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.
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 to extract information from databases by writing SQL queries, joining tables, aggregating data, and filtering results. You'll learn PostgreSQL in this class, but the concepts apply equally to other databases such as SQL Server and MySQL.
Unlock the power of Python for data-driven decision-making as you master Python programming fundamentals and dive into data analysis. Acquire essential skills to clean and manipulate data, create insightful visualizations, and perform statistical analysis, all through hands-on projects with real-world datasets.
Learn how to use Tableau, a powerful data visualization tool, to create interactive and aesthetically pleasing charts, graphs, and maps. This course will teach you how to connect to datasets, analyze and structure data, customize visualizations, and publish your work.
Learn how to use Power BI, a powerful data visualization tool, to create interactive and aesthetically pleasing charts, graphs, and maps. Learn how to connect to datasets, analyze and structure data, customize visualizations, and publish reports.
Learn Python, SQL, automation, and machine learning to become a Data Scientist. Gain Python programming, data analysis, SQL querying, and predictive modeling skills. Perfect for beginners, this program prepares you for entry-level data science and Python engineering roles. Unlock high-paying job opportunities in the field of data science.
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.
Gain the skills and knowledge to become a Full Stack Developer and meet the growing demand for professionals who can develop and maintain web applications. This project-oriented course teaches you how to code websites from scratch, and you'll build a portfolio of working web applications to showcase to potential employers.
Learn front-end development with HTML & CSS, JavaScript, and React, and back-end development with Python, Django, and Node.js. Get 1-on-1 mentoring and a structured curriculum to become a skilled Software Engineer or Full Stack Developer.
Begin your journey as a professional graphic designer by learning the essential skills and tools used by industry experts. Gain hands-on experience in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, and create a stunning portfolio to showcase your talent to potential employers or clients.
Become a skilled Video Editor and Motion Graphics Designer by learning Adobe Premiere Pro, and After Effects. Develop creative techniques and concepts for editing videos, and showcase your skills by creating a professional demo reel.
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.
In Chicago, information technology plays a critical role across nearly every major industry, driving innovation and efficiency. The city’s healthcare sector, anchored by organizations like Northwestern Medicine, AbbVie, and Walgreens Boots Alliance, relies on IT professionals to manage patient records, streamline communication between providers, and implement advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies. Similarly, Chicago’s finance and trading industry, including firms like CME Group, Citadel, and Morningstar, uses IT to process transactions, manage customer data, and analyze financial markets in real time.
Chicago’s education sector also leverages IT to enhance learning experiences. Universities such as the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, along with public and private schools, use online learning platforms, educational software, and virtual tools to improve accessibility and engagement. Meanwhile, the transportation industry, including companies like United Airlines and C.H. Robinson, employs IT to optimize logistics, manage fleets, and enhance safety across complex networks.
IT is equally vital in Chicago’s manufacturing, retail, and entertainment industries. Manufacturing companies like Caterpillar and Motorola Solutions use IT to automate production, monitor supply chains, and increase operational efficiency. Retail giants, including Walgreens and Sears, rely on IT for inventory management, customer data analysis, and personalized shopping experiences. In the entertainment and media space, organizations such as WGN-TV, Tribune Publishing, and local digital content studios use IT to create, edit, and distribute content, delivering enriched experiences to audiences across multiple platforms.
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 that 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 in 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 Data Science Certificate 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 SQL Bootcamp 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.
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 onsite 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.
In the heart of the Midwest’s finance capital, there’s opportunity everywhere. From tech startups in Fulton Market to powerhouse Fortune 500 firms in the Loop, Chicago offers a virtually endless array of ways to level up your skills in tech, business, data, and design. The city thrives on bold ideas, making it the perfect place to grow a career that is not only lucrative but also makes a real impact. With expert instructors with decades of experience, you’ll learn more about the subjects you’re interested in, all while receiving hands-on training. These instructors live and breathe to explore and work within their field, meaning they don’t just teach; they mentor, guide, and connect you to the heart of Chicago’s many successful industries and direct you to the most meaningful path to help you achieve your goals.
Noble Desktop’s partner school, Practical Programming, has state-of-the-art facilities conveniently located in downtown Chicago’s iconic Hayworth Building at 29 E. Madison Street, Chicago, IL, 60602. It’s an easy-to-find location for students from across the city to attend. The campus is modern, equipped with the necessary tech and tools you may need, and provides resources like Wi-Fi, comfortable workstations, and expert instructors and staff ready to help you learn. Getting there is simple, whether you’re commuting from the Loop, River North, or surrounding areas. The school is easily accessible from the CTA trains and buses, with nearby stops for major lines like the Red, Blue, and Brown. If you’re driving, you can park nearby at various parking decks and metered spots within walking distance. The central location means you won’t have to stress about making it to class, and that your training sessions can fit into any schedule with ease.
IT skills are crucial for managing systems, networks, cybersecurity, and technical operations in Chicago’s organizations. Learning with Noble Desktop means instructors will break down complex concepts into practical lessons that prepare students to work with real technologies and environments.
Henry Gonzalez is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with over 30 years of experience in the federal government, leading engineering, program management, and acquisition initiatives in naval warfare, air traffic management, and homeland security. A retired senior executive, Henry now serves as a part-time instructor in Chicago, where he teaches project and program management, leadership, and strategic planning to professionals of all kinds. He holds the highest level of federal certification one can hold for acquisition program management and systems engineering. In addition, Henry was part of the core team that updated the Project Management Institute’s Standard for Program Management. Henry is also a certified Balanced Scorecard Professional and holds a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering from Florida Atlantic University, along with a dual Master of Science in Ocean Engineering and Ocean Systems Management from MIT.
Robert Simon is a highly accomplished financial management professional and educator with more than four decades of federal and private sector experience. As a Financial and Management Curricula Instructor at Graduate School USA since 2007, he teaches courses in financial management, federal travel regulations, and organizational leadership, both virtually and in person. Prior to his teaching career, he held senior roles at the General Services Administration, overseeing a six-state regional budget of approximately $100 million, and at the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Management Service, where he led national training initiatives on electronic banking. Robert’s background spans accounting, budgeting, and program analysis, holding certifications as a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Government Financial Manager.
Edward (Scott) Dillion is a seasoned financial expert with over three decades of experience in the Department of Defense, where he specialized in a range of financial management areas like budgeting and auditing, as well as performance-based management and cost analysis. He holds an MBA from Southern Illinois University and a B.A. in Business Administration from Grove City College. After retiring in 2014, Scott pivoted to a second career in education and consulting. He teaches project management and marketing at Graduate School USA and has also taught courses in federal budgeting. Additionally, Scott serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Management Concepts Inc., where he helps develop financial management course materials. He also has a lifetime membership with the American Society of Military Comptrollers, holds a Top Secret security clearance with the Department of Defense, and is a recognized Tier 2 instructor at Graduate School USA for his wealth of experience.