Garret still remembers the thrill of getting custom Mario Kart tracks to work on an old Wii console. After a few failed attempts and many online tutorials, he figured out how to install the tools needed to run the fan-made modifications—unofficial content created by players.
Once Garret realized that he could change how a system functioned, modifying games wasn’t enough. He soon challenged himself to assemble a gaming PC from scratch. He spent weeks researching compatible parts, comparing options and watching build videos. Then, Garret assembled his first computer piece by piece. He was still in high school.
That enterprising curiosity and self-taught experience became the foundation of Garret’s career path. Now, through Mohawk College’s Computer Systems Technology – Network Engineering & Security Analyst program, he’s learning the technical skills and gaining the confidence to turn his hobby into a career.
“Mohawk College has really sped up my networking knowledge by taking a look at the finer details in different systems and infrastructure,” says Garett, “figuring out how they work and how to fix them when they don’t. It has me looking at all aspects of the problem rather than just the big picture.”
Creating his career with intention
Transforming his hobby into a potential career didn’t happen overnight, though.
When Garret started looking at college, he approached it the same way he did any technical challenge: research and a focus on what would set him up for success. He attended college fairs, weighed tuition costs and commute times, and carefully considered how each program aligned with his long-term goals.
That’s where his dad came in. As a Mohawk College alum himself, he encouraged Garret to think beyond a two-year program and consider the three-year advanced diploma.
“I was initially going to take the two-year program, but my dad said to take the three-year program because it focuses more on cloud-based software and also opens up a lot more doors afterwards because it goes through a lot more stuff,” says Garret.
Shaping success through industry connections
Now in the second year of the program, Garret is doing more than learning how to build information systems and infrastructure. Mohawk College’s industry-led learning model has given him an enterprising approach to bridging the gap between study and career. Through his own community network, Garret recently secured part-time work at Professional Computer Management, an IT consulting and support company servicing small and mid-sized businesses across southern Ontario.
“Bits and pieces of my lessons have gone to the workforce, especially the Microsoft Server Administration course,” says Garret. “We deal with a lot of Windows machines, so [the knowledge I gained in class about] how a Windows server actually works, I have used that for managing users behind-the-scenes.”
Looking ahead
As Garret looks to the future, he’s focused on developing not just stronger technical skills but also soft skills, such as communication and problem-solving, which Mohawk College emphasizes. He sees these skills as essential. That’s because, for Garret, success in technology isn’t just about understanding systems; it’s about helping people feel confident using them.
He also hopes others with a computing hobby or curiosity will consider turning that interest into a career, just as he’s doing.
“I realized that I love both computers and helping others to use them,” he says. “[With a career in this field], instead of helping a couple of people with their issues, you can help thousands by assisting them in areas that they may find confusing and using your knowledge and expertise to make their lives easier.”
Published January 7, 2026
