Updated December 2022

Looking to break into the field of computer networking? Wise choice. The industry is growing fast and offers a broad range of job possibilities.

Networking professionals work in schools, hospitals, government agencies, IT services firms, banks, businesses, and more. Any organization big enough to use a computer network needs experts to mange, optimize, and protect it.

The Government of Canada Job Bank predicts good employment growth for network technicians in nearly every area of the country. So it's a good time to begin your career.

But how can you get into the field if you're a total beginner? What kind of training and skills do you need to get hired if you've never worked in computer networking before?

This post will guide you through the process. Follow these steps to land a computer networking job even if you have no prior IT experience.

David Thibodeau on graduation day at Herzing College Ottawa (Computer Networking Technology Program)

You really never know where life will take you. Most people switch jobs several times before settling into the right position. Others head back to school later in life to learn a completely new set of skills—and end up in a career they never imagined.

David Thibodeau is a perfect case in point. He started a career in computer technology 10 years ago, gave it up to work in construction—and then found himself back at Herzing last year, studying tech all over again!