work allows students to understand the core characteristics of AWS Cloud, including how to deploy and operate it. The class is led by an expert instructor who can guide students through these exercises and answer any questions.
Noble Desktop
Noble Desktop offers live online training available to students in Chicago and everywhere. Students can select from individual IT courses or choose to enroll in certificate programs that equip participants for a rewarding career in IT. Classes are taught live online by experienced instructors, allowing students to ask questions, receive feedback, and engage with guided learning in real-time. All of Noble Desktop’s certificate programs include a free retake of each course, free setup assistance, and one-on-one mentoring to help students succeed in their chosen career.
Those interested in pursuing an IT career through data science can enroll in Noble Desktop’s ||CPN411|| program. In this multi-course, live online program, students learn programming fundamentals, build machine learning models, create dashboards and visualizations, and prepare for the job market. The program focuses on Python programming, covering Python’s uses for data science, automation, data visualization, interactive dashboards, and machine learning. Students also complete the ||CPN834|| course where they learn to navigate and retrieve information from a database using DBeaver, write SQL queries for data retrieval, employ JOIN statements for combining data from multiple tables, apply filtering, grouping, and sorting techniques, explore advanced concepts like Subqueries, String Functions, and IF-Else logic using CASE, and understand the use of Views and Functions with parameters as alternatives to direct table querying.
The Full-Stack Web Development Certificate program offers hands-on training for individuals looking to master digital application and webpage development. Covering both the front-end and back-end of web development, participants learn programming languages like HTML and CSS, JavaScript, and the MERN tech stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js). This immersive program focuses on creating interactive webpages and integrating databases, APIs, server environments, and interactivity into web applications. With a project-oriented approach, students code websites from scratch, culminating in a portfolio of functional web applications. The program is strategically designed to provide a comprehensive programming education, preparing graduates for careers in web development, software engineering, and computer science.
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago ||CPN385|| is a comprehensive ten-month program designed to equip individuals with the skills, knowledge, and career support necessary to enter the cybersecurity field. With a focus on addressing the unprecedented demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals, the program offers guided learning, practical labs, and simulated cyberattacks led by expert instructors. Through online learning, participants gain a solid understanding of cybersecurity concepts, best practices, and technologies, with the opportunity to acquire skills applicable to industry certifications. The curriculum covers various aspects, including network and systems security, vulnerability assessment, risk mitigation, and ethical hacking, providing a well-rounded preparation for diverse roles and industries in the growing field of cybersecurity.
Corporate and On-site IT Training
Businesses can benefit from offering corporate and on-site IT training to advance employees’ skills, knowledge, and efficiency while supporting career growth within the company. Noble Desktop offers corporate and on-site IT training through live online learning catered to your group. Courses offer flexibility and customization to meet your company’s goals and needs. Businesses can also receive a discounted rate by purchasing bulk seats in a course. Teams can choose to enroll together in a course, or employees may join any of Noble’s open-enrollment IT classes. To learn more about corporate and on-site IT training options, please email corporate@nobledesktop.com.