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 5 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.

Thinking about a career in programming? Before you decide if this path is right for you, take some time to understand where you can work and how much you can earn.

You've probably heard there's strong demand for programmers and a lot of different job options out there.

But exactly what kinds of programmer jobs can you get as a total beginner? And what salary will you make just starting out?

It can be tricky to get a clear picture of entry-level programming jobs. Employers have very different ideas about what skills a beginner should have, depending on the clients they serve and the projects they work on.

To make things easier, we analyzed dozens of programmer job postings on sites like Indeed, Monster, and LinkedIn. From there, we identified the 4 most common entry-level programmer careers.

In this post, we describe each role, including the average salary for candidates with little-to-no experience (based on data from sites like PayScale and Glassdoor).

Here's everything you need to know about starting a career in programming.

Photo: One of Canada's greenest buildings is the Centre for Sustainable Development in Montreal, Quebec

Like the idea of helping to create the next generation of sustainable buildings? Don't want to invest years in university, training to become a licensed architect?

A career in green building design and drafting could be a perfect fit.

Green building design focuses on creating safe, functional structures that have minimal impact on the environment. The aim is to produce buildings that satisfy human needs and respect the surrounding ecosystem.

But what does that mean in practice? What makes a building "green"?

How is a green building drafter different from a regular draftsperson? And what kind of training do you need to get into this field?

All those answers are in this post. And by the end, you'll be better prepared to decide if a career in sustainable architecture is right for you.

Let's begin.

Want to learn how to draft building plans, engineering blueprints, product models, or assembly manuals? A computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting program is your first step.

Drafting training focuses on teaching you how to use special software to create detailed technical drawings and blueprints for architects, engineers, and construction crews.

It can prepare you to play a pivotal role in the production of anything from houses and bridges to car parts and machinery.

And most drafting programs are fairly short. In less than 2 years, you will be ready to take on your first job as a draftsperson or CAD technician.

But finding a quality drafting program can be challenging. There are so many options out there, from short courses and certificates to diplomas and even degrees.

How can you tell which one is best for you? What should you be looking for?

In this post, we break down the 6 key characteristics of a solid CAD and drafting program. Find out what features are most important so you can start your career with confidence.

Making it as a programmer analyst is about so much more than learning how to code.

This occupation demands a surprisingly broad skillset that ranges from IT mastery to creativity to communications to problem-solving to diplomacy to business savvy.

If you're interested in architecture and passionate about the environment, it makes good sense to consider a sustainable architecture diploma.

Diplomas teach practical design and drafting skills, with a focus on green building principles. Where degrees go deep into the history and theory of sustainable architecture, diplomas focus on job-ready drafting skills.

A diploma is a good option for someone who wants to work in architecture, but doesn't want to invest years of training to become a licensed architect.

But programs of this kind are fairly new, so a lot of students have questions about how training works. It's important to know what skills you'll graduate with and where you can work after college.

How is sustainable architecture different from traditional architecture programs? What "extra" or different coursework is involved?

Here's everything you need to know about diplomas in sustainable design, including main areas of study and career paths after college.

Interested in becoming an interior designer? You've probably noticed that there are plenty of training programs to choose from, at both the college and university level.

So how do you know which option is best for you? What's the difference between an interior design diploma and an interior design degree?

Both types of programs cover design concepts, technical skills, and industry software. Both typically offer internship opportunities to help students get real-world experience as part of their training.

But degree programs spend a lot more time on design theory while diploma programs are built around practical design skills.

Degree programs are longer and more in-depth; diploma programs are shorter and more streamlined.

In this post, we help you understand the big difference between interior design diplomas and degrees - so you can decide which one is right for you.

Photo: Nima Tahriri, Programming instructor at Herzing College Montreal

If you're considering programming training, you might be a bit overwhelmed with all the courses and programs out there.

There are hundreds of bootcamps, diplomas, certificates, and degrees in software development and programming.

Options seem to swing from short crash-courses to 4-year university degrees - with not much in the middle.

Several years ago, Herzing College Montreal launched an alternative. It's a 15-month programming course that delivers comprehensive training in just over one year of study.

This week we interviewed the instructor, Nima Tahriri, an experienced programmer who studied coding in university and actually took Herzing's course back in 2018.

Nima explains why this training is so unique, what to expect in class, career options, and more.

Meet the teacher, explore the course, and see if programming is right for you.

Updated January 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 Montreal.

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

In Canada, the term early childhood education refers to the education of children 12 years and under. 

The field includes children at the pre-school and elementary school level.

These are the most crucial years of human development. During the first 5 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 wellbeing and success in school and in life.

So, what exactly are your career options as an early childhood educator? Where can a college diploma 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 diploma in early childhood education.