Herzing Blog

Updated July 2023

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 February 2023

You may have heard that thanks to artificial intelligence, bookkeepers and accounting technicians are being automated out of existence.

The World Economic Forum identified accounting, payroll and bookkeeping clerks as the second most at-risk jobs in Canada, set to become increasingly redundant by 2025.

But that's based on the notion that bookkeepers are little more than data entry clerks. For those who are eager to take on more analytical and advisory responsibilities, the move to automation can actually be a good thing.

"The current automation of accounting is mostly on repetitive tasks,” says Cindy Cao. She’s a curriculum designer who has developed college courses for accounting and payroll as well as business administration programs.

“This can be a positive change for students who want to pursue a career in accounting. They can focus more energy on analyzing the accounting information rather than being trapped in repetition."

The bottom line? Accounting professionals are still in demand, but the way they do their jobs is changing.

Here’s how.

Updated July 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 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.

A June 2022 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 February 2023

Does this sound familiar? You’ve been out of school for a (possibly long) while, you’re dissatisfied with the way things are, and you want to pursue additional training so you can get on a more meaningful path.

You know that enrolling in a college program is a great way to learn new skills and enhance your value in the job market. But something’s holding you back.

Going to college as a mature learner can seem intimidating, but thousands of people do it every year. According to government data, more than one-quarter of students pursuing diplomas at Canadian colleges in 2020-2021 were over the age of 25.

In this post, we tackle the four biggest concerns shared by many adults just like you who are pondering going back to school.

Keep reading to see how you can overcome the obstacles and achieve your goals.

Updated December 2022

Aiming to break into the IT field as a technical support specialist? Right now is a great time to do so.

The Government of Canada Job Bank forecasts strong demand for this occupation across much of the country through 2024. What’s more, Randstad recently named IT support analyst one of the best remote jobs in Canada.

So what qualities and skills does it take to thrive in this role? What makes a truly exceptional and successful tech support analyst?

Read on for six skills amazing helpdesk professionals work on building throughout their careers.

Updated December 2022

Every occupation and industry has its myths and misconceptions. Unless you actually work in the field, it's easy to develop some false ideas about what it's all about, right?

Early childhood education (ECE) is no exception.

In fact, this field is surrounded by so many myths, we decided to round them up and debunk them, once and for all.

This post is dedicated to all the talented early childhood educators out there—and anyone who's passionate about pursuing this career.

So here they are: the top seven myths about early childhood education, training, and careers....busted!

Updated July 2023

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.

Updated December 2022

If you’re technically minded and enjoy the challenge of solving problems and helping people, you might be cut out for a career as an IT support technician.

IT support technicians are the pros who come to the rescue when people’s computers don’t work the way they should. Their job is to find the cause of the issue and take people through the steps needed to get back on track.

Think you’d like to work in this field? Curious about what it takes to launch a career in IT support?

These five straightforward steps can help you reach your goal.

Updated December 2022

Industrial drafters come up with the precise plans necessary to turn an engineering concept into an actual physical object. They play a key role in the production of everything from engine components and HVAC equipment to lighting fixtures and medical devices.

If you’re detail-oriented and enjoy thinking about how things go together, a career as an industrial drafter could be ideal.

But before you jump in, you need some more detailed info about this role. For instance, you should understand what exactly you would do, where you could work, and how much you could earn.

In this post, we cover all of that and more.

Here’s what you need to know to decide if industrial drafting is the right career choice for you.

Architectural technicians play a key role in bringing homes, offices, and other buildings to life. They create the detailed technical drawings that transform an architect’s or engineer’s vision into reality.

If you have an eye for structure and form, and enjoy being both creative and methodical, this could be an excellent career choice for you.

Even better: The training to become an architectural technician is relatively quick (no degree required!) And the Quebec government expects demand in this field to remain steady for the next few years.

So how do you go about becoming an architectural technician?

These 5 simple steps can get you started.