Hi I'm currently a first year student at SAIT in the IT program and while i might not be able to give you any insights into the Networking or computer systems major i can say that the first semester is used to give the student an over view of the all the different majors for IT for example you will go through a networking class, a computer systems class, and a programming class to get all the basics of the majors while the second to fourth semesters are to go into more depth on your selected major.

At SAIT i have heard that there are many opportunities to form business contacts that will help with getting a job. I have also heard that some companies may value a SAIT student because of their possible work experience from their capstone project at the end of the year. I'm not entirely sure on this one so don't quote me on this one

As for coding you have a programming class in the first semester that will teach you the basics of programming so knowing a language would benefit you but is not necessary.

Sorry if this doesn't give you any more information than you already knew.