Herzing Blog

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.

The software development field has changed enormously over the past two decades. Today, there are hundreds of different programming languages for various uses, the focus is on cloud computing, and agile methodologies allow for faster, more collaborative development.

Naresh Nagandla has plenty of first-hand experience with these changes. He’s been working in the software field for more than 15 years, in both development and teaching roles. And he recently became an instructor for the software development program at Herzing College.

We caught up with Naresh to learn more about his career journey and what students can expect from the course.

Here are the highlights of our conversation.

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.

Cybersecurity continues to be a top concern for companies all over the world. Tech research and consulting firm Gartner estimates that global spending on information security controls and risk management products and services will total more than $188 billion in 2023—an 11 per cent increase over 2022.

So, given the growth in this field, what can you expect in the year ahead?

Updated January 2023

Software development is a field that’s just exploding with opportunities across Canada. According to data from the Labour Market Information Council, there have been more than 11,000 online job postings for programmers annually for the last three years. What’s more, developers came in at number one on Randstad’s list of the top 15 jobs in Canada in 2023.

That’s why Herzing College launched a 12-month diploma program in software development. Delivered online, it provides comprehensive training in a variety of programming languages so that you can be ready to take advantage of growing career opportunities.

So just what can you expect from the program? To find out, we spoke with course designer Derek Lewis.

Updated December 2023

Keeping information systems secure is a big challenge for many businesses, especially as the threats continue to grow.

In CyberEdge’s latest Cyberthreat Defense Report, close to 63 per cent of Canadian IT security pros surveyed reported their companies had suffered at least one successful ransomware attack in 2022.

So how can you keep your organization from becoming another unfortunate statistic? What can you do to prevent a security breach in your workplace?

This post will help you understand the nature of security breaches: what they are, how they happen, and what steps you can take to prevent them. Keep reading to learn more about common threats as well as IT security best practices for employees.

Updated December 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 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 2023

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 moderate to good demand for this occupation across much of the country through 2025. 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 2023

The need for skilled cybersecurity professionals is already huge. And it's getting bigger.

By some estimates, the global cybersecurity industry will be short 3.5 million workers by the end of 2025.

But is a university degree necessary to get started in cybersecurity?

The short answer is no. Many job postings do call for a degree, but that doesn't necessarily mean you can't land those roles without one.

In many cases, employers are more interested in what you can do rather than what credentials you hold. It's more about proving your skills on the job rather than in the classroom.

Exactly what skills do you need and what are employers looking for? Here's what you need to know.