Alumni Spotlight: How Robertson helped Gale discover her love for tech

Before Robertson, Gale worked a job she wasn’t passionate about. She couldn’t wait until Friday and always dreaded Mondays. 

That is, until she found Robertson College. 

“Robertson’s career services really helped me get the position that I needed. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have this job.” 

Gale went back to school to pursue a career in technology, as she always loved computers. When she got close to graduation, she was concerned she wouldn’t be able to express herself and her skills in her resume. Gale was pleasantly surprised when the Workforce Team helped her craft her resume, leading her to find not only an excellent practicum but a relevant industry position right after graduation. 

Gale graduated in 2021 and started working as a network security specialist. She couldn’t believe how fast she was able to find work and she credits it all to Robertson. And now, she can’t wait until Monday.

You can read Gale’s full story here.  

A conversation with Gale

We sat down with Gale to learn more about her experience at Robertson.

Robertson: Why did you choose to go to school, or go back to school?

Gale: I wanted to go back to school because of a new career, a new beginning. I came out of a different type of field altogether and I was thinking that maybe it’s not for me because I don’t really enjoy it as much as I enjoy computers.

Robertson: Why did you choose Robertson specifically?

Gale: I chose Robertson specifically because of their practical program and the way they look after you after your graduation. That was my main focus really for them, because they wanna make sure that you’re getting a job after you graduate. That is the biggest selling point, the lifelong support that Robertson offered.

Robertson: And how did you discover this program, or what led you to enrol in the School of Tech?

Gale: Well, it took me a while. I was researching a school that could do everything in one year. So, what led me to this program, was because of the reputation of having a good practicum and making sure that your job is at least secured, or at least something that you have a connection to. That was a driving force for me, that type of backing, because you can learn anything at any school but at least you have somebody there to help you get to where you really wanna go within your job.

Robertson: How would you describe yourself before Robertson and after Robertson?

Gale: Before Robertson I was a bit lost in knowing exactly what I could do, but I wasn’t sure until I got there. Doing the Robertson course, I was really sure.

Robertson: How has your program, and overall experience with Robertson helped you be able to flourish in the job that you’re working at right now?

Gale: It helped me greatly to flourish because the faculty wanted to make sure I succeeded and was also progressing throughout the year. Most of the instructors have tons of experience in the business world and they know what they’re looking for when they see you and how you conduct yourself. They give you suggestions saying what you can do to improve without insulting your and your intelligence. 

Robertson: What value does this career choice add to your life?

Gale: A lot actually, because I shoulda done this like years ago, but I didn’t know until I went to Robertson College and I did my program, that I figured out that this is something I can really do and it’s for me. And with the staff, and with the classmates, they really make a big difference, to find myself and where I could be in life, you know? So, it’s very happy.

Robertson: In your previous careers, or your previous life with employment, it seems you were lacking that connection to the work itself. Do you feel you have that connection with your current job? Maybe you can talk a little bit about how it feels to have that spark when you sign onto work in the morning?

Gale: I feel really happy. Before, in the other jobs I had, I couldn’t wait till Friday. It was like, “ah, get me outta here.” But with this job, I can’t wait till Monday. I never thought I would say something like that, you know, so it’s like, “let me see what I can do this week, see if I can accomplish this,” and it’s a really good feeling to say, “oh, I finished this, this, this, this” and how I could do better, you know?

Robertson: Did Robertson play a part in helping you find that direction for your career?

Gale: I would say a big part, because it’s mainly making sure who you are, so that’s why they focus on career first, with the resume. First you describe yourself and your skills and then from there it’s like, okay, what about me says I can do this and this and this. It really makes you think about your next step. 

Robertson: How did Robertson support you throughout your education journey?

Gale: Robertson set me up for success in a way that they were preparing the resume at the first course, and trying to make you think. It was really hard, it’s like, “oh my goodness,” I never thought about how to say who I am, to put into this resume, and how to sell myself. That was the hardest part of the whole course but it really got easier down the line.

Robertson:  What was it about Robertson that set you up for success in your role?

Gale: Robertson really set me up for real-world experience because they had people who were experienced in jobs and stuff like that. They also had great advice to give, in order to get successful.

Robertson: What is one of the most valuable things that you took from your education at Robertson?

Gale: When I was at school itself, because I was inexperienced in that particular field, they suggested I go into the classroom setting, so I went to the classroom setting and I got to know my classmates. We already have this kind of team kind of feeling, even though we don’t know each other, I was like, “look, we’re in this team together, let’s see if we could, you know, get to know each other.” It was encouraged by the instructors too, because networking is very important, not just for yourself, but to help each other outside school, you know, because all of us have different types of talents, you know, so why not think of everybody.

Robertson: How do you feel about your career and where you’re heading?

Gale: I feel really good. In the beginning I was like saying, “oh, I can’t believe I got a job so fast” and, “oh, let me hope I don’t screw up.” But this job was a really good fit, because it’s more like I’m going back to school. They’re really supportive, just like the instructors actually. They want you to succeed, because if you succeed, the company succeeds.

Robertson: Could you describe what your future looks like to you?

Gale: Bright (laughs). The future always looks great. It’s just how you look at it, you know? Because of the position that Robertson has presented for me, you know, it was really a godsend, you know? I was led here, because I know that this is the best place, you know, because I did search around for a long time.

As long as you’re happy on Mondays, then you have all kinds of options. I feel really bright in my revelation for a career. 

About the Network Security Technician program

Network security technicians are network protectors. They’re the person responsible for ensuring networks and systems are secure and have the skills to spot and fight cybercrime should it ever happen. In our Network Security Technician diploma program, you’ll gain an understanding of network operation, computer and internet security as well as intrusion detection techniques so you can mitigate security risks. 

Once you graduate, you’ll have the skills to work at nearly any organization in nearly any industry as a security tech or administrator. This is a one-year online program which gives you the flexibility to study when and where it works best for you, alongside scheduled live lectures. Even though you’ll be learning remotely, you can always connect with your peers and instructors to collaborate and ask questions.

Ready to pursue a meaningful career? 

If you’re interested in becoming a Network Security Technician, our diploma program is a great way to kickstart your career. You’ll get your diploma in one year so you’ll be job-ready, fast. Once you enrol, our Student Admissions Advisors will be in touch. Learn more about studying  online and discover if it’s right for you!