While Chicago may be historically known for its iconic skylines and deep-dish pizza, the Windy City is also home to a bustling tech community buzzing with innovation and opportunity. According to the CompTIA State of the Tech Workforce 2023 report, Chicago has nearly 12,000 tech business establishments that are eager to hire skilled professionals. Plus, the report also found that estimated median tech wages in Chicago are 112% higher than the national average.
If you’re considering a career in tech, the first step is to develop the in-demand skills and knowledge employers are seeking. While there are many pathways to becoming a rockstar tech professional, one of the most popular options is enrolling in a tech bootcamp. Continue reading to learn how a tech bootcamp can help you reach your tech career aspirations and discover several of the best tech bootcamps in Chicago.
What is a Tech Bootcamp?
In short, a tech bootcamp is an intensive, immersive program that arms you with the latest skills and knowledge through real-world, hands-on experience. Most tech bootcamps only last a few short weeks or months, putting you on the fast track to a rewarding career in several rapidly-growing fields, including software development, cybersecurity, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and more.
Tech Bootcamps vs. Traditional Degree Programs vs. Self-Learning
Ultimately, there’s no one–size–fits–all when it comes to tech education, and there are many ways to develop the in-demand skills to thrive in the industry. To help you decide which pathway is right for you, let’s compare several possible options.
Self-Learning: If you’re still exploring potential tech careers, self-learning can be a great way to get started. Through videos, blogs, and other free resources available online, you can gain a better understanding of the industry and begin to develop foundational knowledge that will prepare you for further education.
Traditional Degree Programs: For those who prefer a traditional learning environment, a degree program can be a great choice. Typically, degree programs focus on theoretical concepts and allow you to explore disciplines outside of tech through general education requirements.
Tech Bootcamps: Ideal for career changers, tech bootcamps empower students to launch a career in several in-demand fields quickly. With an emphasis on hands-on experiences, tech bootcamp students navigate real-world situations leveraging the latest technologies to ensure they’re job-ready.
Best Tech Bootcamps in Chicago
If you’ve decided that a tech bootcamp is the right path for you, then it’s time to evaluate your options. To help you get started on your journey, we’ve outlined the best tech bootcamps in Chicago.
1. University of Illinois Chicago Tech Bootcamps Powered by Fullstack Academy
The University of Illinois Chicago Tech Bootcamps powered by Fullstack Academy combines the university’s long standing commitment to quality education with Fullstack Academy’s foundational teaching methods to prepare students for rewarding careers in tech. Led by industry-experienced instructors, the immersive, live online tech bootcamps are designed for individuals of all skill levels and provide hands-on learning experiences in several fast-growing fields. Plus, students benefit from Fullstack Academy’s Career Success Services, which can help them tailor their resumes, prepare for interviews, and more.
Let’s explore the programs offered by the University of Illinois Chicago Tech Bootcamps.
The University of Illinois Chicago Coding Bootcamp
Duration: 16 weeks full-time, 28 weeks part-time
Built on an in-demand JavaScript curriculum, the UIC Coding Bootcamp prepares students to pursue roles like computer programmer, software engineer, and web developer. The program covers key coding concepts, including HTML and CSS, front-end framework, pair programming, test-driven development, and web interface and design. Plus, you’ll graduate with a portfolio of projects to showcase to potential employers.
University of Illinois Chicago Cybersecurity Bootcamp
Duration: 12 weeks full-time, 26 weeks part-time
The UIC Cybersecurity Bootcamp will prepare you for a rewarding career fighting cybercrime as a Cybersecurity Analyst, Systems Support Specialist, and IT Help Desk Specialist. The bootcamp is split up into seven units covering cybersecurity fundamentals, asset and inventory management, network systems, programming with Python, system administration, red team, and blue team. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to prepare for in-demand cybersecurity certifications from Amazon Web Services and CompTIA.
University of Illinois Chicago Data Analytics Bootcamp
Duration: 10 weeks full-time, 26 weeks part-time
As a student in the UIC Data Analytics Bootcamp, you’ll gain the highly sought-after skills and knowledge needed to analyze real-world data and aid organizations in decision-making. The immersive bootcamp is focused on foundational data analytics concepts and technology, like Excel, Python, SQL, and Tableau. Plus, the UIC Data Analytics Bootcamp can help you prepare for industry-recognized certifications to enhance employability.
2. Springboard
Since 2013, Springboard has helped tens of thousands of students develop the skills they need to thrive in tech. The company’s online learning model combines an innovative curriculum with expert professionals who provide a personalized learning experience for every student. Let’s explore several of the in-demand tech bootcamps offered by Springboard.
Data Analytics Bootcamps
Duration: 6 months
With a curriculum designed by experts, the Data Analytics Bootcamp will arm you with the technical and strategic thinking skills to thrive as a data analyst. Throughout the online bootcamp, you’ll gain knowledge of key concepts, technologies, and skills like visualization, Python, storytelling, economic principles, and more.
Data Science Bootcamp
Duration: 6 months
Through partnerships with industry insiders, like DataCamp, the Data Science Bootcamp will provide you with the highly sought-after skills to become a competent data scientist. The curriculum is broken down into 18 core topics that explore data wrangling, machine learning, SQL, Python, and more.
AI Career Accelerator Bootcamp
Duration: 8 weeks
With hands-on projects and professional coaching, the AI Career Accelerator Bootcamp will help you integrate AI into your daily life to improve workflows. You’ll graduate bootcamp with prompts and prompt structures, a framework for utilizing AI, and a plan to implement AI to achieve your professional goals.
Software Engineering Bootcamp
Duration: 9 months
The Software Engineering Bootcamp will help you develop the job-ready full stack skills through small projects and assessments. Over the course of 30 units, the bootcamp will explore web fundamentals, SQL, Node, React, object oriented programming, and more.
Coding Bootcamp
Duration: 10 months
Designed for beginners, Springboard’s Coding Bootcamp will allow you to develop core skills like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, object oriented programming, and other key fundamental concepts and technologies. Plus, you’ll complete several professional-grade portfolio projects to showcase your newfound skills.
UI/UX Design Bootcamp
Duration: 9 months
Through a project-based curriculum, the beginner friendly UI/UX Design Bootcamp will empower you to create engaging user experiences. The curriculum will cover industry-standard design tools, UX research, information architecture, wireframing, prototyping, and more.
UX Design Bootcamp
Duration: 6 months
Built with a hands-on curriculum, the UX Design Bootcamp will help you build your skills through each stage of the design process. Through mini projects, a design sprint, a capstone project, you’ll learn how to identify problems, conduct research, create prototypes, and perform testing.
Cybersecurity Bootcamp
Duration: 6 months
The Cybersecurity Bootcamp teaches you core cybersecurity skills to thrive in entry-level roles. You’ll explore topics like AI for threat detection, network security, threat hunting, cryptography and more while also working towards CompTIA Security+ Certification.
3. Techtorial Academy
Established in 2019, Techtorial Academy offers on-campus and online courses in SDET, Salesforce Admin & Developer, DevOps, and Cybersecurity. Through a holistic approach, Techtorial Academy empowers students with fundamental technical skills and enables them to kickstart rewarding careers in several industries.
SDET
Duration: 24 weeks
Software Development Engineer in Test, also known as SDET, involves designing, writing, and maintaining tests for software applications. Designed for individuals with no IT experience, the course will provide you with the necessary training and resources to succeed as an SDET.
Salesforce
Duration: 26 weeks
Through a variety of resources and materials, Techtorial’s Salesforce course will help you learn and gain hands-on experience with the widely used platform.
DevOps
Duration: 24 weeks
Designed for those with no prior experience in IT, the DevOps Engineering course covers continuous integration and deployment, infrastructure automation, and monitoring and observability. Plus, you’ll be introduced to tools and technologies commonly used in the industry.
Cybersecurity
Duration: 20 weeks
Techtorial Academy’s Cybersecurity course empowers students to develop the skills and knowledge to protect computer systems and networks from cyber threats. The course will prepare students for roles like security analyst, security engineer, and security manager.
Why Choose University of Illinois Chicago Tech Bootcamps?
Ultimately, which tech bootcamp you choose will depend on your career goals, schedule, and financial situation. However, the UIC Tech Bootcamps powered by Fullstack Academy offers a rigorous curriculum, hands-on learning experiences, and unwavering support that set it apart from the rest. Plus, with flexible scheduling options and multiple payment options, the UIC Tech Bootcamps help make tech education more accessible for all.
So what are you waiting for? Take the first step toward a rewarding career in tech by applying to a UIC Tech Bootcamp.
