Herzing Blog

Just what is computer networking? It’s the practice of connecting devices to share information. And it’s one of the hottest fields around.

Companies have long relied on computer networking experts to design, build, secure, maintain, and support the digital information systems that link employees and customers. But with the enormous shift to remote and hybrid work, the demand for networking professionals has really taken off.

As in any field, computer networking jobs have various levels. To succeed and move up, you need to demonstrate good problem-solving, communication, prioritizing, and teamwork skills. You also need to keep up with rapidly changing technology, such as advances in cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI).

So where could you start out as a total beginner, and what opportunities are there to advance your career?

Keep reading to explore seven different computer networking jobs, from entry-level roles to the most senior positions.

Zouhir Kherroubi had years of experience with information technology firms in his native Algeria. But he quickly discovered that he needed further training to get where he wanted to go in the Canadian labour market.

The hands-on computer networking technology program at Herzing matched his ambitions perfectly. He graduated in November 2022 and is now a Senior Analyst at a global IT consulting company.

We connected with Zouhir this week to get his thoughts on the training and how it shaped his career path. Read on for his story.

With increasing access to resources that can help you learn computer networking skills on your own, is there any reason to enrol in a more traditional program? What advantages does learning from an instructor offer over going the self-taught route?

Instructor-led training offers a more personalized, interactive learning experience. Course leaders can tailor the content and teaching approach to their audience’s needs, and students can get real-time feedback from an experienced IT pro and build connections that can help them establish and advance their careers.

In this post, we explore the advantages of instructor-led computer networking training and offer some tips on choosing the right course.

Updated December 2024

You might not guess this from looking at job postings, but network administration and systems administration are separate specialties within IT.

It gets confusing because the two functions are closely related and are often combined, especially in smaller organizations. The job title alone isn’t enough to go on; you need to read the description carefully to understand exactly what’s involved.

So what is the difference between a network and systems administrator?

The short answer is that a network administrator manages the actual network, while a systems administrator maintains the systems on the network (servers, desktop/laptop computers, and applications).

The two roles do share some similarities, however.

In this post, we explain how network administrators and systems administrators compare in terms of job tasks, skills, salaries, and training paths.

Here’s what you need to know.

Updated December 2023

It’s an excellent time to launch a career in computer networking. The Government of Canada Job Bank estimates that network techs and administrators will see moderate to strong demand in most areas of the country over the next few years.

Hoping to take advantage of that trend? One of the best ways to catch an employer’s attention is by earning relevant certifications.

One report found that 69 per cent of hiring managers were more inclined to hire candidates with certifications--and 90 per cent were willing to cover the costs for their employees to get certified.

So which certifications are most requested by employers right now? We analyzed dozens of network administrator job postings to get the answer.

Based on our findings, these are the top networking certifications that can help you begin and advance your career.

Updated December 2024

What exactly is computer networking? The term itself is broad because it is used to describe a number of devices and systems in various configurations and sizes.

The industry also includes many different career paths. 

Organizations of all kinds rely on computer networks, from schools and hospitals to businesses and government agencies.

In this post, we’ll explore typical jobs in this field, pros and cons of a career in computer networking, and the latest job outlook and salary information for networking professionals in Canada.

By the end, you’ll know what computer networking is all about and whether it’s a good career choice for you.

When Kris Wattie was finishing high school, he didn’t really know what he wanted to do with his life.

He did know that he enjoyed gaming. He got very involved in the gaming community, and a game server owner gave him a chance to start learning about the administration aspect.

That inspired him to pursue a career in network administration. But first he needed some quality training.

Kris looked around for a course that reflected his learning style. He wanted a program that would let him explore one topic fully before moving on to the next.

He found it in the computer networking technology program at Herzing College.

Kris successfully completed the program—and landed a job as an IT administrator at Novotech!

We caught up with him recently to get his take on the course, the staff, and his experiences during training. Here’s his story.

Updated December 2024

Network security is all about safeguarding computer networks against breaches and threats. The idea is to keep unauthorized users from wreaking havoc on a business’s networks and the devices linked to them.

That’s a critically important function in today’s world. A secure network is fundamental to the operation of most modern organizations, including banks, insurance companies, retailers, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and government agencies.

But before you can decide whether to pursue a career in network security, you need some more details about the field.

In this post, we explain what network security encompasses, how it’s in demand, what salaries are like, and how beginners can get started. Here’s what you need to know.

The field of computer networking has evolved tremendously over the past 20 years, from the dawn of the internet to the increasingly complex information systems we use today.

Sergio Gonzalez has been working in the field since those early days, graduating from his first technical engineering program in 1998.

Since then, he's earned degrees in information technology and education, and accumulated over 20 years of experience in networking and IT security roles.

Sergio's passion for teaching brought him to Herzing College, where he's recently become an instructor for the Computer Networking Technology program.

This week, we chatted with Sergio to learn more about his fascinating background and get an inside look at the program.

Meet the instructor, learn about networking careers, and find out what to expect in class.

Updated July 2023

Thinking about starting a career in the fast-growing field of computer networking? Your first step is to understand what a network technician's job is all about.

Network technicians have one of the most important roles in IT. They install, optimize, maintain, and protect the computer networks that all kinds of businesses use for daily operations. Ultimately, the technician's job is to keep the network running smoothly, efficiently, and securely.

But what does that involve? If you take on this role, what exactly will you be doing each day?

Network technician responsibilities vary a bit from company to company. But no matter where you work, there are five main tasks you'll be expected to perform.

Let's go through them one by one. Find out if becoming a network technician is right for you and what to expect at work.