Working at ITT Tech Indianapolis, your next career step!

📚 Overview of ITT Technical Institute Indianapolis

ITT Technical Institute Indianapolis, often called ITT Tech Indianapolis, was a branch of the for-profit ITT Technical Institute chain. Established to provide career-oriented associate degrees, it operated from the 1990s until its sudden closure in September 2016. Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, the campus served students seeking practical training in technical fields. Despite its focus on vocational education, the institute played a role in workforce development for industries like information technology, electronics, and design.

The institution emphasized hands-on learning through labs and projects, preparing graduates for entry-level technical positions. Programs included Electronics Engineering Technology, Computer Networking Systems, and Drafting and Design Technology. With enrollment peaking at around 1,000 students across ITT campuses, the Indianapolis site contributed to local talent pipelines. However, federal investigations into misleading job placement claims and high debt levels led to its downfall, affecting thousands of students and staff nationwide.

Today, while no jobs exist at this location, understanding its history offers insights into technical education careers. Professionals interested in similar roles can find opportunities at community colleges or vocational schools via community college jobs.

History and Closure of ITT Tech Indianapolis

ITT Technical Institute began in 1936 as part of International Telephone and Telegraph, evolving into a dedicated technical college chain by the 1980s. The Indianapolis campus opened to meet demand for skilled technicians in the Midwest. It offered associate degrees typically completed in 24 months, with tuition around $50,000 per program at closure.

By 2016, mounting complaints about low graduation rates (under 25%) and poor job outcomes prompted the U.S. Department of Education to ban federal student aid. Without this funding, representing 96% of revenue, all 138 campuses shut abruptly on September 6, 2016. Staff lost jobs overnight, and students scrambled for credit transfers. This event highlighted risks in for-profit education, influencing stricter regulations.

For those impacted, resources like the higher ed career advice section provide guidance on transitioning careers.

Career Opportunities Previously Offered

Before closure, ITT Tech Indianapolis employed instructors, lab technicians, admissions staff, and administrators. Instructor roles dominated, teaching specialized courses with a practical bent. Salaries for instructors ranged from $45,000 to $65,000 annually, based on experience.

Job types mirrored vocational needs:

• Instructors in technical programs
• Career services specialists helping with job placement
• Administrative positions in student services
• Lab coordinators maintaining equipment

For details on various university job types, including faculty and admin roles, explore our guide. Similar positions persist in modern technical institutes.

Definitions

To understand jobs at ITT Tech, key terms include:

• Associate Degree: A two-year undergraduate qualification focusing on practical skills, equivalent to the first half of a bachelor's but career-ready.
• Vocational Education: Training geared toward specific trades or professions, emphasizing skills over theory.
• For-Profit College: Privately owned institutions operating for financial gain, often with flexible programs but scrutinized for outcomes.
• Accreditation: Official recognition by bodies like the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), ensuring quality standards.
• Industry Certification: Credentials like Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), validating practical competencies.

Required Academic Qualifications

For instructor positions at ITT Tech Indianapolis, a minimum associate degree in the relevant field was required, with a bachelor's preferred. Fields like computer drafting needed expertise in AutoCAD. PhD in relevant field was uncommon, as roles prioritized industry pros over academics. Administrative jobs required bachelor's in business or education.

Examples:

• Electronics instructor: AAS in Electronics Engineering Technology + 3 years experience
• IT instructor: Bachelor's in Computer Science preferred

Check higher ed faculty jobs for current parallels requiring advanced degrees.

Research Focus or Expertise Needed

ITT Tech emphasized applied expertise over pure research. Instructors needed proficiency in tools like network simulators or circuit design software. No formal research output was expected; focus was curriculum development and lab demos. Expertise in emerging tech like cybersecurity basics was valued for IT programs.

Preferred Experience

Employers sought 3-5 years industry experience, such as working as a network admin or drafter. Publications were rare, but grants for lab upgrades or industry partnerships boosted resumes. Teaching demos during interviews highlighted prior student mentoring.

Skills and Competencies

Essential skills included:

• Technical proficiency in program-specific software/hardware
• Strong communication for explaining complex concepts simply
• Student engagement to boost retention
• Adaptability to fast-changing tech fields
• Administrative tasks like grading and compliance reporting

Soft skills like teamwork aided campus collaboration.

💡 Application Process and Tips

Applications involved online submissions via ITT's portal, resumes highlighting experience, and interviews with teaching demos. Tips:

1. Customize resume with quantifiable achievements, e.g., 'Trained 50+ students in Cisco networking'.
2. Prepare portfolio of projects or certifications.
3. Research program curricula to align expertise.
4. Network via industry events; use free cover letter template.
5. Follow up post-interview.

For current roles, post resumes on post a job inverse for recruiters.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

ITT Tech had basic equal opportunity policies, recruiting from diverse backgrounds for technical roles. Women in STEM programs aimed to increase female enrollment to 30%. Post-closure reviews noted limited formal DEI metrics. Today, successors like community colleges advance DEI through scholarships and affinity groups. Explore higher ed career advice for inclusive hiring trends.

Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

Campus life featured modern labs, career fairs, and student clubs. Staff enjoyed flexible schedules but high pressure from enrollment goals. Work-life balance varied; instructors taught evenings/weekends for working students. Benefits included health insurance and tuition discounts. Indianapolis location offered urban access with moderate cost of living. Modern equivalents prioritize wellness with remote options in remote higher ed jobs.

Current Alternatives and Next Steps

With ITT Tech closed, seek roles at accredited technical schools or university jobs. Platforms like AcademicJobs.com list higher ed jobs, including lecturer jobs and professor jobs. Review higher ed career advice for resumes and interviews. For admin paths, see administration jobs. Connect via about us for support.

Transitioning from ITT experience? Leverage practical skills in growing fields like renewable energy tech.