In this program, students focus on networking, operating systems, system administration, virtualization, and security related to new computer networks and the maintenance of existing computer networks. As an official Cisco Networking Academy partner, certified instructors assist students preparing for industry recognized certifications such as the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching. Students gain experience in problem solving, and effective oral and written communications through examination of current industry trends and requirements. Students acquire professional and entrepreneurial skills for industry and self-employment, as well as real life experience through participation in co-op work terms.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. identify, analyze, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment;

2. contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools;

3. implement and maintain secure computing environments;

4. implement robust computing system solutions through validation testing that aligns with industry best practices;

5. communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships;

6. select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance;

7. apply project management principles and tools when working on projects within a computing environment;

8. adhere to ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements and/or principles in the development and management of computing solutions and systems;

9. assist with the implementation of computer systems and cloud solutions;

10. install, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade and decommission computing system infrastructures;

11. automate routine tasks using scripting tools and programming languages;

12. install and monitor a database management system in response to specified requirements;

13. provide technical support for computing system infrastructures that aligns with industry best practice;

14. describe technologies and techniques that can be used to reduce the impact of information technology on the environment;

15. apply basic entrepreneurial strategies to identify and respond to new opportunities.

Practical Experience

All co-operative education programs at Georgian contain mandatory work term experiences aligned with program learning outcomes. Co-op work terms are designed to integrate academic learning with work experience, supporting the development of industry specific competencies and employability skills.

Georgian College holds membership with, and endeavours to follow, the co-operative education guidelines set out by the Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) and Experiential and Work-Integrated Ontario (EWO) as supported by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

Career opportunities

Graduates can choose to work independently or as a member of a team to support the development, implementation, and maintenance of computer systems and networks. Graduates with networking interests/skills generally can find employment as information technology analysts and network technical support specialists or network administrators. Graduates with operations and administration interests/skills generally can find employment as system administrators and technical support specialists.

Work Integrated Learning: 1 Co-op Work Terms