Category Archives: Career & Leadership Readiness Institute

Business Engagement, Career & Leadership Readiness Institute, Career & Technical Education, CLRI, Community Partnerships, Cybersecurity, Data Center Operations, Data Centers, Industry Partnerships, Mentoring, Networking, NOVA IET

CLRI Wraps Up Fall Cohort with Executive Mentoring and Networking Event

 

The Fall 2024 IET Career and Leadership Institute (CLRI), led by M. Andy Chaves and Sedrick Settle, concluded on October 24, 2024, with an Executive Mentoring and Networking event at the Woodbridge campus.

This season, 14 students completed the CLRI program, finishing a five-week journey that began in September. Participants completed six workshops covering critical topics such as leadership, effective communication, building your personal brand, how to write a technical resume, and trends in IT careers.

The Fall 2024 CLRI cohort also participated in site tours and a mock interviewing event coordinated with AWS. Through these robust and enriching experiences, students gained interpersonal skills, practiced networking—many through LinkedIn connections—and built confidence.

The program concluded with an executive networking event featuring 11 leaders from top companies, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), CoreSite, Digital Realty, Google, Iron Mountain, Meerkat Cyber, Red Hat, Suffolk Construction, and U.S. Transactions Corp.

To cap off the event, mentors and students received recognition, and participants stayed an extra hour to connect with industry professionals.

Student Feedback on CLRI

CLRI students shared their excitement for the program:

  • “The CLRI is an amazing experience. It opened my eyes to many new ideas and opportunities.”
    —Ilham Data Center Operations
  • “CLRI is a great foundation for students—it gives clear direction, teaches new skills, introduces people from diverse backgrounds, and offers unique experiences. I highly recommend it.” —Anchinalush, Cybersecurity and Health Science
  • “The program is very exciting. I’m glad I joined after Andy and Sedrick introduced it to our class. It was my first time experiencing data centers.”
    —Jack, Data Center Operations
  • “CLRI was fantastic. I’ll graduate in December, ready to apply everything I’ve learned. Andy and Sedrick bring together amazing people to support us.”
    —Mary, Cybersecurity
  • “This experience has been invaluable for my first semester at NOVA, providing me with valuable connections.”
    —James, Data Center Operations 

Insights from Industry Professionals

CLRI also granted students valuable perspectives from experienced leaders:

  • Steve Jolly, Data Center Cluster Manager, Amazon Web Services:
    “A great attitude is everything. Technical skills can be taught, but attitude and behavior are much harder to change. Curiosity, self-improvement, and a bias for action truly make a difference.”
  • Chris Haigh, CEO & Certified CMMC Assessor, Meerkat Cyber, LLC:
    “Find something that fascinates you, pursue certifications, and engage with it daily. Always keep learning.”
  • John Limbacher, Market Technical Manager, Digital Realty:
    “Building gigawatt campuses and working with high-tech solutions for companies like Nvidia—there’s a lot of excitement in the data center industry.”
  • Miguel Ramos, Sr. Data Center Manager, CoreSite:
    “At CoreSite, we train interns in security, telecom, and facilities—critical components of our operations.”
  • Todd Byington, Critical Facilities Manager, Iron Mountain:
    “Data centers offer roles in everything from facilities operations and project management to sales and security, providing a wide range of opportunities.”
  • Wade Tetsuka, President of U.S. Transactions Corp:
    “Our software company collaborates with Microsoft partners. For those considering entrepreneurship in IT or software, it’s a rewarding path.”

Congratulations to the students and thank you to the executives who contributed to the success of the program.  We hope to see more students in the Spring ’25 CLRI program.

Career & Leadership Readiness Institute

CLRI Kickoff Prepares Students For Career Success

“You’re all about to take off, even if you don’t fully realize it yet. Maybe you feel it, maybe you hope for it—that’s why you’re here. But remember, you’re the drivers of your own cars, the drivers of your own lives. The decisions you make and the preparation you put in will open doors for you.”  ~ Sedrick Settle, Co-Coordinator, CLRI

The Career and Leadership Readiness Institute (CLRI) launched its Fall 2024 session on September 19th at NOVA’s Woodbridge Campus, welcoming over 20 participants. Students toured the almost completed $5 million data center training facility, engaged in interactive activities, and learned about the program’s unique offerings.

Funded by grants, CLRI is a free initiative designed to help NOVA students become competitive candidates in the job market. Led by NOVA IET’s M. Andy Chaves and Sedrick Settle, CLRI is recognized for preparing students with career readiness skills and developing competitive applicants for internships and jobs in the IET industry.

The event provided students with a friendly and engaging introduction to the program, which has become a cornerstone of career development at NOVA. Throughout the session, students shared why they joined:

  • “I’m in the Data Center Operations certificate program. A friend who works at a data center recommended it as a great career path. I’m here because the CLRI program seems like an opportunity I should take advantage of.”
  • “I’m studying cybersecurity, but I feel a bit lost. I attend my IT classes, but I don’t have a community or know anyone studying the same thing. That’s why I’m here.”
  • “I’m in the Data Center Operations program. I’m here to meet new people and build my network.”
  • “I’m an IT student at NOVA, and I also work there as an IT technician. I’m here for professional development.”
  • “I’m studying cybersecurity and heard about the program from Mr. Chaves. I’m excited to be here and meet new people.”
  • “I’m studying to become a network engineering specialist, and I’m here to develop my communication skills.”
  • “I’m here for the opportunity to network and connect with others for my career development.”
  • “I’m studying computer science and general studies, and I’m graduating this semester. I’m here to develop job-related skills and expand my network.”

After a fun icebreaker, participants downloaded the NOVA Engage App to connect within the Fall CLRI group and with the broader NOVA community.

Mr. Chaves and Mr. Settle then outlined key program highlights, including an alumni panel where graduates offer feedback, site visits to local data centers, mock interviews with Amazon Web Services (AWS), and an executive networking event featuring vice presidents, directors, and CEOs from local industry partners. Participants will also learn how to create standout technical resumes, develop interpersonal skills, build personal brands, and more.

The evening wrapped up with a fun, hands-on activity where teams used mystery bags to create and market a product, followed by a pizza social.

For NOVA IET students, the CLRI program is a critical component in developing interpersonal (soft) skills to complement their technical knowledge. Many graduates have secured internships and job offers as a result of participating and learning key leadership skills during the program.

The next CLRI session will begin in February 2025. Interested students can fill out the Interest Form to be notified when registration opens. More information is available at www.nvcc.edu/career-services/clri.html.

AFCOM, Business Engagement, Career & Leadership Readiness Institute, CLRI, Data Center Operations, Data Centers, Internships, Networking, NOVA to Workforce

AFCOM Internship Leads to Job Offers for NOVA Students

The AFCOM summer internship concluded on August 6 at Topgolf in Ashburn, capping off a successful season where job offers were extended to NOVA students!

During the internship, students had the opportunity to work at two, and sometimes three, different companies. This experience provided them with a broader understanding of their role as DCO technicians and the critical impact they have in ensuring vital infrastructure remains operational 100% of the time.

Phil Baroody, Director of Business Development at Rosendin and AFCOM Secretary, remarked, “Gaining an understanding in the classroom through the Data Center Operations program and then applying that knowledge to real work in operations, facilities, and engineering within Northern Virginia is an exceptional opportunity. This experience not only solidifies their classroom learning but also offers potential job placements and valuable networking with industry veterans committed to their success.”

“What I’ve noticed about NOVA students is that they fully utilize the resources available to them,” said Christopher Lettiere, Senior Director at CoreSite. “They have access to data centers, providers, and tech companies. In my experience working at CoreSite and with NOVA, they get it right, and the results speak for themselves.”

Among the 14 AFCOM interns, 13 were from NOVA. Nearly all of these interns received job offers; while three chose to continue their education, many accepted the offers and embarked on careers with data center partners. Of those who accepted, two joined Iron Mountain, two went to Vantage, and one to CompuDynamics.

AFCOM is an association dedicated to the career advancement of IT and data center professionals. The 10-week internship program, led by the AFCOM Potomac Chapter, connects students with industry partners. It is designed to build the data center industry by partnering with NOVA’s IET Division and offering paid summer internships to students in the DCO programs.

“The great thing about this program is that it’s hands-on, and each student has a dedicated steward,” said Jennifer Andos, Creative Director & Owner of Paperfish Creative and AFCOM Director of Events. “Whether things aren’t going well or they just need someone to talk to, they always have someone to check in with. This person is there to guide them and answer their questions.”

“It’s important to recognize the role of industry players like AFCOM,” said TJ Ciccone, Vice President of Critical Operations at STACK. “Our group has been crucial in supporting the internship program, which has been a major driver of its success. This is the seventh year we’ve run it, and this year we surpassed 50 interns over the program’s duration. Nearly every hireable intern secured a job by the end of the summer. There’s no other industry like it.”

Phil Baroody, Chris Lettiere, Pat Lally, Caroline Titlebaum, and TJ Ciccone lead the AFCOM education committee.

For those interested in this opportunity next summer, keep an eye out for applications in early 2025.

AFCOM, Career & Leadership Readiness Institute, CLRI, Data Center Operations, Data Centers, Internships, NOVA IET, NOVA to Workforce, Student Success, Student to Workforce

NOVA Student to DCO Workforce Spotlight

Patrick Gillespie, NOVA to Iron Mountain

“I highly recommend NOVA for many reasons—it’s local, affordable, offers numerous technical programs, has strong relationships with industries and universities, and is nationally recognized.”

Last year, Patrick Gillespie decided to leave his previous career and pursue a new direction in Data Center Operations (DCO). After choosing this pathway at NOVA, he completed the Career and Leadership Readiness Institute (CLRI) through NOVA IET and interned with the AFCOM Potomac Chapter. Today, he works as a Critical Facilities Technician at Iron Mountain.

To enhance his networking, leadership, and resume-building abilities, he joined the CLRI program. “Networking and communication are just as crucial as technical knowledge,” he noted. “If someone likes you and believes you can do the job, even if you’re not the most technically skilled, they’ll choose you over someone else. It’s essential to attend networking events and engage with other professionals.”

Patrick’s leadership abilities grew when he took charge of a group project. As team members came and went, he had to step up, organize, and ensure the project was completed on time, despite a tight timeline. “Sometimes opportunities to further your career fall into your lap, and being prepared to lead can make all the difference,” he said.

During the CLRI program, he also learned how to build an effective resume. He explained how one of the speakers emphasized the importance of incorporating factual data and numbers into resumes to make them stand out.

“After listening to the speaker, I realized my resume was far from where it needed to be. I was able to apply his formatting tips and ideas to create a technical resume,” he said.

Patrick strongly recommends the CLRI program to his fellow NOVA IET students. “It’s a great opportunity with a minimal time commitment. Much of it can be done virtually, and it introduces you to the professional world, giving you a head start against your competition.”

He expressed similar sentiments about his AFCOM placement, where he spent five weeks at CoreSite’s Ashburn location and five weeks at Iron Mountain’s Manassas site. Throughout this period, he gained insight into nearly every aspect of data center operations, including security, service delivery, remote hands networking, facilities management, and leadership meetings.

Rich Klee, the Director of Critical Operations at STACK, served as Patrick’s mentor throughout the experience. “Rich was extremely helpful. During challenging weeks, we’d meet and talk through any frustrations I was facing,” he shared.

He also mentioned the welcoming environment at CoreSite, where Senior Director Chris Lettiere and Senior Data Center Operations Manager Miguel Ramos ensured he was always involved and engaged in learning about their team, culture, and company.

“I had a similar experience at Iron Mountain—the managers are great. Troy Hill, the director, is fantastic. There are honestly too many people to name. Everyone at both companies was friendly and helpful,” he shared.

Patrick learned a great deal during these placements. He became familiar with data center operations, daily routines, the role of facility technicians, and the significance of the job. As he transitioned from intern to employee, he had a clear understanding of what the role entailed.

When discussing challenges, Patrick noted that acronyms were at the top of the list. He encourages interns and new hires to ask questions about unfamiliar terms.

He also highly recommends NOVA’s DCO program. “In the data center world, we’re at the epicenter. TJ Ciccone’s Intro to DCO class offers an invaluable opportunity because he’s a prominent, influential figure in the industry. Having that direct connection and pipeline into the field is something you can’t find anywhere else on the planet right now,” he said.

Patrick plans to complete the DCO career studies certificate within the next year, supported by Iron Mountain’s tuition reimbursement program. His future goals include becoming an expert in his field and contributing to the training and education of young professionals in the industry.

AFCOM, Career & Leadership Readiness Institute, CLRI, Computer Science, Data Center Operations, Data Centers, Engineering Technology, Internships, Interpersonal Skills, Networking, NOVA IET, NOVA IET Career Pathways, NOVA to Mason, NOVA to Workforce, STEM Careers

NOVA Student to DCO Workforce Spotlight: David Evers

“I feel fortunate to have participated in the Career & Leadership Readiness Institute (CLRI) as part of NOVA’s Information and Engineering Technologies (IET) program. The people I’ve met along the way and the opportunities I’ve been given have been invaluable. I highly endorse NOVA’s IET program.”

David Evers recently graduated from NOVA with an A.S. in Computer Science (CS) and will pursue a 4-year degree in CS starting this fall at George Mason University.

David was interested in technology right from the start. “I remember being young and enjoying the outdoors, but once I came inside, I realized the vast possibilities computers offered. Plus, there’s abundant growth in the computer science field, with promising opportunities on the horizon,” he shared.

Like numerous technology students at NOVA seeking to advance their professional skills, David completed the Career & Leadership Readiness Institute (CLRI). David found the program insightful, valuing personal stories, leadership insights, and career advice from visiting industry professionals. The curriculum emphasized essential soft skills, such as crafting an effective elevator pitch, building a strong personal brand, and developing a strategic resume. Particularly beneficial was guidance from Tom Gerencer from Gerencer Creative on aligning resume keywords with search algorithms.

Beyond academics, David enjoyed CLRI’s social activities, including a kickoff at Stack Infrastructure, networking with industry professionals, a golf tournament, happy hours, and involvement in the Data Center Young Professionals group.

David recommends the CLRI program to his IET peers, praising its effectiveness and positive impact. “It broadened my vantage point—I can see further,” he said. “I appreciated the program’s concise, solid, and meaningful information. I believe it builds the confidence and reassurance necessary for entering the workforce.”

In addition, he acquired hands-on experience in fiber optics and communications technology through his AFCOM internships at National Technologies (NTI) and IES Communications. At NTI, he was involved in fiber optic installations at a Microsoft data center in Leesburg, focusing on both inside and outside plant fiber runs. His experience at IES Communications included shadowing project managers in Chantilly and visiting various sites, such as a CyrusOne data hall and the Gainesville Crossing Data Center, where he learned about structured cabling project management.

Reflecting on his CLRI experience, he expressed gratitude for Andy Chavez, a NOVA IET Career and Technical Education Coordinator, and Sedrick Settle, an IET Career Advisor who organize CLRI. David described them by saying, “Mr. Chavez and Mr. Settle were great mentors throughout the program, approachable, friendly, and gregarious.”

David also singled out STACK Infrastucture VP TJ Ciccone, whom he met during the tour of STACK. “Walking alongside Mr. Ciccone was inspiring. Witnessing the data center’s operations, where servers work in perfect harmony to maintain 100% uptime, felt almost magical.”

David is currently employed at IES Communications at a Wells Fargo data center where he’s working on the fiber optic and CAT 6 structured cabling. He’s enjoying the experience with IES because he’s able to learn more about cabling, systems integration, and team collaboration within data center infrastructure.

His day-to-day work consists of pulling fiber optic/CAT 6 cable, patching fiber to the Corning EDGE cassettes (inside the rack enclosures), and labeling the fiber routes between rack enclosures. He’s learning a lot from his two superintendents, Malik Brokenburr and Jordan Gladney, as well as his project manager, Eric Younts.

His advice to NOVA students is “keep showing up, even if you’re not feeling your best self. When you continuously show up for yourself and for the people on your team, it speaks volumes about your character.”

David also participated in Amideast’s CASE Program in Tunisia with NOVA’s Study Abroad program, where he studied Tunisian post-colonial society, labor and migration, race and colorism, feminism and LGBTQIA communities, and culture.

“It was a wonderful experience where I met some great people in Tunisia as well as American students alongside me studying abroad. I would love for other NOVA students to be future CASE participants.”

Career & Leadership Readiness Institute, Career Skills, CLRI, In-Demand Technology Pathways, Industry Partnerships, Interpersonal Skills, Mentoring, Networking, NOVA IET Career Pathways, NOVA to Workforce, Soft Skills

CLRI Completes Spring Cohort with Executive Networking Event

The Spring 2024 Career and Leadership Institute (CLRI) was capped off on March 28 with the Executive Mentoring and Networking event!

A total of 24 students graduated from the Spring program, completing 7 workshops that covered topics including Leadership and Communication Skills, Building your Personal Brand, Technical Resume Writing, and Understanding Clearances and Vetting for Government Jobs.

The spring program covered 5 weeks starting in February and culminated in the Executive Mentoring and Networking event with 13 industry executives from Iron Mountain, HR Tec, Stack Infrastructure, CoreSite, AWS, A Foot In The Door, Vetting Konsultants, Micron, and Digital Realty.

Both mentors and students were recognized at the end of the event, and participants stayed an extra hour to network with industry partners.

Feedback from CLRI students included the following:

“I’m in the cybersecurity program and looking forward to entering the workforce. This event has been amazing; it helps break the ice, and all the questions I’ve been stressing about are being answered. Having come from the medical field, I’m entering this environment fresh. I was concerned about whether companies would hire people with no experience. Now, I understand what these companies are looking for in their employees, including certifications, and so on. It has been a fantastic experience.”

~ Kayley Radar, Cybersecurity

“I enjoyed speaking with professionals in groups along with other students because it prompted me to think of questions I hadn’t considered before. It allowed us to bounce ideas off one another.”

~ Arisiema Legasse

“I think it was cool that you could talk to industry leaders face-to-face. They were all very friendly, engaging, and interested in getting to know the students.”

~ Patrick Gilllespie, Data Center Operations

“This event was excellent as it provided a good opportunity to practice interacting with others. At NOVA, not many people engage in conversations; they attend their classes and leave. So, this experience was beneficial.”

~ Josh, Computer Science

“Andy Chavez said that working for a company is like a future relationship: the company wants you as much as you want them. I really liked this event.”

~ Nga Tran, Cloud Computing

Insights from industry professionals included the following:

Miguel Ramos, CMCO, Sr. Data Center Operations Manager, along with Zuri Johnson, Recruiter at CoreSite, an American Tower Company, shared their experiences through Q & A.

CoreSite operates 28 data centers across the United States, including three in Virginia.

Q. Which of your skills can be applied beyond your present job? 

Miguel explained from a manager’s viewpoint the importance of getting to know the people in your team. He emphasized, “It’s crucial to understand their personalities, the skills they bring to the table, their needs, and how to communicate with each individual uniquely. The way you perceive information may not be the same way they understand it. Having people skills can help you in any job.”

Miguel highlighted the importance of email organization in a data center, saying, “Every asset in the building, such as generators, chillers, UPS systems, and power panels, is monitored. It’s similar to getting an engine light in your car when you need an oil change. We receive alarms every day via email. I might get 500 alarms a day, translating to 500 emails that I have to sift through.”

Zuri shared, “Customer service skills are invaluable, regardless of your job. Another critical skill is project management, especially the ability to manage your time.”

Q. When you first started in the data center industry, was it overwhelming?

Miguel responded, “Anything new can be overwhelming at first, but once you find your rhythm, get trained, and understand your duties, it becomes manageable. We tend to be our own worst critics.”

Zuri added, “Yes, it was particularly overwhelming for me since it was my first experience in this environment. Choosing a company with a great culture and team is crucial.”

Michael Guttman, Strategic Program Manager at Micron Technology, a semiconductor manufacturing company based in Manassas and operating internationally, also provided insights.

Q. What makes work fun?

“It’s engaging to work with a group of people you get along with, where everyone values each other and can be themselves. Having a space where we can professionally joke around enhances the work environment.”

Q. Are there internship opportunities at Micron?

“Yes, we offer internships. I currently have an intern from NOVA on my team, who’s doing great. Although she’s majoring in cybersecurity, I’m assisting her in transitioning to mechatronics, which aligns more closely with our work.”

Q. Is your current position something you imagined doing when you were younger?

“Not in a million years. I assumed the highest position I would achieve was that of a senior technician. Managing projects worth a hundred million dollars was beyond my imagination.”

Q. What skills from your technician background helped you become a program manager?

“My military background provided me with leadership and technical skills. I’ve always been quick to learn and enjoy it, which opened many opportunities. This industry is challenging, and having a versatile skill set has kept me employed. Networking and building relationships with senior leaders are also crucial for success. Relationships are everything.”

Q. Have you ever felt like you didn’t fit into your role or experienced imposter syndrome?

“When I joined the STAR team, my knowledge of talent acquisition was limited, making me feel like an imposter. However, through extensive reading, online research, courses, and certification in management recruiting, I gained confidence. Starting a new position always comes with uncertainties, but taking smart risks and learning from mistakes, with support from your team, helps you progress.”

Stephen Jolly, Data Center Cluster Manager at Amazon Web Services (AWS), discussed career opportunities at AWS.

Q. What kind of career opportunities are available at AWS?

“AWS offers many entry-level positions that don’t require extensive experience. For instance, with a cybersecurity degree, you can start in an entry-level data center position, learning about the business while building a network to explore cybersecurity within AWS. I encourage students, even freshmen at Nova, to join us. We support their education and help them establish a professional network, creating a beneficial situation for everyone. We look for individuals who will contribute positively to our team.”

AFCOM, Career & Leadership Readiness Institute, CLRI, Data Center Operations, In-Demand Technology Pathways, Mentoring, Student Success

Spotlight on AFCOM/CLRI Grad Bryan Buford

Bryan Buford, a NOVA IET student, completed the Career Leadership Readiness Institute (CLRI) and an internship through AFCOM. 

Through CLRI, Buford gained an introduction to personal branding, enhancing his understanding of resume development to emphasize achievements over mere job descriptions. He also appreciated CLRI’s emphasis on effective communication and leadership skills towards his professional development.

He found the mock interviews particularly equipping, especially the exposure to Amazon’s STAR method, which stands for: Situation: What was a challenging situation at your previous job that you faced? Task: What did you do when the situation arose? Action: How did you take action to resolve the situation? Results: What happened as a result of your action?

During his AFCOM internship at CyrusOne Data Centers, he began as a critical operations intern. His duties included monitoring control center screens and managing the operation of rooftop chillers. He learned from seasoned professionals, occasionally starting up generators and improving his ability to interpret one-line diagrams.

He later transitioned to the position of technician intern, where he removed racks and cables in a data hall, distinguishing between fiber and copper and learning the careful handling of fiber to prevent damage. He values internships for the practical experience they provide, believing they differentiate candidates in the job market.

Now employed as a cable technician at N2N Integrations, he enjoys the role’s diversity and dynamism, rising to the challenge of juggling a full-time job with part-time college coursework and looks forward to graduating with an associate’s degree in Data Center Operations (DCO).

His future plans include continuing his technical career before transitioning to critical operations, to pursue a mechanical engineering degree with the dream of working at NASA.

He advises those interested in the DCO field to start early and invest significant effort, pointing out the promising growth trajectory of data centers in our increasingly digital world.

Buford compares his interest in the IET field to the allure of the “Great and Powerful Oz” from The Wizard of Oz. He explained, “There’s something intriguing about observing the inner workings of computers and servers behind the scenes.”

He acknowledges the significant influence of TJ Ciccone, the IET Program and Curriculum Support Specialist, on his career. Buford is grateful for Ciccone’s impactful instruction and assistance in securing his internship.

Career & Leadership Readiness Institute, Career Skills, CLRI, Future of Work Academy, Information Technology, Interpersonal Skills, Mentoring, Network Engineering, Soft Skills, Student Success, Tech Equity, Uncategorized, Upskilling

NOVA Student Success In IET: Willie Brown

NOVA student Willie Brown is flying high in NASA’s Community College Aerospace Scholars Program. From CLRI to FOWA, he’s leaving a trail of success wherever he goes.

We recently settled in for a conversation with Willie, a NOVA IET student and participant in NASA’s Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) program. We were eager to delve into his remarkable experience and trace his journey through NOVA IET.

Brown, currently pursuing an A.S. in Information Technology, a C.S.C. for Network Engineering Specialist, and CompTIA Industry Certifications, discovered this excellent opportunity through a Canvas announcement last year. Despite fierce competition among hundreds of community college students, Brown stood out and actively engaged in Mission 1: Discover and Mission 2: Explore within the NCAS virtual experience. To top it off, Brown received an invitation to Mission 3: Innovate-Capstone Project, scheduled to take place at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California!

Mission 1 and Mission 2 are five-week programs, deeply immersing participants in NASA’s missions and STEM careers. Meanwhile, Mission 3 is a three-week endeavor, consisting of a 2-week online segment followed by a one-week residential experience. During this time, scholars like Brown will contribute to NASA’s missions by developing possible solutions to current challenges faced by NASA.

As he embarked on Mission 1, Discover, Brown found himself engrossed in a NASA orientation that set the stage for the subsequent NCAS missions. This phase offered students a comprehensive insight into NASA’s ongoing projects and pathways for involvement.

The online program blends various STEM activities, including expert talks, interactive media, group work, tests, and guidance from seasoned educators, providing students like Brown with an engaging learning experience during Mission 1.

He encourages students to explore the program, noting that Mission 1 is achievable due to its virtual nature. He explained that participants delve into NASA’s directorates and focus on major ongoing projects, such as Artemis.

Artemis II, slated as the first crewed mission to the moon since 1972, is scheduled to launch a year from now. Brown emphasized its significance, stating, “The space program affects life on Earth much more than you might initially think. For example, research takes place on the space station that can be beneficial on Earth. Research topics include plant growth, changes in bone density, chemical processes for the development of medicine, and more. It’s really exciting in addition to the first person of color being on the Artemis II team.”

Transitioning into Mission 2, Explore unfolds as a simulation where students craft solutions for missions to the Moon or Mars. This phase focuses on teaching them the art of balancing choices within set limits. Simultaneously, within the career simulation, students step into mock NASA roles, showcasing the importance of teamwork and personal skills essential for monumental missions, such as exploring the lunar surface.

Brown was a member of the Apollo Green team, tasked with deciphering which rocket to utilize, defining payloads, specifying the mission objectives, selecting landing sites, and managing numerous other crucial elements.

When allocating roles among team members, Brown humorously compared the process to steering clear of the frantic scramble for supplies at the cornucopia in The Hunger Games; in their case, the “cornucopia” encapsulated all the available STEM roles in Exploration. Thankfully, the team swiftly resolved their roles due to time constraints, spurred by the impending presentation of their project.

His role centered on public affairs, necessitating the creation of a marketing plan outlining their approach to disseminating the program to the public. He also strategized on how to keep stakeholders informed about their progress while navigating the challenge of addressing encountered issues without revealing excessive details to other teams.

Amidst his involvement in the NCAS program, Brown’s plate extends far beyond. Besides being a NOVA student, he is deeply engaged in various roles. He serves on the Student Advisory Group for Virginia Workforce Recovery, collaborates with the Community College Research Center at Columbia University, holds positions as a NOVA Corps intern with Alexandria Enrollment Services, and interns with the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative and CACI Corporation.

When questioned about his perspective on the importance of IET fields, he elaborated, “The world has shifted—now, we’re all interconnected through this internet, so there are fundamental things that everyone needs to comprehend in order to protect themselves.”

On doing CLRI at NOVA

Reflecting on his journey at NOVA, Brown highlighted the significance of completing the Career & Leadership Readiness Institute (CLRI). He firmly advocates for its value, stating, “It’s worth the time and energy invested. An absolutely fantastic program—it’s priceless.” He specifically praised several beneficial aspects such as mock interviews, guidance from subject matter experts, insightful visits to data centers, resume assistance, and the invaluable support from Career and Technical Education Coordinator, Andy Chavez, and IET Career Advisor, Sedrick Settle.

Furthermore, the CLRI focuses on imparting soft skills, an aspect Brown noted as crucial irrespective of one’s field. He acknowledged the significance of interpersonal abilities since interaction with people is universal across professions. He identified essential soft skills such as maintaining eye contact, effective communication, active listening, the art of asking questions and seeking clarification, mastering intonation, delivering both positive and negative news, demonstrating respect, and offering basic technical support.

First Place in the Future of Work Academy (FOWA)

Additionally, last fall, Brown participated in the virtual Future of Work Academy (FOWA), an institution specializing in cybersecurity career preparation. Notably, he clinched first place in the FOWA Innovation Incubator Challenge by presenting an idea centered around connecting individuals with limited resources seeking employment opportunities to free community resources. His concept involved establishing virtual cohorts within the community. His focus lay in imparting fundamental typing skills, recognizing its essentiality in today’s landscape.

Engaging in NOVA IET

Regarding advice for those contemplating NOVA’s IET programs, Brown stresses the need to dispel the notion that IT professionals are innate wizards, emphasizing that everyone starts as a learner. His advice is to initiate learning, seek guidance from successful individuals, and craft a solid learning plan, starting without delay.

For non-traditional students, he urges active engagement within the NOVA experience, advocating for the exploration of unfamiliar opportunities. He emphasizes the significance of not holding back academically or experientially due to age differences. In the competitive arena of professional life, he suggests embracing the diverse experiences within the classroom while understanding that they may also be competitors in securing dream jobs.

Highlighting the importance of a support network, Brown acknowledges the influential role of Jack Bidlack, NOVA’s Director of Strategic Initiatives, as a mentor and supporter. “One of my champions is Mr. Bidlack. Anytime something happens to me, I always send him a note to let him know what’s going on. He’s like my cheering section,” he said with a bright smile.

Looking ahead, Brown envisions completing his studies at NOVA and transferring to a four-year university, preferably one with an active honors program or a small liberal arts school offering an engaging environment. He also expresses his commitment to lifelong learning, currently pursuing a mathematics class at NOVA.

 

AFCOM, Career & Leadership Readiness Institute, Career Skills, Data Center Operations, Information Technology, Student Success, Student to Workforce

NOVA Student Success in IET Spotlight

NOVA student Prasit Acharya met with us during his lunch break from Capital Power Group (CPG), a data center service provider in Ashburn. We sat down to discuss his success in completing NOVA’s Career & Leadership Readiness Institute (CLRI) and his internships at Vantage and CPG. Despite not having graduated from NOVA yet, Acharya has already secured a full-time position at CPG as an NOC Service Coordinator. Currently pursuing an associate degree in Information Technology (IT), he plans to complete his studies this year.

Acharya first learned about the CLRI program through an email from Andy Chavez, NOVA’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) director. His immediate interest in the internship opportunity led him to enroll. He’s immensely glad he didーduring the program, he acquired a plethora of skills, including communication, professionalism, leadership, accountability, resume creation, and more. Additionally, Acharya forged lasting friendships with peers that endure to this day, and his confidence experienced a significant boost.

The resume builder workshop held particular significance for Acharya. Notable tips that resonated with him included the emphasis on listing accomplishments rather than just job tasks. For instance, if you held a position as a cashier at a grocery store, the advice was to focus on how you contributed to your team rather than simply stating that you scanned items. Additionally, for those without extensive work experience, the workshop emphasized the importance of highlighting your educational achievements.

One of the mottos of the CLRI is “every day is a job interview,” and this resonated strongly with Acharya. He explained, “It’s important to act professionally because you don’t know who you’re going to meet, especially in this area. We toured data centers and met directors. Even though it was just a pleasant introduction, that initial contact can open the door to opportunities.”

Another significant aspect of the CLRI program was the networking event, where students had the opportunity to meet representatives from various companies, including Google, Course 1, Prince William County Department of IT, and more.

Acharya expressed that he would have missed out on many opportunities if not for the CLRI. In fact, it was through the CLRI that he met Professor TJ Ciccone, which prompted him to register for the Data Center Operations class—a crucial stepping-stone to the internship through Advancing IT and Data Center Infrastructure (AFCOM), an association dedicated to the career advancement of IT and data center professionals.

Reflecting on the program, he remarked, “I learned the basics of professionalism in the real world. I feel like that was a big thing for me, especially coming right out of high school.”

Acharya encourages IET students to register for CLRI, stating, “I can’t thank Chavez and Cedric Settle, NOVA’s IET Career Advisor, enough. They care about every student. Chavez organizes get-togethers and Settle reaches out personally. They want you to succeed.”

Most significantly, CLRI led to Acharya’s 5-week internship at Vantage and a subsequent 5-week internship at Capital Power Group (CPG) through AFCOM.

At Vantage, he shadowed the operations team responsible for checking the BMS and HVAC systems. One task that he particularly enjoyed was trying on an arc flash suit used for critical switch manipulation.

He explained, “In class, we covered switching from the online maintenance bypass in the UPS system. I actually got to do that live, in person, with actual repercussions if something were to go wrong. I mean, there’s nothing that’s going to happen, but once you have that suit on, it feels real.”

“In class, there’s a rack, but it’s not live. When I flipped the switch, I had to look away in case something exploded. Of course, the manager was watching, but they let me handle a large portion of it,” he added.

At CPG, he shadowed not only the operations team but also the project management and HVAC teams. The operations team is responsible for determining the projects that need attention, assessing project costs, determining the required number of contractors, and overseeing the self-service tasks that need completion.

While the majority of the internship took place during the day, he also worked overnight shifts because the units required constant monitoring.

In terms of individuals who had a positive influence on him during the internship, Acharya mentioned his mentor, Kenny Bland, who serves as a service delivery manager at CyrusOne. They met weekly to discuss the progress of the internship.

While he gained a wealth of knowledge during the internships, what stood out was learning effective teamwork, improving communication skills, gaining insights into the workings of a data center, and more. At both placements, Acharya felt warmly welcomed and considered himself an integral part of the team.

Regarding the biggest challenge, he explained that familiarizing himself with all the various systems posed the most significant hurdle.

It was during his time at CBG, while shadowing both the operations and project management teams, that he realized this was an area he would like to pursue because it involves working directly with customers.

Acharya encourages IET students to complete an internship and advocate for what they want. “NOVA has internships going on year-round, so take one and learn from it. Even if you don’t like it, you’ll still learn, and you might get paid a little bit along the way. It’s a win-win,” he explained.

During his internship at CPG, a NOC Service Coordinator position opened up, prompting him to contact the hiring manager to express his interest. Clearly, he made a significant impression because he was offered the job before his internship had even ended.

As for future education and career goals, after graduating with an IT associate degree from NOVA, Acharya plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree. He holds a particular interest in data science and identity management. His ultimate dream is to work for Facebook, Apple, or Google. With his remarkable achievements in such a short amount of time, the sky’s the limit.

Career & Leadership Readiness Institute, Career Skills, CLRI, Cybersecurity, In-Demand Technology Pathways, Information Technology, Internships, Interpersonal Skills, NOVA IET Career Pathways, NOVA to Mason, NOVA to Workforce, PWCS IT Internship, Student Success, Student to Workforce, Women in IET, Women in STEM

PWCS IT Intern Now Working at NOVA in IT

Fatima Shareen comes full circle from NOVA cyber student and CLRI to NOVA IT employee.

 By Kristy Gillespie

Fatima Shareen is a recent NOVA cybersecurity graduate and now works as an Information Technology (IT) Support Technician at the bustling Woodbridge Campus, future site of NOVA’s Data Center Operations Training Facility and where NOVA’s Information and Engineering Technologies (IET) program is based.

Her current career pathway was trailblazed from her time as a Prince William County Schools (PWCS) IT intern when she was a NOVA student. From the beginning, the 150-hour internship at Forest Park High School provided flexibility as she could choose between an eight or six-hour day, giving her the freedom to efficiently manage her busy schedule at work and at George Mason University, where she is pursuing a cybersecurity bachelor degree.

Like many technology students at NOVA who are looking to develop their soft skills, Shareen previously completed NOVA IET’s Career & Leadership Readiness Institute (CLRI): “I loved the CLRI program. I actually enrolled twice because the instructors provided great support for the interview process and helped with resume building.”

Shereen highly recommends that NOVA IET students take advantage of CLRI so they have better internship opportunities, as being a CLRI grad played a pivotal role in securing her own PWCS intern spot.

Her key tasks during the internship included computer imaging (which involves the installation of operating systems, applications, and settings) and computer scripting for automating tasks in websites and web applications. She utilized Configuration Manager, a systems management software product, to handle a total of 3,000 laptops.

At Forest Park High School, Shereen progressed through her internship in a “warm and welcoming environment with supportive individuals.” One person who had a profound influence on her was Sylvia Avila, an IT Support Technician. “I’ve been working for the last six, seven years, but never encountered someone like her. She was simply amazing and incredibly helpful,” Shareen said.

The PWCS internship significantly bolstered her resume, enhanced her teamwork skills, expanded her IT knowledge, and provided valuable hands-on training. Shareen emphasized how those skills acquired during the internship continue to support her in her current career, particularly with diagnosing and resolving computer errors or technical issues: “If you are in the IT field, troubleshooting is the most important thing that you should know.”

Shareen has come full circle, from NOVA student to NOVA employee. Reflecting on those who made a positive impact during her time as a student, she singled out IET Professor Michael Spiller as her favorite instructor: “The way he taught was different from other teachers. He always showed up to class stating that he was the boss and we were his employees. I took 3 or 4 classes with him. He was amazing.”

In her professional environment, Shareen is keenly appreciative of NOVA’s “positive vibe,” with friendly people and job tasks similar to those performed during her internship.

Looking forward, Shareen aspires to venture into entrepreneurship and develop her own business, possibly through the Fulfillment by Amazon platform.

Shareen’s heartfelt message to NOVA students is: “your time at NOVA is an invaluable investment in your future, and I encourage you to approach it with dedication and belief in your capabilities.”

PWCS IT Internship Opportunities are currently available for NOVA students. Apply by December 13 through the NOVA Career Connection portal

More about NOVA IET at https://www.nvcc.edu/academics/divisions/iet/index.html

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