We’re excited to announce that Springboard has partnered with Northern Illinois University, a nationally recognized public research university, to deliver four experiential, self-paced online bootcamps through the University’s Continuing and Professional Education program.
The partnership will allow students to build high-demand technical skills while earning a professional certificate in the following areas:
These courses blend technical skills development, project-based learning, 1:1 mentorship, and career support to help students advance in their current profession or launch a new career in a high-demand field.
Why has Springboard partnered with NIU?
With the higher ed landscape continuously evolving to meet the pressing need for competency-based learning and digital upskilling, Springboard’s university partnership model is designed to make our programs more accessible and help professionals prepare for the future workforce.
The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2030, 9 in 10 jobs will require digital skills. A recent report by Citrix found that 82% of employees and 62% of HR directors believe workers will need to reskill or upskill at least once a year to maintain a competitive advantage in a global job market.
As an online-first education provider, Springboard offers a robust virtual learning experience and high-engagement support resources that students need. These support resources include an industry mentor currently working in the field—Springboard’s mentors represent experts from both Fortune 500 companies and high-growth startups—as well as professional career coaches and student success advisors, all of whom are dedicated to motivating students and keeping them accountable to their ultimate goal of advancing their career.
What can students expect from the Springboard cybersecurity bootcamp?
Demand for cybersecurity professionals remains strong, despite recent setbacks in tech. Worldwide, there are about 3.5 million cybersecurity jobs, according to Cybersecurity Ventures. In the U.S. alone, that number is over 750,000.
The cybersecurity bootcamp allows students to learn industry fundamentals, systems and network security, vulnerability assessment, and security operations. The course will conclude with a capstone project enabling students to showcase specialized skills to potential employers. Students can complete the course in six months or less by dedicating 15-20 hours per week.
What can students expect from the Springboard data analytics bootcamp?
Data analytics job openings are projected to grow 23% from 2021-2031, much faster than the average 5% growth for most professions. The average base salary for a data analyst is $84,580, according to BuiltIn.
The data analytics bootcamp focuses on the largest skills gaps identified by employers: strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication. Students will learn the following:
- Fundamental business statistics concepts.
- Analytics and visualization tools (Excel, SQL, Python, Power BI, and Tableau).
- Advanced analysis techniques.
Students can complete the course in six months or less by dedicating 10-15 hours per week.
What can students expect from the Springboard software engineering bootcamp?
Ranked the #1 job in 2023 by U.S. News 100 Best Jobs Rankings, software engineering remains an in-demand profession, with projected 25% growth over the next 10 years.
The software engineering bootcamp imparts key aspects of front-end and back-end web development, databases, data structures, and algorithms. Students will work through coding projects, and practical exercises similar to the work software engineers do daily. Each module includes optional career-related coursework.
Students can complete the course in nine months by dedicating 20-25 hours per week.
What can students expect from the Springboard UI/UX design bootcamp?
UX designers remain in high demand as companies seek to develop human-centered AI solutions. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects Web Developer and Digital Designer roles (including UX roles) will grow by 23% from 2021-2031.
The UX/UI design bootcamp covers all stages of the user interface and user experience design process–from design thinking to ideating, sketching, and more. Students will execute design deliverables and build a portfolio through a 40-hour industry design project while interning with a real company.
Students can complete the course in nine months or less by dedicating 10 hours weekly.
What happens after students complete the bootcamps?
Upon completion, graduates will be issued a professional certificate from the University of Northern Illinois and Springboard. They will have gained real-world experience via a personally matched industry mentor and will have had the experience of participating in a set of portfolio-ready work projects.
These certificate programs are designed as self-paced and part-time offerings, ready to take students from technical beginners to job-ready professionals in a few months.
Who can apply and where?
Everyone is welcome to apply now. Click here to learn more about the new courses and how to apply.
