Software Engineering & Information Technology

Software Engineering Careers: Build the Future

Ignite your vision at Illinois Tech, applying engineering principles to design, develop, and innovate software. Our rigorous technical education and Elevate experiences prepare you for this dynamic field within Chicago’s thriving tech ecosystem.

Impactful Career Paths

  • Software Engineer/Developer: Design and build applications, systems, and services across platforms.
  • Full-Stack Developer: Master both front-end and back-end web application development.
  • Mobile Application Developer: Create innovative applications for iOS, Android, and other mobile platforms.
  • DevOps Engineer: Streamline software development and IT operations for seamless deployment.
  • Cloud Solutions Architect: Design and implement robust cloud infrastructure and applications.
  • AI/Machine Learning Engineer: Develop intelligent systems and applications leveraging AI.
  • Cybersecurity Engineer: Build secure applications and fortify systems against vulnerabilities.

Explore more about Software Engineering, Data Science, and Information Technology career paths.

Essential Skills for Success

Technical Prowess: Command programming languages (Java, Python, JavaScript, C++), data structures, algorithms, software design patterns, version control (Git), database management, web frameworks, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), and testing/debugging. Illinois Tech offers a wide range of experiences for anyone to learn these skills!

Transferable Strengths: Hone problem-solving, analytical thinking, collaboration, clear communication, project management, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Illinois Tech’s computer science and software engineering curricula, combined with hands-on Elevate experiences, develop both the technical expertise and professional skills needed to excel in this rapidly evolving field.

Chicago: Your Tech Launchpad

Chicago offers exceptional opportunities for software engineers:

  • Major Tech Presence: Significant offices for Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, and Motorola.
  • Thriving Startup Ecosystem: Home to 1871, a top-ranked tech incubator.
  • Industry Diversity: Abundant opportunities in FinTech, healthcare tech, e-commerce, and logistics.
  • Dynamic Tech Hubs: Explore opportunities in The Merchandise Mart, Fulton Market, and Illinois Tech Technology Park.
  • Growing Sector: Benefit from Chicago’s expanding demand for software engineering talent.

Take Action: Launch Your Career

Connect with Career Services for essential resources:

  • Resume and Cover Letter Guides: Craft compelling application materials.
  • LinkedIn Profile Optimization: Build a strong professional online presence.
  • Technical Interview Preparation: Excel in critical interview stages.
  • Career Exploration Tools: Discover diverse pathways.
  • Build a competitive portfolio! 
  • Alumni Mentoring Program: Connect with industry leaders.

Schedule an appointment with a career advisor today to discuss your specific software engineering goals and create a personalized plan for success.

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Career Resources

Scarlet C-Suite Program

Scarlet C-Suite Program

The Scarlet C-Suite Program is a comprehensive program offered by Career Services. The purpose of the program is to elevate …

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Labor Market InsightsIn partnership withLightcast logo

Find a career that aligns with your career interests, see current salary projects, and identify skills you need to apply for that next job or internship.

There are two ways to use this tool below:

  1. By Keyword: Search for the name of the occupation you’re interested in.
  2. By Industry: Not sure what job you’d like? Search by desired industry and see available occupations.

First, choose an industry of interest, then filter for occupation. (If you'd like to see data for a specific location only, filter by state.)

Type in a keyword to select a relevant occupation. (If you'd like to see data for a specific location only, filter by state.)

 Access All Labor Market Insights Here

Illinois Tech Features Over 100 Professional Student Organizations

  Benefits of Joining

* Professional development and continuing education
* Conferences and networking events
* Design competitions and awards programs
* Certification preparation and support
* Career resources and job boards
* Mentorship opportunities
* Industry publications and research access

Union Board

Esports

American Statistical Association

Artificial Intelligence Student Association

Association for Women in Mathematics

CyberHawk Security

View All Organizations

Undergraduate Career Outcomes

Career Outcomes

Illinois Tech graduates are in high demand. See what our graduates are doing within six months of graduation

Career Services tracks career outcomes on an annual basis through a survey known as First Destination. This data refers to the post-graduation status of students within six months of graduation and provides a snapshot view of the success undergraduates obtain.

For the 2023 class, surveys were collected from 94% of graduates.

Graduates of Illinois Tech pursue a wide variety of industries and positions in leading companies and organizations, and Career Services strongly believes that engaging in internships, research, study abroad, and student organizations are practices that lead to post-graduation success. For additional information or questions, please get in touch with Illinois Tech Career Services at careerservices@iit.edu and review our collection and reporting methodology.

  • First Destination
  • Top Employers
  • Starting Salary
  • Employment Locations
  • Top Universities
  • Degree Types
  • Fields of Study

First Destination

The vast majority of our graduates obtained full-time employment or decided to continue their education through graduate studies.

Learn more about the percentages of our graduates employed full-time, part-time, in graduate school, serving in the military, or pursuing volunteer opportunities.