Herzing Blog

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.

Updated December 2023

You’ve landed on this page because you’re interested in a career in healthcare. You’re drawn to roles where you can really help people and make a meaningful difference in their lives, but you don’t want to spend years at university earning a degree. 

Community support worker (CSW) and health care aide (HCA) are two excellent alternatives. Both are front-line roles with positive impact. Both are in demand. And you can train for either career in 12 months or less. 

Which path should you choose? Which role suits you best? 

In this post, we’ll walk you through the main differences between community support workers and health care aides. You will learn how training, job responsibilities, skills, and career options vary between these two roles. By the end, you’ll know which path is right for you and exactly how to get started. 

Updated December 2023

If you’re considering a career as an administrative assistant, you’re probably wondering what life’s really like on the job. Is the role right for you? What should you know up front before you invest in training?

Unfortunately, the information out there is sometimes unclear. What exactly does an administrative assistant do?

Basically, admin assistants help businesses run smoothly by providing clerical support, answering client requests, scheduling appointments, and organizing projects.

If that still sounds vague to you, it’s because many specifics of the job depend on the type of organization you choose to work for.

What does it all boil down to? Being a key member of the office support team. No business or organization could function without highly organized, skilled administrative staff.

Let’s look at some pros and cons of this position. By the end of this post, you’ll have a much better idea of what to expect.

Did you know that graphic designers can build successful careers designing hockey equipment like pads and helmets?

No? You're not alone. Neither did Vince Arnone or his parents. In fact, Vince never even considered studying graphic design.

He started out in a sporting goods business program, on track to become a sales rep, when he realized he wanted something different.

For years, Vince had been playing around with hockey pad designs, even selling a few ideas as a freelancer. But he never believed it could turn into a lucrative full-time career.

Instead, he focused on side projects and taught himself some basic Adobe design skills. It wasn't until he tried landing a real graphic design job that Vince realized he needed more training.

He enrolled in the Graphic Design program at Herzing College, learned the software, honed his craft, and kept right on making those hockey pad designs.

Two short years later, Vince has been recruited as a Content Creator for TSN, and NHL stars across North America are wearing his custom designs.

Turns out becoming a hockey equipment designer isn't such a crazy idea after all.

Like so many people, Den DeBlois tried out a few different career paths before settling on graphic design. He worked in security, toured with a band, and dabbled in design software for years, before officially earning his diploma.

But once Den enrolled in Herzing's graphic design program, his career came into focus very quickly.

He was offered not one, but two graphic design jobs, just one month after graduation. Two years later, he's the Senior Graphics Coordinator at a global company with offices in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Updated January 2024

Do you look forward to your doctor and dentist appointments? Probably not. In fact, if you’re like most people, you find the whole process pretty stressful.  Let’s face it—the clinic isn’t really our favourite place to be.   

But a skilled and friendly medical office assistant (MOA) can make a huge difference when you're feeling anxious. MOAs are the first person we interact with at our appointments, and they can set the tone for the whole visit.  

They do a lot of important work both up front and behind the scenes to ensure the clinic runs smoothly and feels less stressful.

Your daily routine will vary a bit, depending on where you work (type of clinic, hospital, etc.). But there are certain procedures you will perform on a regular basis no matter where you work. 

Here's a look at a typical day for a medical office assistant.