Herzing Blog

Updated January 2024

Most of today's companies could never survive without talented IT support specialists.

Also known as help desk analysts, IT support specialists are the first people we call when our computers don't work properly. They handle everything from forgotten passwords, lost files, and broken network connections to malfunctioning printers, software problems, and slow internet.

Without IT support specialists, daily operations would basically grind to a halt! And that's why these pros are in such high demand.

But what's it really like to work in this field? What would you actually be doing on a daily basis? And what are the pros and cons of the job?

In this post, we give you an inside look at the role of IT support specialist. Find out what this career is all about and see if it's right for you.

Updated July 2023

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 five 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.

Updated December 2023

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 moderate to good employment growth for network technicians in most areas 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.

Updated May 2023

Cybersecurity is a hot field. We're seeing a massive skills gap in this industry with huge demand for trained professionals all over the world.

On any given day, there are thousands of unfilled cybersecurity jobs across Canada. The shortage of talent is making it easier for newcomers to land their first job - and giving salaries a good boost, too.

Hoping to ride this wave and break into the industry? One way to begin is by earning globally recognized cybersecurity certifications.

Certifications can make a big difference for beginners. In a survey by ESG and ISSA, 42 percent of cybersecurity pros said certifications were just as important as hands-on experience when it came to finding a job.

But there are so many options at so many skill levels. Which ones are best if you're just starting out?

In this post, we take you through 5 of the best cybersecurity certifications for beginners plus tips on how to prepare for exams.

Let's dive in.

Updated December 2023

There's never been a better time to become an ethical hacker. Demand for IT security professionals who can root out security flaws and outwit cyber criminals just keeps growing.

Globally, it's estimated that cyber attacks will cause $10.5 trillion in damage by 2025.

Ethical hackers are a company's best defense against costly security breaches. And they are paid very well for their skills. According to PayScale, the average salary for certified ethical hackers in Canada is $90,000.

So how can you launch a career in this field? What training and certifications do you need?

This post provides a clear roadmap. We outline the skills and credentials employers want in ethical hackers and training options for complete beginners.

Here's what you need to know.

Updated July 2023

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, communications, problem solving, diplomacy, and business savvy.

Programmer analysts are in demand because they provide essential services organizations need to overcome technical challenges, increase productivity, and meet the complex needs of clients and users.

So, what do you need to break into this industry? What's the profile of a successful programmer analyst, and what kinds of skills can you expect to learn in programmer analyst training?

Updated December 2023

Most people already know there is a global shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals. We know this because every month brings new reports of massive cyber attacks at companies big and small.  

If powerful organizations like Microsoft, NASA, and Adobe can’t stay ahead of the hackers, we must be in serious trouble! 

The problem is lack of talent. Many IT security jobs sit vacant because employers can’t find candidates with the right skillset. Cyber threats are evolving so quickly, we simply aren’t producing enough experts to keep up with demand. 

This begs the question: what kinds of cybersecurity jobs are out there? What career paths can you pursue if you’re just starting out? 

In this post, we’re looking at some typical entry-level to mid-career job options. Compare job titles, responsibilities, and salaries for each role. Get a good overview of the industry and get your cybersecurity career started. 

Updated December 2023

Organizations in every industry rely on computer networks. Businesses, hospitals, schools, and government agencies (just to name a few) use networking technology to share information and resources every single day.

Computer networks are systems connected by cables (wired) or wi-fi (wireless). Networks are built using hardware and software and in different configurations depending on the needs of the users.

This includes both LANs (local area networks) and WANs (wide area networks). 

When an organization uses a computer network, they also require someone to maintain, protect, update, and troubleshoot it. That’s where network administrators come in. 

In this post, we’ll explore the main skills and responsibilities of a network administrator. Find out exactly what a network administrator does and the skills you'll need to get hired.

Updated December 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 three or four (out of a possible five) stars for job outlook in most parts 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.

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?