Breaking into the IT industry was not easy, especially as a newcomer facing a very competitive job market. Even with years of experience in IT Infrastructure across Asia and the Middle East, it was clear that employers expected local credentials, updated technical exposure, and familiarity with Canadian workplace standards.
I researched different schools looking for something that would align with my background and goal of a Systems or Network Administrator role. VCC’s Network Technology Administration and Security (NTAS) program stood out.
Through the program I strengthened my core technical skills and updated my knowledge to align with current industry standards and practices. Through hands-on labs and real-world scenarios, I deepened my understanding of networking, security, virtualization, and infrastructure design. The program also helped me bridge my previous experience with current technologies, giving me the confidence to discuss technical concepts clearly and apply them effectively during interviews and on the job.
A difficult moment came a week before my final term ended. I believed I had landed a Network Administrator role if I could complete my school documents. So, I reached out to Program Coordinator Sid Khullar to request an expedited Certificate of Completion. Without hesitation, he supported my request. Unfortunately, I didn't get the job. That was a tough setback, especially after thinking I was so close.
Despite the disappointment, I didn’t give up. I kept applying and within 3 weeks, I secured a Systems Administrator role. Looking back, I believe revising my resume with guidance from my instructor, Wes Sheldon, helped me clearly present my experience and align it with the needs of hiring managers.
In addition, the IT Service Management (ITSM) course was especially valuable; it helped me understand how IT teams operate, particularly in MSP environments where structured processes, incident handling, and clear communication are just as important as technical skills. During my interview, I was asked a technical question about the setup and deployment of wireless access point infrastructure, which reminded me of my Infrastructure Project course. I was able to confidently explain the network topology I had designed and presented, clearly walking through my design decisions and implementation approach.
Landing this Systems Administrator role represents more than just a new job. It reflects persistence, continuous learning, and the strong foundation I built at VCC. I’m grateful for the support from Mr. Hamid, Mr. Wes, Ali, John, Tony, Jason, Rouzbeh, and Alireza.
