Education and Training

Get Q-Ready

Interested in entering the quantum workforce? Join Q-Ready's network to access exclusive employer spotlights, trainings, workshops, events, and more. 

Q-Ready is a free professional development program designed to help undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdocs in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana who want to explore the quantum job landscape and build real connections in the field. 

Quantum technology is generating jobs across computing, communications, sensing, and security, and employers are hiring from a wider range of backgrounds than many students might expect.

By signing up, you join a growing community of emerging quantum talent and gain access to workshops, panels, and career development opportunities offered through the Chicago Quantum Exchange. Q-Ready programming is shaped and hosted in part with our CQE corporate partners.

Join Our Network

Undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdocs in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana are eligible to sign up for Q-Ready using a university email address.


Trainee Sign Up


Learn more at our kickoff event on April 15

We will provide a high-level overview of the Q-Ready program, what to expect throughout the series, and how you can make the most of the professional development and networking opportunities available. The online event will take place 4:00 – 4:30 pm CT.


Register for Kickoff

Quantum Career Resources

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Introductory

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Intermediate

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Experienced

Explore Quantum Career Pathways

Discover how your interests fit the field

The quantum tech field is growing fast and needs people in scientific research, engineering, and operations as systems move from labs toward real-world use — including quantum sensing, communications, computing, and networking. Experts see quantum devices beginning to leave the lab and support early practical applications, which means opportunities to develop hardware, software, and new materials, and to engage in interdisciplinary work with industry and government to scale the sector. 

New advances — like molecular qubits that can communicate with telecom systems and expanding cryogenic infrastructure to cool quantum devices — are creating jobs not just for physicists and researchers, but also for engineers, technicians, and developers who build, maintain, and integrate these technologies into existing systems and networks. 

Learn more:

Quantum technology is creating new security roles because it can help defend systems against threats like GPS jamming/spoofing, cyberattacks, and eavesdropping on communications — areas where traditional tech can fail. For example, quantum-based navigation tools will protect aircraft and vehicles safe from GOS disruptions, and quantum networks promise ultra-secure communication links that are much harder to hack or intercept than today’s systems. 

If you’re into security, you could work on quantum-secure communications, quantum key distribution, post-quantum cryptography, or network defense to protect data and infrastructure from future threats posed by quantum computing.  Demand is rising as governments, tech companies, and the telecom industry build, test, and deploy quantum-resilient security solutions and help industries transition to quantum-safe practices. 

Learn more:

There’s a growing need for quantum-fluent lawyers as companies and innovators navigate intellectual property, export and foreign investment controls, procurement obligations, immigration, trade policy, and emerging regulations to obtain market advantage and advance US leadership and national security. Law professionals can help draft and interpret patents, navigate complex federal rules, advise on trade and foreign investment compliance, and shape policy for this new industry. 

For someone interested in law, this means opportunities in technology law, regulatory policy, IP strategy, compliance, government and legislative roles, and work advising startups or established firms on legal risks and frameworks as quantum moves toward commercial use. Lawyers and other legal professionals will be crucial for balancing innovation with national security, shaping the rules of the quantum economy, and helping businesses and policymakers understand and apply those rules. 

Learn more:

Quantum tech is opening new roles in medicine and biology by enabling tools that can probe and manipulate biological systems at ultra-small scales and explore ideas like biological qubits. Quantum biosensing could down the line let doctors and researchers detect disease markers, physiological signals, or molecular changes with far greater precision than current methods. 

If you’re into medicine or biology, the quantum ecosystem is increasingly intersecting with these two disciplines. As quantum sensors improve and move toward commercial deployment, researchers anticipate transformative impacts in biology field. Scientists are creating biological qubits; they have designed protein qubits that can be produced by cells naturally, opening possibilities for precision measurements of tissues, single cells, or even individual molecules. 

Learn more:

Quantum education opportunities span K-12 and higher education. In K-12 environments, you can introduce students to quantum science through classroom kits, teacher training, and outreach programs that spark early interest in STEM and prepare students for future tech careers. In higher education, opportunities include developing curricula, teaching, conducting research education programs, and helping train the next generation of quantum scientists, engineers, and technical workers as the industry grows. Across both levels, there’s strong demand for science communicators and educators who can translate complex quantum concepts into practical learning experiences. 

Learn more:

Quantum business and startup opportunities are growing as the quantum economy begins to take shape. Companies and accelerators like Duality Accelerator are helping entrepreneurs launch and grow quantum tech ventures, and global ecosystems are investing in commercialization, partnerships, and talent development to bridge science and market adoption. Government, industry, and training programs emphasize the need for business leaders and startups to explore use cases, build strategic partnerships, and shape go-to-market models for quantum products and services. 

For business-minded people, opportunities include founding or joining quantum startups, entrepreneurial roles in commercialization, strategy/consulting for quantum adoption, and ecosystem building (investor, accelerator, policy, corporate partnerships) as industries from healthcare to logistics leverage quantum computing, sensing, and secure communications for competitive advantage. The field also needs business talent to translate research breakthroughs into viable markets and to develop business models, go-to-market strategies, and cross-industry applications. 

Learn more:

Faces of Quantum

Meet individuals doing cutting-edge research in quantum information science and engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q-Ready is a free professional development program designed to help Undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdocs in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana who want to explore the quantum job landscape and build real connections in the field.

Undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdocs in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana are eligible to sign up for Q-Ready using a university email address.

You gain exclusive access to employer spotlights, panels and career chats, technical skill-building workshops, professional development opportunities, info sessions, online groups sharing real-time updates on events, and newsletters sharing upcoming events, new content, and resources.

Yes. Q-Ready and its programming are completely free to join.

Q-Ready is mostly virtual, making it accessible to participants across institutions and locations. The annual Quantum Recruiting Forum is hosted in-person in Chicago, IL.

Q-Ready programming includes:  

  • Employer spotlights  
    Sessions where companies and organizations share an inside look at their work and career opportunities. Employer representives will introduce their organization, explain the types of roles they hire for, and discuss what they look for in candidates interested in quantum and related fields. 
     
  • Technical workshops  
    Learning sessions that introduce participants to technical concepts, tools, and skills used in the quantum field. These workshops may cover topics such as quantum computing fundamentals, programming tools, hardware concepts, or data analysis relevant to quantum technologies. 
     
  • Industry panels 
    Moderated discussions featuring professionals from across the quantum ecosystem, including industry, startups, national labs, and government. Panelists share their career paths, discuss their work and experiences in the field, and answer participant questions about working in quantum-related careers. 
     
  • Professional development workshops 
    Interactive sessions designed to help participants build essential workplace skills. These workshops focus on topics such as communication, networking, teamwork, leadership, and navigating professional environments. Participants will gain practical strategies to succeed in internships, research roles, and full-time positions. 

No. All events are optional. You can attend the sessions that align with your interests and schedule. 

There is no required time commitment. You choose how many events you attend based on your availability and goals. 

No. Students from a range of disciplines are welcome, including STEM, business, policy, communications, and more. Q-Ready is designed to help you learn about and navigate the quantum ecosystem.

Curious about how different disciplines intersect with quantum? Read our 'Explore Quantum Career Pathways' section above. 

Participation in Q-Ready does not guarantee employment. However, the program is designed to strengthen your professional readiness, expand your network, and increase your exposure to opportunities in the quantum space. 

After registering, you will receive confirmation emails. Zoom links and event details will be sent to your registered email in advance of each session. 

Q-Ready Virtual Expression and Disruptive Conduct Policy 

Q-Ready respects the freedoms and rights of every individual participating in its programs. At the same time, all participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with civil, respectful, and professional engagement in a virtual environment.  

Purpose and Commitment to Expression 

The primary function of Q-Ready is to support professional development, career exploration, and informed engagement within the quantum ecosystem. To fulfill this function, a free interchange of ideas is necessary. Q-Ready values freedom of expression and encourages thoughtful dialogue, including the expression of differing views. 

Such freedom carries a responsibility to uphold that same freedom for others, even in disagreement or opposition. 

Scope of Expression in a Virtual Setting 

Participants may ask questions, respectfully challenge ideas, and engage in civil discussion during workshops, panels, networking sessions, recruiting events, and other virtual programming.  

However, the right to express disagreement does not include the right to engage in conduct that disrupts virtual programming, interferes with speakers, overwhelms digital tools, or prevents others from participating. 

Disruptive Conduct 

Disruptive conduct is behavior by any participant that substantially obstructs, impairs, or interferes with: 

  • The facilitation, teaching, or administration of a Q-Ready virtual event; 
  • The authorized use of virtual platforms, including Zoom or other digital tools used for programming; or 
  • The ability of other participants, speakers, employers, or staff to engage fully in the program. 

 Disruptive conduct includes, but is not limited to: 

  • Interrupting speakers or facilitators in a manner that prevents the event from proceeding 
  • Posting repeated, inflammatory, harassing, or inappropriate messages in chat or Q&A 
  • Using screen share, audio, video, or other features without authorization 
  • Engaging in hostile, threatening, or intimidating behavior 
  • Attempting to derail programming through coordinated disruption 
  • Refusing to comply with reasonable directions from Q-Ready staff 

Immediate Removal and Future Exclusion 

Participants who engage in disruptive conduct will be removed immediately from the virtual event and exclusion from all future Q-Ready programming, including workshops, panels, networking events, and recruiting-related opportunities. Q-Ready reserves the right to determine appropriate restrictions based on the nature and severity of the conduct. 

Non-Discrimination 

Q-Ready is committed to maintaining a virtual environment free from discrimination and harassment. Discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct based on protected characteristics—including but not limited to race, color, national origin, shared ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, or age—will not be tolerated. 

Authority to Moderate 

Q-Ready staff and designated moderators have the authority to manage virtual platforms, mute participants, remove individuals from sessions, disable chat or screen sharing when necessary, and take other reasonable steps to ensure the professional functioning of the program. Participants are expected to comply with these directions.