Category Archives: Data Center Operations

Data Center Operations, Employee Spotlight, Engineering Technology, NOVA IET

Faculty Spotlight in Data Center Operations: Dr. John Sound

“Learn while you can. Use your time to build a strong foundation of knowledge about the field.”

Dr. John Sound began his career at NOVA 20 years ago as an adjunct instructor at the Alexandria campus, teaching humanities and religion. He later transitioned to full-time roles teaching math and, eventually, engineering technology. In 2018, he brought his expertise in microelectronics to the Manassas campus, where he played a key role in developing the Engineering Technology program. Today, he teaches a variety of IET courses, blending his technical knowledge with a passion for education.

Dr. Sound’s dedication to teaching and the IET field is rooted in his upbringing—both of his parents were educators. While earning his master’s degree in public administration at the University of Pittsburgh, he worked as a teaching research assistant. During his doctoral studies in India, he also served as a teaching assistant in the technology industry, further cementing his commitment to education.

Currently, Dr. Sound co-teaches a Fiber Optics Technology workshop on Saturdays with Professor Amir Mehmood. He also instructs courses such as Basic Technical Mathematics, Electric Motor Control, Fiber Optics Technology, Computations for Engineering Technology, OSHA 10, Student Development, Team Concepts & Problem Solving, and Introduction to Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.

Among these, Electric Motor Control and Fiber Optics Technology are particularly hands-on. In Electric Motor Control, students work with various modules to understand motor operations, while in Fiber Optics Technology, they learn about fiber types, terminations, connectors, and splicing techniques. Furthermore, students learn automation using mechatronics trainers.

The program also incorporates cutting-edge technology, including digital electronic modules, advanced Sumitomo splicing equipment, upgraded motor control components, and AC/DC trainers. These innovations simplify system simulation by allowing students to connect components like resistors, capacitors, and inductors using cables instead of traditional breadboards.

“As the industry evolves, we strive to introduce new, hands-on tools so students can confidently demonstrate their skills in the workplace,” he says.

Dr. Sound has seen many of his students thrive in their careers. He previously taught a few cohorts of students through Year Up, a nonprofit that prepares participants for roles at companies like Micron. He often encounters these former students excelling in the field.

Last semester, two of his students, Jennifer and Marina, achieved notable success. Both received perfect 4 out of 4 evaluations. Marina, who holds an engineering degree, was promoted to an engineer, while Jennifer advanced to a T2 position.

“To teach effectively, I must be well-qualified,” Dr. Sound explains. “That knowledge benefits me first, then flows to my students as they learn to the same standard. I see the impact when they grasp the material and are ready to apply it in their chosen fields. It strengthens and energizes me to see the results of my teaching—especially when I visit Micron and data centers, where I see my students thriving. That’s the reward for my hard work and what keeps me motivated.”

He also encourages students in the IET field to embrace all aspects of their education, even if certain concepts don’t seem immediately relevant.

“I studied optimization and advanced calculus,” he says. “Do I use those every day? No. But that’s the standard of the program—it builds a foundation. It’s not about applying everything directly; it’s about developing the ability to learn. With a strong foundation, your brain can adapt to new challenges. When you face something unfamiliar, you can say, ‘I don’t know this yet, but I can learn it.’ That mindset is key to success.”

Dr. Sound can be reached at jsound@nvcc.edu

Career Skills, Community Partnerships, Data Center Operations, ET Career Scholars, In-Demand Technology Pathways, Industry Partnerships, Interpersonal Skills, Mentoring, Microsoft

NOVA ET Career Scholars Meet with Microsoft Professionals

During a session of speed mentoring, scholars gain insight into real-world workforce expectations.

This month we had the honor of having Microsoft visit our Engineering Technology Career Scholars at the NOVA Fab Lab for engaging sessions of speed-mentoring! Microsoft brought 13 team members to help guide our scholars through what it takes to be a professional both at Microsoft and the tech world in general.

2 scholars at a time went to each station to learn from a different mentor, and it was an excellent opportunity for them to ask questions and gain valuable interpersonal experience with accomplished tech professionals.

Here’s what mentors and scholars had to say in response to the session:

“Being able to contribute to the NOVA ET Career Scholars Program as a mentor was as rewarding as it was inspiring, and I look forward to seeing these students in our talent pipeline!”
~ Olivia Brown – Data Center Program Manager, Microsoft

“The speed networking event was amazing! Getting to chat with Microsoft professionals and hear firsthand about their experiences was super inspiring. I walked away with great insights and some awesome new connections that I’m excited to build on!”
~ Ali Pekdemir, ET Career Scholar

“I left the NOVA ETCS Program feeling extremely energized and excited about our future talent in the Northern VA market!”
~ Mauve Davidson, Sr – Global Talent Acquisition, Microsoft

“Our ETCS program provides fantastic opportunities like this, fostering a supportive atmosphere where we can connect and grow. Meeting the Microsoft professionals was definitely the highlight. I’m grateful they took the time out of their busy schedules to meet with us and share valuable insights about their roles and career journeys. Their advice on interview preparation was especially helpful, and after our brief chats, I felt more confident about my future prospects. The connections I made during the event are incredibly valuable, I’m excited about the possibility of becoming a Microsoft intern. Knowing I can reach out to these industry leaders for advice and support is reassuring.”
~ Ulises Chavarria, ET Career Scholar

“I loved the opportunity to connect directly with our local community and help build the next generation of datacenter operators!”
~ Givon Forbes – Data Center Operations Manager, Microsoft

“It was great to see that although the volunteers had different jobs and came from different backgrounds, they all stated that culture and core-values were highly prioritized in Microsoft. I think that it was an amazing opportunity overall.”
~ Jordan Ky, ET Career Scholar

We’ll be assembling another cohort of ET Career Scholars next year. For more info click here.

ETCareerScholarsNOVA EngineeringTechnology DataCenterOperations SoftSkills

ATE PI Conference 2024, BUILD Welding NSF Grant, Conferences, Data Center Operations, DCO PD NSF Grant, DCO Professional Learning Fellowship, Design Thinking, Digital Fabrication, Fabrication, In-Demand Technology Pathways, NSF Grants, PDI NSF Grant, Product Design Incubator (PDI)

Promoting NOVA Grant Funded Programs at the ATE PI Conference in DC

3 grant award programs showcased at the annual DC event

The 2024 NSF ATE PI (Principal Investigator’s) Conference successfully wrapped up this month in Washington, D.C., gathering over 850 ATE (Advanced Technical Education) grantees and partners from across the U.S.

The event provides a valuable opportunity for sharing innovations and fostering collaboration among educators in advanced technological education. Teams from NOVA SySTEMic and NOVA IET attended, as well as students from NOVA’s Product Design Incubator (PDI) program, to actively raise awareness about National Science Foundation (NSF) grant-funded initiatives through presentations, spotlight sessions, and networking events.

NOVA highlighted 3 different NSF grant award programs in spotlight sessions and through ATE Connects, a hub for networking and collaboration where ATE projects are showcased with posters, materials, and discussion.

The 3 highlighted NSF grant awards were:

  1. Data Center Operations Program Development (DCO PD), which seeks to support colleges across the country in developing programs, courses and content to increase capacity for data center education through 3 components; A DCO Professional Learning (PL) Fellowship for educators, An awareness and recruitment campaign through ACTE’s national conferences, and a Data Center Education Digital Resource Hub. More info about DCO PD can be found here. 
  2. The Product Design Incubator (PDI), which prepares community college students for success in digital fabrication through a product design challenge, guiding them from ideation to final presentation. PDI’s goals are to increase industry engagement, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and produce IET workers with strong communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills – all highly valued by regional employers. To date, PDI has completed 2 cohorts at NOVA. In 2025, we plan to accept our last cohort of 24 students and increase collaboration with our industry and academic partners. More about PDI here.
  3. BUILD: Futures in Welding and Fabrication. The NSF BUILD grant is a new and developing program that will enhance welding instruction at NOVA by redesigning and restructuring courses to align with industry demands, addressing the regional need for a new generation of skilled welders in an aging workforce. BUILD will offer additional support resources to welding students, boosting their competitiveness in the job market. BUILD has 4 goals: to rebuild and modernize the welding credential, to develop a welding fabrication capstone course, to improve access to welding co-curricular support, and to increase outreach to High School students. More about NOVA’s welding program can be found here.
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.

Data Center Operations, Data Centers, Employee Spotlight, Engineering Technology, NOVA IET

NOVA DCO Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Amir Mehmood

“We started the DCO program with single rooms at the Loudoun and Manassas campuses. Now, we’ve built full facilities at both locations, as well as at Woodbridge and discussing facilities at Alexandria and Annandale. I want to thank and applaud the entire NOVA team for making this happen.”

Balancing Roles in Academia and Industry

Calling Dr. Amir Mehmood “busy” hardly captures the full picture. Since joining NVCC in 2019, he has led the DCO program while also teaching in the Engineering Technology and DCO departments. On top of his full-time role at NOVA, Amir took on a second significant position in 2022 as a Senior Customer Success Engineer at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Balancing both worlds, he skillfully connects academic insight with industry expertise.

“My passion for engineering began with my love for math, fostered by my teachers and my natural inclination toward technology,” he shares.“For those who enjoy solving technical problems, engineering is a perfect fit. I chose electrical engineering and electronics because, in the mid-90s when I entered the field, technology was evolving at a rapid pace. Now, computers are a fundamental part of our daily lives.”

In collaboration with Dr. John Sound, Amir launched NOVA’s DCO initiative in 2019. As head of the program, he handles everything from organizing the schedule for 20 to 22 classes per semester to managing faculty and resources. Beyond his administrative responsibilities, he also teaches five to six courses each term, including Building Automation and Energy Management Systems, Electrical Machines, Electric Motor Control, Fiber Optic Technology, Power Distribution Systems, and Programmable Logic Controllers.

His dedication to teaching is evident in his interactions with students. He values their input and takes pride in their achievements. “It’s fulfilling to see students excel in such a hands-on field,” he says.

The DCO curriculum emphasizes practical learning. In the fiber optics course, for instance, students practice terminating, splicing, and testing—critical skills in the industry. In motor control classes, students use electrical trainers to perform tasks related to power distribution, and since building a full lab for power distribution is difficult, students also visit local data centers.

Since its inception, the DCO program has grown significantly. “We began with just baseline UPS systems, a few racks, and some basic equipment,” he recalls. “Each year, we’ve made strides to upgrade with newer technology.” Recently, NOVA invested in a state-of-the-art $6 million lab at the Woodbridge Campus, featuring the latest racks, UPS units, and power distribution systems.

In addition to his academic responsibilities, Amir continues his work at AWS, where he helps clients in Northern Virginia and emerging markets. His role involves addressing training needs, troubleshooting virtual systems, and advising data center communities. His industry experience brings valuable insight back to his students.

For those interested in DCO, he offers encouraging advice: “If you love technology—even if math isn’t your strongest subject—this is a fantastic field to explore. Data centers are here to stay, offering a stable and growing career path.”

The demand for DCO graduates is high. “Since 2018, the number of data centers in Northern Virginia has nearly tripled,” he notes. “While space here is limited, the industry is expanding to places like Florida, California, Oregon, Texas, and even internationally, in Europe and Asia.”

Data Center Operations, Data Centers, NOVA IET, NOVA to Workforce, STEM Careers, STEM Workforce, Student Success, Student to Workforce

DCO Student to Workforce Spotlight: Mike Dexter

“I highly recommend NOVA’s Data Center Operations (DCO) program to anyone entering the field. NOVA laid the groundwork I needed, which I built on through hands-on experience at Iron Mountain Data Centers.”

Mike’s career began in law enforcement as a corrections officer, but after the birth of his son, he transitioned to security. Six months into his role as a safety and security officer at Iron Mountain, he became fascinated with the critical facilities side of the business. His natural curiosity and hands-on learning style made this shift feel seamless.

In 2021, Mike joined Iron Mountain as a facilities technician, on the condition that he would enroll in a data center operations program. That year, he began NOVA’s one-year certificate program. Reflecting on his time here, Mike appreciates the professors’ expertise and support. “The professors are knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely care about helping you succeed,” he says. “They have direct industry experience, which adds depth to the lessons.”

He credits two professors in particular for shaping his journey. “My first class with TJ Ciccone was pivotal. Without him, I might not have completed the program or entered the field,” he shares. “Amir Mehmood is another favorite. I faced family issues during school, and his support was crucial in helping me stay on track. He allowed me to do make-up work online, which made a huge difference.”

In addition to NOVA’s curriculum, Mike encourages students to explore other resources like The Engineering Mindset YouTube channel and free webinars from Schneider Electric, which bridge classroom learning and real-world application. He also promotes the AFCOM internship  program affiliated with Iron Mountain, which recently hired three of its interns.

Like many in the industry, Mike began on the night shift. Though offered a day shift, he remained on nights for a while, taking advantage of the higher pay to save for a house and using the quieter hours to further his learning. Having worked night shifts as a corrections officer, the schedule suited him. Recently, he transitioned to the day shift, working from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., five days a week.

“A typical night shift involves monitoring alarms, conducting rounds, and ensuring everything is operating smoothly,” he explains. “Day shifts are busier. We handle repairs, complete projects, and respond to customer needs.”

Switching to days after 10 years on nights was challenging. Mike had to adjust his body clock and expand his skillset to handle the more customer-facing aspects of the job, such as managing contractors, understanding contracts, and liaising with vendors. “It took some getting used to,” he says. “For the first few months, leaving work and seeing daylight was a strange feeling.”

Today, Mike serves as a Critical Facilities Engineer II in VA-2, one of the three operational buildings on Iron Mountain’s campus. He speaks highly of his team, emphasizing their talent and collaboration. “I make sure projects are completed and handle much of the paperwork in our building,” he says. “I also know most of the paperwork across the campus.”

Mike underscores the importance of communication, particularly when working with customers and vendors, as well as the need for organization, teamwork, and strong customer service skills. “If a customer needs something, and it’s within the contract, you make it happen,” he says.

Looking to the future, Mike aims to lead a team in one of the buildings, further develop his skills, and eventually take on a management role.

Bridge Programs, Career & Technical Education, Data Center Operations, Data Centers, Engineering Technology, Industry Tours, Micron, NOVA IET, STEM Careers, STEM Degrees

ET Career Scholars Complete Bridge Program, Start Fall Classes

22 ET Career Scholars Complete the Summer Bridge Program

The inaugural cohort of ET Career Scholars began their year-long. tuition free journey at NOVA by completing a 4-week bridge program before fall classes begin.

For the first two weeks of the bridge, students engaged in hands-on learning in topics like AC-DC principles, pneumatic systems, and mechatronics. During the AC-DC lab students were able to create a simple circuit with lightbulbs, batteries, and fans to better understand the flow of electricity. They also used pneumatic and mechatronic trainers to show how compressed air, and PLC’s (programmable logic controllers) play a role in many of the automated manufacturing facilities we see today.

Additionally, to help better understand how companies incorporate these types of systems, ET Career Scholars also toured STACK Infrastructure data center and semiconductor manufacturer giant Micron. It was during the tours students could then relate what they had learned in the classroom to a real-world application. Students also received college credit, and a head start into the fall by completing SDV-101 and OSHA-10.

During the second half of the bridge program, ET Career Scholars focused on interpersonal skills. Students were trained in skills like professionalism, communication, public speaking, and self-development.

Students also received their NFPA (national fire protection association) 70E electrical safety certification. Finally, to ensure students success we spent time reinforcing math concepts from fractions to trigonometry.

Many students described ET Career Scholars as an exciting, hands-on, rigorous program designed to help them navigate their career path. Some have already decided the pathway they want to follow, whether it’s DCO or engineering technology. Some are attempting both, which will make them even more valuable job candidates in the industry.

Students are currently taking fall classes, and IET team members will be working to mentor them as they need help. Students will be finishing up their certificates in the spring where they will also be preparing for internships at companies within the region.

ET Career Scholars eagerly shared their experiences in the program so far:

Nichole Luna, a graduate of South Lakes High School, applied to the program because it relates to electrical engineering, her desired field of study. She also thought it would be fun to learn about semiconductors and data science.

“My dad is an engineer, and he has some breadboard circuits at his workplace,” she said. “I’ve always wondered how they work, so I was excited to use one. It’s been super fun using the trainers for electrical engineering and thematics. I think my favorite part has been visiting Micron and meeting the interns. STACK was interesting, too.

“My dad has encouraged me to go into engineering and says there need to be more females in the field. This program has been very helpful—I’m learning about many opportunities. It’s motivating and supportive, making me want to work even harder. I would recommend this program to everyone.”

Nau Hernandez, another graduate of South Lakes High School, saw the program as a great opportunity because he’s interested in the IT field. Additionally, seeing his sister recently graduate from NOVA inspired him to follow in her footsteps.

“This is a great program. I’ve been introduced to many new possibilities—fields I hadn’t even considered as job options. At Micron, I learned more about breadboard circuitry, which is used for basic wiring. Micron has a great atmosphere where people support each other. Interns shared some of their fun experiences.

“STACK is enormous. When we entered the building, we were shown blueprints and the size of the rooms holding all of this equipment. We also learned about the UPS system—just one system and how the technology works for that. I found it very interesting, especially since I didn’t know anything about data center operations before. I could see myself working at either company. I’m really enjoying this program.”

Mileydi Villalobos, a recent graduate of Manassas Park High School, has been interested in computers since childhood. In fact, she once took her dad’s laptop apart, took STEM classes in middle school, studied mechatronics in high school, and helped with IT issues at school. She was excited to apply for the program and has had a great experience so far.

“Mr. Owen had us jump right into things, which was great. He has a lot of experience. The teachers here are awesome—they’re very knowledgeable. It’s cool to have different teachers while staying with the same cohort. It’s encouraging and empowering, especially since there are several females in the cohort.

“The tours of STACK and Micron were eye-opening and helpful in figuring out which IT path to pursue. The internships would be beneficial. I’d like to one day work nights at a data center. I could see myself working at STACK; the benefits sound great, and the people were friendly, including TJ Ciccone. I could also see myself working at Micron with microelectronics.”

Fernando Cueva, a graduate of Garfield High School, gravitates towards math and took computer information systems and cybersecurity in high school.

He shared, “This program is an incredible opportunity. Students who are interested in IT will be even more enthusiastic after attending. It’s a great starting point.

“I enjoyed the tour of STACK. TJ Ciccone was very transparent—if you asked him a question, he gave you a straight answer. There are a lot of NOVA students working there, which proves that the data center operations certification is effective. Plus, TJ is a professor at NOVA. I can see myself working in the data center field.”

Ben Pham, a graduate of Parkview High School, shared, “This is a great program that introduces you to many opportunities and allows you to meet new people all the time, so you’re always learning something new. I’ve enjoyed meeting people, touring industries, networking, and making connections.

“STACK seems like a very nice, professional company—it’s unlike anything I was used to. I could see myself working there. Micron was cool, too. It’s really impressive.”

Unity Reed High School graduate Hannah Duenes’ former engineering teacher encouraged her to apply for the program.

She shared, “Mr. Owen is a great teacher. I learned so much more about engineering and discovered that I’m most interested in hands-on engineering technology.

“We learned a lot about the mechanical and hands-on aspects at Micron. Seeing how things work on the inside was really cool—it reminded me of the movie Wall-E. STACK seems like a great place to work. TJ Ciccone gave us a tour and taught us about data center operations. He’s really fun and engaging, and I like the way he teaches with diagrams and explanations.”

Sean Williams, a graduate of Battlefield High School, applied to the program because he wanted to learn something new.

He said, “I’m enjoying the program and learning about electronics, pneumatics, how circuits work, and how every piece has a part in a system and how important that is in making things function around us. I’m looking forward to learning more about it.”

Currently, 20 ET Career Scholars are working toward obtaining NOVA’s Data Center Operations Career Studies Certificate (CSC) or an Engineering Technology CSC focusing on the semiconductor field. In 2025, they will receive a guaranteed interview for an internship with a data center or semiconductor industry partner, all at no cost to them.

More openings will be available for the 2025-26 academic year, with applications opening in early 2025. If you are a rising senior or have already graduated high school, fill out the interest form linked below, and we’ll keep you updated about the next application cycle.

ET Career Scholars Interest Form 2025

Career & Technical Education, Data Center Operations, Data Centers, Engineering Technology, Industry Tours, Micron

ET Ready Highlights Summer 2024

62 Local High School Students Attended NOVA’s Summer ET Ready Program

This summer, NOVA’s Engineering Technology (ET) Ready program attracted 62 local high school students. ET Ready is a one-week program for 9th to 11th graders that provides hands-on exposure to Engineering Technology topics and includes tours of local industries such as Iron Mountain, QTS, and Micron. The goal of ET Ready is to guide students into Bridge Programs next summer and ultimately into a technology career pathway through NOVA.

NOVA STEM Education Coordinator Ti’Era Worsley led the program. She explained, “During the ET Ready program, students experienced pneumatics, industrial PLCs, and electronics to understand some of the daily job demands of engineering technicians.”

To further provide students with real-world experiences, they visited data centers to learn about the rapidly growing field and see firsthand the role of pneumatics, industrial PLCs, and electronics within data center operations.

“Students also engaged in open discussions with the instructors about various career paths, breaking down the differences between engineering and engineering technology, and exploring the options that NOVA provides.”

Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive:

Emma Nguyen, sophomore at Gainesville High School:

“I discovered that engineering involves building, hands-on activities, and covers various subjects. The field trip to Iron Mountain was fascinating because I didn’t know much about data centers before. Now, I’m even more interested in engineering and feel like it’s a great path for me.”

Jennifer Guevara, sophomore at Patriot High School:

“Since I’m not sure what I want to do after high school, I’m exploring various programs and careers. I attended a STEM information night at NOVA, learned about the bridge program, and signed up. I’ve enjoyed my time here, especially learning about the STEM simulators and touring Iron Mountain.

My uncle, who repairs and builds laptops from scratch, has inspired me to enter the technology field. My parents support my decision to attend NOVA after graduation. I like that NOVA offers flexible class schedules, which will allow me to take classes and work.”

Godwin Ansu’gyan, senior at Woodbridge High School:

“Three years ago, I became interested in engineering and STEM. I signed up for the bridge program to learn more about engineering and figure out which field interests me before starting college. I’ve enjoyed the program; it has built up my confidence, and it was great to have Mr. Castro, who was my teacher in 10th grade, as an instructor again.”

Hailey Denton, sophomore at Washington Liberty High School:

“I attended this camp to explore whether engineering technology is a field I’d like to pursue. I’ve learned a lot this week, including how to program machines to perform various tasks. At Iron Mountain, I was surprised by the amount of energy required to keep everything running. I plan to take an engineering-related class at school to learn more about it.”

Hadi Tabbara, sophomore at Manassas Park High School:

“I’ve always loved math and science, and after taking an engineering class at school, I was curious about this program. I enjoyed touring the data center and learning about different jobs, how they interact with each other, and the various clearance levels. I have a better understanding of the engineering field now and want to explore it further.”

Adonya Hailu, sophomore at Colgan High School:

“This week, I learned more about STEM, programming, and circuit boards. Iron Mountain is very secure; everything has passwords, and there are dark screens to prevent visibility. I’m more excited about engineering now.”

Gabriela Dettre, sophomore at Gainesville High School:

“I’ve learned more about NOVA, engineering, and programming. The trip to Iron Mountain was cool. There are a lot of data centers in our area, but I wasn’t sure what they did, so seeing inside one was eye-opening. I’m even more interested in engineering now that I know more about it.”

Navira Azad, senior at Virginia Virtual Academy:

“During the trip to Micron, I learned so much more than I expected. They told us about a new apprenticeship program they started this year, and we learned how they make wafers and similar things. I really enjoyed it.”

Akyra Obligacion, sophomore at Falls Church High School:

“Highlights from this program include figuring out how things work, like the insides of machines. I loved the Micron tour. We learned that their rooms are a thousand times cleaner than a hospital because of their air pressure floors. If there’s any dust, they have to scrap the entire disc. Certain parts of the building cost $30 million.”

Ryan Hagan, rising senior at Hayfield High School:

“I’ve enjoyed the hands-on learning in this program, especially working with the breadboard. It’s interesting, and it makes learning easier. This program demonstrates what some of the IET pathways are like and what you would do in a career.”

Darin Hagen, rising sophomore at Hayfield High School:

“I’ve enjoyed learning about pneumatics and the hands-on activities. This has been a great program.”

Safi Azad, sophomore at Virtual Virginia:

“I love this program. I’ve really enjoyed Mr. Carlos Castro’s teaching style. At Micron, there’s a mirror that looks like a red layer of glass you can’t see through, almost like a window. But then they flipped a switch and cleaned the window with a massive vacuum. It was amazing.”

The NOVA ET Ready program sparks students’ interest in engineering technology, providing practical knowledge and a strong foundation for their future success in STEM.

 

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.