Building a Career as a Computer Systems Technician in Canada
The job responsibilities of computer systems technicians may vary depending upon the employment and their individual qualifications and work experience. However, there are some basic duties that they need to perform, regardless of their employment and job title. These include:
- Planning and designing of computer network
- Installing and supporting local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs)
- Installing cabling and hardware and program the software
- Ensuring computers and peripherals communicate correctly over a network
- Installing network hardware and software enabling enterprise-wide data communication
- Monitoring the network’s performance
- Solving network problems whenever they arise
- Collaborate with vendors to determine the best solution
- Assessing bandwidth utilization and supporting capacity planning
- Providing technical support whenever required
- Ensuring systems and database management
- Repairing hardware or software related problems
The job may or may not include travelling depending upon the employment and type of industry they work in.
Career Prospects
The professionals with an expertise in computer systems – networking can find employment in practically every industry that relies on computer systems for their business operations. They can work as
- Computer systems technicians
- Field service representatives
- Network technicians
- Network technical support specialists
- Help desk support
- Technical support staff
The industry offers myriad of career opportunities to computer networking professionals. Further growth in the job market is also anticipated in the coming years. This is due to the ever increasing dependence on computer systems and networks in commercial and industrial setups as well as personal lives.
Although the demand for computer networking professionals is constantly increasing, the job market is more competitive than ever. Formal education and training is extremely important to seek decent-paying entry-level jobs. A college diploma in computer systems technician – networking may prepare interested individuals for rewarding careers in IT.
Computer Systems Technician – Networking Programs
Centennial College’s two-year, post-secondary program in computer systems technician – networking provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in various IT fields. It’s an intense and comprehensive program that allows you get out into the job market in just two years.
The program incorporates the latest in computer systems and network technology, reflecting ever-growing innovations of the digital revolution. It combines in-class learning, hands-on-labs, technical problem solving and a technical project. The program offers students a complete understanding and working knowledge of PC hardware, operating systems, and internet, intranet, extranet and telecom networks, by covering a wide range of subjects including:
- PC Hardware
- PC Operating Systems
- Web Design
- Mathematics for Computer Systems
- Network Technologies
- Electricity for Computer Systems
- Windows Server Operating Systems
- UNIX/Linux
- Network Devices
- Network Services
- Telephony
- Technical Report Writing
- Statistics for Computer Systems
- Network Security
- Data Communications
- Computer Forensics
- Routing and Switching
The program includes dismantling a PC system, going into details of operating systems and computer hardware, and putting together and maintaining systems to have full human control of computing and communication technology.
Admission Requirements
In order to apply for this program, you will need:
- Secondary school diploma or equivalent
- English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent
- Mathematics Grade 11 M or 12 C or University or equivalent