Few would argue that in today’s world, the IT field is one of the most popular and in-demand sectors. Every day, the number of tech professionals grows, as does the interest in entering the “world of information technology.” Learn more on houston-future.
Many people hesitate to study IT, believing it to be too challenging, expensive, and time-consuming. But how difficult is it to acquire an IT profession in Houston? Is competition there intense? Are there free ways to learn?
Free Options
As the saying goes, “Seek, and you shall find.” This applies to every aspect of life, including educational opportunities. With nearly any online profession, you can get a taste and gain basic knowledge without major investments or enrolling in courses. While self-study may not allow you to fully master the profession, it will provide enough foundation to find a job or join formal training to deepen your expertise.
In Houston, there are free options to help you explore the field and secure a good position. For instance, Girl Develop It is committed to helping more women enter IT, offering free programming resources. This doesn’t mean they only assist women; men are welcome to join the free lessons too. Girl Develop It also offers paid programs with more advanced material for those with existing skills. They hold weekly gatherings over coffee, where they conduct introductory, free sessions and provide information on HTML and CSS learning platforms.
If you’re interested in becoming a data specialist (a branch within IT), check out Houston Data Science. This community regularly hosts events featuring a variety of IT professionals. Each event has a specific theme, such as understanding the role of data science, discussing career paths, and more. This community is valuable for all experience levels in the data field.
Flatiron Meetup frequently holds meetings in Houston. Here, you’ll not only get an introduction to programming but also receive tips on finding a tech job, as well as unique advice and mentorship. Additionally, they offer a paid course in software engineering.
Paid Courses
Not everyone has the desire or time to search for materials to study independently. Some people prefer to dive right into structured training, covering only the essentials without unnecessary distractions, as often found on free platforms. For this, paid courses are available.
As in the rest of the United States, IT is incredibly popular in Houston, so there’s a wide variety of training courses catering to different needs: in-person classes in Houston, online courses with live calls and assignments, and paid learning platforms with video lessons but no live interaction. You can easily join a course from a company in another city, not necessarily Houston, thanks to online learning options.
If you’re looking for courses specifically in Houston, Flatiron School is worth considering. This school has locations in multiple U.S. cities and offers training in software, cybersecurity, design, and data science. A major benefit is that you can choose to take courses either online or in person.
DigitalCrafts provides instruction in web development, design, and coding. The company also hosts training sessions in other cities, such as Seattle and Atlanta. Classes are available in online or in-person formats based on your preference.
Ledet Training operates in many major U.S. cities. Courses cover graphics, mobile device management, Photoshop, spreadsheets, and more. Photoshop is particularly popular due to its short duration—just a few days—and immediately equips you with skills to start working.
Course fees may vary, so it’s best to check the official websites of the companies listed above for current rates.