Herzing Blog

Updated July 2023

Today's network technicians have a lot on their plates, from security issues and optimization to Internet of Things (IoT) challenges and new cloud technology.

Never have our computer networks been more complex—and never have they faced so many threats.

But on the plus side, all of that complexity is creating high demand for skilled network technicians. There are so many opportunities out there for well-trained technicians and administrators.

And if you plan on becoming a network technician in Canada, you're perfectly positioned to take advantage of this trend. The Government of Canada Job Bank has awarded network technician four out of five stars for job outlook in almost every part of the country.

So what does it take to break into this industry, and land the best jobs in network administration? What skills should newcomers be focusing on during training and continuing to improve throughout their careers?

Let's take a look at seven essential networking skills every employer will look for in new recruits.

These are the fundamentals (and a few advanced skills) you'll need to get hired—and stay hired— as a network technician.

Photo: Computer-aided Design and Drafting instructor, Roberto Romano

Updated January, 2021

When Roberto Romano enrolled in CAD training at Herzing College, he had no experience in the field whatsoever. He learned the software, project management, and drafting skills from scratch.

After graduation, he got hired as an architectural draftsperson and worked in the field for several years. Then, he noticed an opening back at Herzing for a CAD instructor.

Roberto joined the faculty and has been teaching the program ever since.

This week, we interviewed Roberto about how the Computer-aided Design and Drafting program works.

We asked which skills students learn in class, what projects they do, career options, and what it takes to be successful in today's CAD industry.

Considering becoming a designer/drafter? Take a tour of the program with Roberto Romano: former graduate, expert instructor, and dedicated student mentor.

We’ve been offering an interior design program at Herzing for several years now. When we put together the curriculum, we looked very closely at hiring trends and the specific skills employers are looking for in new designers. 

What kinds of companies are hiring interior designers? What creative and technical skills are most in demand right now? Who is hiring our graduates? 

Herzing instructor, Sam Graceffa has over 20 years of experience in sustainable architecture and building design

Sustainable architecture is a very fast-growing field in Quebec, throughout Canada, and across the globe.

This industry is all about designing structures with minimal environmental impact. Sustainable building designers use cutting-edge technologies and products to conserve energy, lower costs, and protect natural resources.

Cheylynn Plese has been an admissions advisor at Herzing College for 10 years

The college admissions interview. It's a major source of stress for students all over the world. Most people are afraid of being judged and rejected...or pressured to make a decision about enrollment before they're truly ready.

Going back to school is a big life move. It often comes with feelings of anxiety around academic performance, tuition costs, and balancing time between work, family, and classes.

Sora New teaches the Early Childhood Education program at Herzing College Montreal.

This is an excellent time to become an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) in Montreal. There is strong demand for ECEs at daycares and preschools throughout the city and across the province of Quebec.

This career is ideal for someone who loves working with young children, and is naturally interested in early childhood development. ECEs have a huge influence on a child's life. They help shape essential cognitive, physical, social and emotional skills.

There are a lot of different Interior Design programs out there, from DECs to AECs to university degrees.

Longer programs tend to delve deeper into the theory, philosophy, and history of interior design, while shorter programs focus more on practical design skills.

The interior design students we work with at Herzing are an incredibly diverse group, coming from different backgrounds and all ages. Some are recent high school graduates, others are working parents, and quite a few are international students.

Updated July 2023

The short answer is yes. You can become a programmer without earning a university degree in computer science or software engineering. 

The longer answer is a bit more complicated. Starting your career without a degree will mean doing quite a bit of self-study and self-training. You need to be a hard worker and highly motivated to succeed. 

The truth is, this field is big (there are hundreds of programming languages!) and it’s changing all the time. Even with a degree, you’ll spend a lot of time studying new tech and teaching yourself new skills. 

So this begs the question: If you don’t want to go to university, what’s the best way to get your programming career off the ground? 

Updated July 2023

This is an excellent time to start a career in IT and tech. These industries are on the rise in Canada, with steady employment growth across the country. Whether you’re starting from scratch or skilling up with new certifications, there are many training options (and career paths) to choose from. 

Are you thinking of becoming a network technician or network administrator? This path offers a good foundation in computer hardware and software, network security and optimization, installation, and maintenance. 

But what is involved in starting a network technician career? What should you know about training, certifications, and getting your foot in the door? 

Updated July 2023

As a freshly hired computer network administrator or technician, your top goal is to ensure the network you’re responsible for is secure, optimized, and free from disruptions. 

For businesses, a well-oiled network means improved productivity, increased profit, and more satisfied customers. And with so many daily processes and transactions relying heavily on high-performing networks, talented administrators are in very high demand.