Meet a Growing Demand by Becoming a Computer and Communication Networking Professional

Computer and communication networking is a very intricate and important field. It involves the communication between computer systems or devices. A network is any set of computers or devices that are connected to each other with the ability to exchange data. The professionals who work in computer and communication networking are responsible for a number of tasks that ensure these networking are functioning smoothly. Now is a great time to become a networking professional, as Ontario is experiencing a critical need for properly trained graduates.

To become an expert in this field, a solid foundation is needed. Centennial College's Computer and Communication Networking program allows students to be part of a select group to receive a four-year Bachelor's Degree in Applied Information Sciences. It is the only post-secondary institution in Ontario to offer a bachelor's degree program in Computer and Communication Networking. To apply, candidates must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with a minimum of six 12U, 12M, OAC credits or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. There are also minimum academic prerequisites, such as: English 12U and one from the following: Math 12U Advanced Functions, Math 12U Calculus and Vectors, Math 12U Mathematics of Data Management or equivalent. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to program.

Once you are accepted into the Computer and Communication Networking program, you will take courses in both business and technology. Some of these courses include: Computer Networking Fundamentals, Computer Architecture, Database Design and Modeling, Communication Technology and much more. All of the courses are offered in equipped classrooms and state-of-the-art laboratories that are specially engineered and feature VoIP, Cellular Networks, Wireless Broadband (WiMax), Advanced Routing and Switching or Network Management. Aside from the practical side of training, this program also offers a mandatory co-op option. During the 15-week co-op, students are placed with companies such as financial institutions, Fortune 500 organizations, IMB as well as private sector companies. A minimum C grade in ENG-110, minimum 2.0 GPA and minimum 80 per cent of year 1 and 2 courses required for COOP-221. During your studies, you can specialize in network security or wireless systems.

When graduates enter the field, they are prepared for a variety of jobs in computer and communication networking. These job titles include: project management analyst, IT program manager, technical account manager, business account manager, network administrator, network analyst and network support. Tasks vary among the different areas of computer and communication networking. For example, IT program managers are responsible for running complex projects or programs from design and development to production. They also define resources and schedule implementation, direct and oversee the project engineering team, perform assessments, as well design and maintain technical and project documentation. Meanwhile, technical account managers help customers make changes to accounts, such as updating payment and production information. They are also in charge of helping companies forecast revenue based on customer accounts. Yet anther job example in this field is a network analyst. This professional installs, lays out and maintains all network components. He or she plans, designs, analyzes and provides technical support for data communications and network or group of networks. The network analyst also conducts research and evaluation of network technology. The wide variety of computer and communication networking jobs ensures graduates do something that not only is profitable, but that also truly interests them.