Grad Testimonials

Who better to tell you about the Computer Systems Technician program at the Waterfront Campus than our grads!

Making a career change is never an easy decision. Josh Sleep knew he needed to explore an educational plan that would give him the best option to secure an in-demand full-time career, not just another job. He found what he was looking for with our Computer Systems Technician (CST) program. Sleep’s initial interest in the program grew through conversations with graduates from the program within the community. “They all mentioned the co-op opportunities and excellent job placement rates after graduation. As a mature student, this greatly appealed to me, as well as the shorter program length of 16 months.”

Learn more about Sleep’s journey to working at the Information Technology Branch (ITB) of the Canada Revenue Agency.

-Josh Sleep, Computer Systems Technician Grad, 2017

“Growing up in the Ottawa Valley where our household had dial-up Internet until I was about 17 years old, computers were never high on my priority list, but during high school, I started taking some computer courses and realized that this could be a potential career.

I took two years off after high school before deciding to go back to school. I enrolled in the Computer Systems Technician program and graduated in 2012. I learned so much and had the opportunity to participate in a co-op experience at Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) which was really the cherry on top. Working at CRA in an IT-based role as a 20-year-old couldn’t have looked any better on my resume and helped me find work quickly after I graduated. I have now worked at Mitel for more than nine years.

I would not be where I am in my life today if it was not for the amazing teachers, staff and the opportunities that Algonquin College provided to me. I have nothing but great things to say about my experience and would highly recommend the Computer Systems Technician program.

There are endless IT jobs and the future is as bright as you want it to be. Five years after I graduated, my younger cousin took the same program at Algonquin College and he too was employed within months of completing the program.”

-Josh Roesler, Computer Systems Technician Grad, 2012

Lihan Sun graduated from the Computer Systems Technician (CST) program in 2018 and has been working as the Coordinator of the Education Program at Eurocom since. Sun credits the CST program with giving him the skills necessary to launch his career immediately after graduating including “the high performing technology and the hands-on experience on CST lab, the paid co-op, and annual CST Help Desk in preparing me to secure my position at EUROCOM.” Sun also believes that technology is key in education, which is why he wants to ensure that our student community has the opportunity to take advantage of the EUROCOM Education Program: ANY student can have 10% OFF one of their laptops.

– Lihan Sun, Computer Systems Technician Grad, 2018

“I enjoyed having small class sizes and getting to know the professors on a first-name basis. It was a huge adjustment for me to go back to school, but I had a great support system from my family and classmates. If there was one thing I could tell future students, it would be to sit at the front of the class and never procrastinate! Once I graduated and started working, I realized that the best thing about my job was that people are always so happy and thankful to see you, and even happier when you find them a solution. We are basically rock stars! Not many people can say they got the education and experience from one institution.”

-Erin Morris, Computer Systems Technician Grad, 2012

“I enrolled in the program after a career in the Canadian Military. I had an interest in computers and was having some trouble finding work as a civilian, so with the encouragement of a landlord, I decided to enroll in college. I’m happy I did.

I was looking for a career that had lots of potential for employment and as a mature student, I was a bit apprehensive about returning to school. It was a big decision, but it has paid off and opened up a lot of new doors for me.

For example, I have worked in IT since graduating in 2017 but recently moved into radiation protection work at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. I continue to use what I learned in college to help my co-workers because of my understanding of electronic and computerized devices.

The professors were great and will be there to help you, but my advice is to keep your nose to the grind and shoot for what you want. IT is a forever field and there will always be a need for us.”

– Jeremy Palmer, Computer Systems Technician Grad, 2016

“I would recommend this program to no end. As a recent graduate from the program, I can attest to its ability to allow you to learn from the ground up, make friends and connections, get real-world experience, and set you up for life. Thanks to the course I now work for the federal government in Ottawa and I have this College, family, and program to thank for getting my life set!”

-James Norton, Computer Systems Technician Grad, 2016

“The transition from a Canadian Forces Member to a Computer Systems Technician student was a great experience with the support I had from Algonquin College. The program was engaging and helped me obtain a career in the IT field. The teachers provided me with instruction and guidance to succeed in the workplace. If I could provide a student with advice, it would be to come to class and be ready to learn!”

-Bryan Linkletter, Computer Systems Technician Grad 2011, retired Canadian Forces Member