High-paying IT jobs are booming in Chicago and the demand for well-qualified IT professionals is outpacing the supply. Just ask MicroTrain Technologies and Chicago TechWorks, who provide the IT training and job placement service necessary to help exceptional professionals achieve exceptional employment.
With the right qualifications, anything is possible. Recently several MicroTrain students have gone on to particularly impressive new careers with average salaries exceeding $90,000. While their success wasn’t unexpected, it underlines the advantage that obtaining the right qualifications can offer your career search.
According to analysis performed by the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, IT jobs comprise the largest percentage of job openings on internet job boards. With PMP Certifications listed as the desirable or highly desirable for the large majority of project manager jobs, it’s no wonder training providers like MicroTrain and Chicago TechWorks—Cook County’s IT Sector Center—have seen such amazing success.
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Robin had been working in academia as a consultant for over two years when funding for her program was reduced and she was laid off. She did what anyone would do; she searched job boards and applied for jobs but wasn’t getting very much interest from employers. Robin had spent years as a business analyst and had managed several projects. She had some impressive skills but no certifications.
At a job fair, Ralph Logan from MicroTrain invited Robin to attend a WIA seminar. Robin learned that she might qualify for help and training. Robin registered for services at Prairie State College and kept searching for jobs and attending all of her required workshops.
In April, Robin got the call that changed her life. She had been accepted into the MicroTrain fast-track program. Robin took Six Sigma, ITIL, PMP and MS Project all in one month. “It was grueling, stressful at times, but also rewarding,” Robin said.
A month later, Chicago TechWorks referred Robin’s resume to SilverPoint Technology Staffing as a part of their job placement assistance services. She aced the interview and she was hired on June 24th as a Senior Business Analyst where she is now managing multiple projects.
“MicroTrain opened my eyes to the importance of certifications. It’s the perfect place for adult learners; they have instructors who actually work in the field, they give you practice tests and all the resources you need to land the job,” Robin said. “Taking training to enhance your skills also shows initiative to employers and I was able to use all the terminology and speak intelligently during my interviews.”
When asked how her training is helping her at her new job, Robin said, “If I hadn’t had MicroTrain’s training, I don’t think I could have aligned with the structure of this organization as quickly as I have. My team is learning Six Sigma and taking the PMP exam together now, so I am studying with them and I use MS Project every day. I’m really grateful for my experience there.”