The Chicago Quantum Exchange today launched Q-Ready, a free professional development program designed to help students and trainees explore careers in quantum information science and technology and build connections with employers in the field.
The program is open to undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdocs in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Q-Ready aims to prepare future quantum workers from a wide range of academic backgrounds — especially those in engineering and STEM disciplines — reflecting the breadth of roles the quantum industry is beginning to fill.
Analysts project as many as 191,000 quantum-related jobs at all levels will exist in the Illinois-Wisconsin-Indiana region alone by 2035, according to a 2024 analysis by Boston Consulting Group for CQE. These jobs span quantum computing, communications, and sensing, as well as related roles in manufacturing, business, consulting, law, and more.
“Quantum needs people in a much wider range of roles than most students and postdocs realize—and not just in research,” said Emily Easton, CQE director of education and workforce development. “At the same time, it’s not always obvious how to make the jump into the industry or where you fit. Q-Ready is about making that visible: showing the paths, hearing from the people in those jobs, connecting directly with companies, and helping people understand how to step into these roles.”
Participants who sign up for Q-Ready gain access to employer spotlights, industry panels, technical skill-building workshops, online networks with other participants, and professional development sessions — all shaped and hosted in partnership with CQE's corporate partners.