Herzing Blog

Image: Volunteering and hands-on training are core components of a quality CSW course

Updated February 2024

Planning to become a community support worker (CSW)? You're on track to a rewarding career with many different job options.

Community services is a challenging, diverse, and quickly growing field. CSWs work in front-line roles, supporting vulnerable populations and helping people lead healthier more independent lives.

So how do you get started?

Your first step is find a quality community support worker course. There are quite a few colleges across Canada that offer this program. How do you know which one to choose?

While you should certainly take the time to do your own research, there are a few key factors that every good community support worker course should offer.

In this post, we outline all the features you should look for when researching CSW training options.

After reading, you will be much better prepared to find a great program to launch your career.

Photo: Megan Winters, 2D animation graduate, Herzing College Ottawa

Wondering what it's like to take an 2D animation course? Have questions about breaking into the animation industry?

Megan Winters is the perfect person to talk to.

She got into 2D animation a bit later in life, after putting several years into an office job. She tried out some different animation schools but struggled to find the right fit.

She even landed a few animation gigs, but needed more advanced software skills to really get her career off the ground.

Fast-forward a few years and Megan's just about finished the 2D animation course at Herzing. The best part? She has already been hired by a major Ottawa animation studio.

We interviewed Megan to get her opinion of the 2D program, and learn more about her career plans after graduation.

Find out what to expect in class and if this training might be right for you.

Updated September, 2021.

Think you might want a career in architectural design, but have no real idea what training involves—or what it means to study "sustainable" architecture?

You're not so different from Robbie Hart. Robbie was a carpenter for 15 years before heading back to school to study sustainable architecture at Herzing College.

When he first started, he knew very little about eco-friendly design and had no drafting experience. Robbie understood the building process, but he'd never created technical drawings or used CAD software.

Now, just six months after graduation, he has built a successful freelance career as an architectural technician. Robbie is currently working for several companies, including McGee & Associates Inc. in Beaconsfield, Quebec. 

We interviewed Robbie to find out what he thought of Herzing's sustainable architecture program. We also wanted to know how he landed his first clients and how his career is progressing.

Read on for the highlights.

Updated December 2022

If you're naturally interested in architecture, the building process, and creative design, you may be considering a career as a draftsperson for an architecture or design firm.

What exactly does an architectural draftsperson do? Where do they work and what kind of training do you need to get started in this field?

There's the university pathway, which could include an undergraduate degree in architecture or interior design. Or there's the college diploma route, which prepares students to serve as architectural technicians who assist architects, engineers, and designers on building projects.

In this post, we'll break down the typical responsibilities of an architectural draftsperson.

We'll also outline possible career paths after college -- and a few other things to know if you're considering training in this field.

Updated December 2023

A career in workplace health and safety can be incredibly rewarding. This field focuses on preventing accidents and injuries on job sites, which is valuable and meaningful work.

Plus, the health and safety industry is growing fast and offers a wide variety of job opportunities.

But like any career, working in health and safety comes with challenges and downsides. What should you know in advance before you start down this path?

In this post, we break down the most common pros and cons of a career in workplace health and safety. We'll give you a clearer understanding of what this role is about, so you can decide if it's right for you.

Let's get started.

Updated December 2023

Organizations in every industry rely on computer networks. Businesses, hospitals, schools, and government agencies (just to name a few) use networking technology to share information and resources every single day.

Computer networks are systems connected by cables (wired) or wi-fi (wireless). Networks are built using hardware and software and in different configurations depending on the needs of the users.

This includes both LANs (local area networks) and WANs (wide area networks). 

When an organization uses a computer network, they also require someone to maintain, protect, update, and troubleshoot it. That’s where network administrators come in. 

In this post, we’ll explore the main skills and responsibilities of a network administrator. Find out exactly what a network administrator does and the skills you'll need to get hired.

Photo: Gleason Uppahuak in Winnipeg, Manitoba

Gleason Uppahuak started his career at age 13 as a stock boy.

Even then, he understood the value of learning and hard work. He moved slowly up the ranks from the stock room to the customer service team, and finally to the accounting department.

At that point, he reached the limit of skills he could learn on-the-job. Gleason needed professional training in accounting and payroll software, regulations, reports, and financial management.

Going back to school was a natural progression for him. "Education is the key to professional and personal success," says Gleason. "Plus, I always loved math classes at school."

But even Gleason couldn't predict just how far accounting training and a talent for numbers would take him. 

Since graduating from Herzing in 2019, he's managed an entire social housing project and become President of Kivalliq Development Corporation.

From stock boy to president, Gleason is living proof of the power of education.

We interviewed him this week to learn more about his new role, and get his opinion of Herzing's Accounting and Payroll program. Here are the highlights of our conversation.

Photo: Interior design team discusses design plans for a bathroom project

Updated January 2024

So, you’re thinking of becoming an interior designer and you’re wondering what it’s really like to work in this field. 

The good news is you’re already asking the right questions. Getting a realistic idea of life at work is crucial when choosing a career path. And you need this information before you invest in training. 

Let’s face it, no job is perfect. There are always ups and down, benefits and challenges. Interior design is no exception! Knowing what to expect (the good and the bad) will help you decide if interior design is your true calling—or if you’re better off pursuing something else. 

So, let’s get down to it. These are the most common pros and cons of becoming an interior designer.  

Take a look, consider your goals, and decide if this career is right for you. 

Updated December 2023

Administrative assistants are an integral part of most companies. They assist with day-to-day operations, deal with the public, and support upper-level executives.

Without office assistants, organizations simply wouldn’t run smoothly. So it’s no surprise that office assistant jobs are in demand across Canada. We did a search for "administrative assistant" in the Government of Canada Job Bank and found more than 6,300 listings.

And administrative assistant is just one of many jobs available for people trained in the right office skills.

In this post, we’ll explore four different administrative assistant careers. We’ll break down each role, responsibilities, and the average salary for each position.

At the end of the post, we'll cover training requirements to become an admin assistant and links to learn more. Let's get started.

Updated December 2023

In Canada, the term early childhood education refers to the education of children 12 years and under. The field includes children at the preschool and elementary school level.

These are the most crucial years of human development. During the first five years, children reach many physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development milestones. 

This is why early childhood educators play such an important role in our academic system and society.

ECEs are a child’s first teachers outside of the home. They help lay the foundation for a child’s well-being and success in school and in life.

So, what exactly are your career options as an early childhood educator? Where can a college certificate in this field take you? 

You have more options than you might think. Here are four different positions you will qualify for with a college certificate in early childhood education.