Category Archives: IET Events

Apprenticeships, Business Engagement, Community Partnerships, Engineering Technology, ET Career Scholars, IET Events, IET Recruitment, In-Demand Technology Pathways, Industry Partnerships, Micron, NOVA to Workforce, Workforce Experience

NOVA and Micron Partner for Apprenticeship Panel Event

L to R: Nga Tran, Nicole Luna, Fernando Cuerva (ET Career Scholar Pre-Apprentices), Loid Belay, Makayla Lasswell, Ricardo Marroquin Martinez (Micron Apprentices).

National Apprenticeship Week 2024: A Decade of Growth, Innovation, and Opportunity

On November 22, NOVA collaborated with Micron Technology to host Insights from In-Demand Technology Apprentices at the Regional Center for Workforce Education and Training (WRC) on NOVA’s Woodbridge Campus to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week. The hybrid event for students and parents featured presentations from Micron apprentices specializing in semiconductor technologies and NOVA student pre-apprentices exploring careers in semiconductor and data center operations.

What is National Apprenticeship Week?

Each year for the past 10 years the Department of Labor has commemorated National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), which celebrates and advances Registered Apprenticeship programs. This yearly event unites employers, educators, workforce organizations, and government agencies to spotlight the crucial role apprenticeships play in developing a skilled workforce, building career pathways, and promoting equity. Events held across the country showcased programs, facilities, and apprentices, emphasizing how apprenticeships contribute to economic growth and meet industry needs.

Micron’s Apprenticeship Program

Micron’s Apprenticeship Program spans from 18 months to 3 years. Upon completion, participants are awarded a certificate as registered professionals.

A typical day begins with a team meeting, where apprentices collaborate with the night shift to discuss tasks for the day, such as identifying issues that need troubleshooting or fixing. During their shift, they focus on resolving problems with constraint tools that impact productivity, along with completing related computer work. The day concludes with another team meeting to transition responsibilities to the night shift.

The program involves 12-hour shifts, where apprentices work three days one week and four days the next. Starting pay is typically $22 per hour, with opportunities for promotions as they progress through the program.

Courtney Adams, who leads Micron’s apprenticeship program in Manassas, is committed to fostering nontraditional pathways into the workforce. “Our apprenticeship program is designed not only to fill positions but to develop talent and spark innovation by partnering with local educational institutions like NOVA,” she explains.

Courtney highlights the value of apprenticeships in creating structured learning environments where participants can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. This model builds their skills, boosts confidence, and equips them to handle workplace challenges. Micron offers apprenticeship tracks in engineering, manufacturing, and technology, with each apprentice paired with a mentor for guidance and support.

Describing the ideal apprentice, Courtney says, “We’re looking for someone eager to learn, with a positive attitude, teamwork skills, and an interest in hands-on work. It’s a bonus if they have experience in a CTE course like automotive, HVAC, or building computers.”

The Panel Event: Insights from In-Demand Technology Apprentices (Q and A):

The Micron apprentice panel featured current NOVA engineering technology students, Loid Belay, Makayla Lasswell, and Ricardo Marroquin Martinez.

Q. What sparked your Interest in the Semiconductor Industry?

  • Makayla: “I’ve always been interested in computers. I built my first computer when I was 15 and realized how crucial semiconductors are. They’re foundational to computers, modern cars, and data centers. I’m eager to learn how to work with semiconductors and understand their production process.”
  • Ricardo: “I’ve always been passionate about technology. Semiconductors are intriguing because they’re integral to the cutting-edge advancements we’ll see in the future.”
  • Loid: “Semiconductors are the backbone of modern technology. The chance to contribute to something so essential and widely used is incredibly exciting to me.”

Q. How did you discover the Micron Apprenticeship Program?

  • Ricardo: “I found the opportunity on the NOVA Connect page and applied.”
  • Loid: “I regularly check the NOVA Connect page for opportunities, and that’s where I discovered the program.”
  • Makayla: “I also learned about it through the NOVA Connect page. The application process was seamless, transitioning from the NOVA site to the Micron site.”

Q. How do you balance an apprenticeship with schoolwork?

  • Ricardo: “Micron is accommodating and helps us select classes that align with our schedules.”
  • Loid: “Balancing a full-time job, coursework, and exams is challenging, but Micron provides great support, giving us the time needed to handle both training and studies.”
  • Makayla: “Working 12-hour shifts while going to school is tough, but my firm provides monthly check-ins, accessible coordinators, and supportive mentors and supervisors.”

Q. What’s the biggest takeaway from your apprenticeship?

  • Loid: “I’ve gained an appreciation for the collaboration, precision, and expertise required to produce semiconductors.”
  • Ricardo: “I’ve learned preventive maintenance, which helps address issues before they escalate. This skill has become part of my daily mindset.”
  • Makayla: “I didn’t have much experience working with my hands before, but through maintenance tasks and troubleshooting, I’ve developed that ability.”

The NOVA pre-apprentice panel featured NOVA students from our first cohort of the Engineering Technology (ET) Career Scholars Program, Fernando Cuerva, Nga Tran, a non-traditional student, Nicole Luna, a recent high school graduate.

ET Scholars is a one-year program, beginning with a 2-to-4-week summer bridge session, followed by two semesters of coursework, and concluding with a guaranteed internship interview.

Q. How’s your experience so far in the ET Scholars Program?

  • Nga: “My experience has been fantastic so far. I receive a lot of support. My situation is unique because I’m not a recent high school graduate—I have two children, a degree, and previous career experience. Switching fields was tough, especially since my family didn’t fully understand my decision. Being part of this cohort, I have 19 peers experiencing similar challenges, and the program leads help me balance school and personal responsibilities. Whenever I encounter a problem, I know I can rely on them to guide me.”
  • Nicole: “It’s been an amazing experience. The cohort is incredible—I’ve made great friends, received helpful support, and benefited from the program leads’ guidance. It’s also provided financial assistance with transportation and other expenses. This program has opened up exciting possibilities, encouraging me to explore and stay curious.
  • Fernando: “It’s been a rewarding journey. The stipends have been a great help. We have a supportive team, and whenever we have questions, they’re there to assist us. The program also exposes us to different companies—Micron has visited several times. The cohort feels like a small community where we help and relate to each other.”

Q. What sparked your Interest in the Semiconductor Industry?

  • Nga: “Before this, I was a Montessori teacher and decided to explore something new after COVID. I took a cloud computing class, then met Andy Chavez, who introduced me to the Career Readiness Leadership Program. That experience led me here.”
  • Nicole: “I wasn’t sure what career to pursue until I received an email about this program. What captivates me about the semiconductor field is how it impacts everyday life. We rely on semiconductors constantly, often without realizing it.”
  • Fernando: “I’ve always been interested in technology, but I wasn’t certain about my path. While in the ET Scholars Program, I discovered this industry. It’s amazing to learn about fields that need skilled workers. What ultimately inspired me to focus on engineering technology was realizing the significance of the work I could do.”

Q. What are some of the unique experiences and opportunities you’ve had specific to the semiconductor industry?

  • Nga: “I attended a Micron presentation in June, and they highlighted the career paths and job security in this field. With the support they offer, I felt confident about my future in this industry.”
  • Nicole: “I loved touring Micron and seeing the technology, like the moving robots and machinery. The opportunities they provide are incredible.”
  • Fernando: “This is an ideal field for hands-on learners. It’s also a sector where you can start working quickly without needing advanced degrees, and there’s significant room for growth once you’re in.”

Q. What are some of the challenges entering the semiconductor field?

  • Nga: “One challenge is being a female in a male-dominated industry. If someone doubts your abilities, prove them wrong. Build a support network, like this cohort, to help you succeed.”
  • Nicole: “Many people aren’t aware of the semiconductor industry. It’s important to spread the word about the exciting careers available to those with genuine interest.”
  • Fernando: “I also think more people need to know about this industry and programs like the ET Scholars Program. They open up fantastic opportunities.”

Jack Bidlack, NOVA IET’s Director of Strategic Initiatives, offers this advice to prospective apprentices for both the Micron Apprenticeship and the NOVA Pre-Apprenticeship (ET Scholars):

“You have to commit 110%. That’s why apprentices receive a stipend—to reflect their full effort. This is not something you can do part-time – you’re either all in or you’re out. If you’re in, there are people and companies like Micron ready to support you.

These are our students, and they will succeed. We strive to address every challenge they face in a way that ensures their success. Our goal is to guide them through a one-year program and into a career. It’s incredibly fulfilling because I’m hopeful that, in the future, they’ll pay it forward. My expectation is that these students will return to NOVA, share their experiences with the next group of pre-apprentices, and recruit them into these programs.”

How to apply for ET Career Scholars for the 2025-2026 academic year:

Engineering Technology (ET) Career Scholars is an excellent opportunity for graduating or graduated high school students to get into an in-demand technology career in semiconductor manufacturing and/or data center operations.

Go to https://www.nvcc.edu/academics/divisions/iet/systemic/scholar.html and fill out the interest form. Applications will be available mid-January, 2025 and you will be notified if you fill out the interest form. Selections will be completed by the end of May. There will be 2 to 3 cohorts with 40 to 60 students total.

You don’t have to have technical skills or high math scores in order to apply. You just have to be serious and interested in starting a full-time job within a year. In order to apply, you have to turn 18 before the end of the program.

Interested individuals can use the NOVA Engage app to stay informed.

ET Career Scholars is funded through grants from the U.S. Department of Labor and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

 

 

Conferences, Design Challenge, Design Thinking, Digital Fabrication, Engineering Technology, Fab Lab, Fabrication, IET Events, NOVA Fab Lab, NOVA IET, NOVA STEM Faculty, SkillsUSA, STEM Awards, STEM Competitions, STEM Events, Student Success

NOVA SkillsUSA Students Reflect On Their National Success

Last month NOVA’s SkillsUSA students had some big outcomes at the National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta.

Heidy Sandoval and Alait Mesfune won silver in Commercial sUAS Drone, Lauren Traversa, Mateo Aguilar, and Nyan Prakash took bronze in Engineering Technology Design, and Claudio Molina also won a bronze medal in Principles of Engineering.

This month, we caught up with the winning students to learn more about their experience at Nationals.

Heidy Sandova and Alait Mesfune: Silver Medal in commercial sUAS Drone

Heidi and Alait were the first students at NOVA to compete in commercial sUAS Drones, and after all their dedication and hard work, came away with a silver medal!

This competition evaluates team skills and job readiness for careers in drone technology within the National Airspace System, recognizing outstanding performance in real-world scenarios.

Sandoval said  “I served as the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) and my teammate served as the Visual Observer (VO). As the RPIC, I was responsible for the overall safety, regulatory compliance, and effective operation of the sUAS during its flight.”

“Being the first to at NOVA to compete in Commercial sUAS Drones, we were tasked with finding mentors and resources to help us prepare for this competition. Fortunately for us, we had an amazing team at the NOVA Fab Lab that was able to help us connect with other Drone experts in our area who were able to offer us their help. We spent restless hours learning how to fly our drones through loops, landing on elevated surfaces, knocking down balls with our drones, and countless nights testing ourselves on our FAA Knowledge.  I also made many professional connections that are beginning to incorporate drones in their workspace and I hope to be able to work with them in the future.”

Sandoval also talked about her next steps:

“After placing 2nd place at Nationals, we were offered a Drone course, all expenses covered, for our FAA Part 107 with CrossFlight Sky Solutions. Now, I’m actively working on getting licensed to fly commercially and I will be starting my business with aerial drone photography while I’m in school. From there, I want to get involved with search and rescue using drones.”

Her Drone partner, Alait, added her reflections on the competition and preparation for it:

“The SkillsUSA competition demanded significant dedication and hard work. Venturing into the field of drone piloting was both thrilling and challenging, as our team had to navigate this field independently. Countless hours were spent in the fabrication lab, where we experienced numerous cycles of flying, failing, and persevering—similar to the repetitive labor a tradesperson undertakes to master their craft.”

“As we competed this year, our inexperience led to many mistakes, but the unwavering support of our advisors, Justin, Andy, and Mary, was invaluable. I want to especially thank Dr. Elena Ziu, whose enthusiastic support and introduction to a crucial mentor significantly bolstered our efforts.”

“The competition demanded immense energy, yet the benefits far outweighed any concerns about its value. It afforded me the opportunity to acquire practical skills in a growing field, demonstrate my abilities before industry experts at one of the nation’s premier competitions, and compete for a medal. The support from our advisors, the financial backing from the NOVA Foundation for supplies and travel, and the chance to connect with individuals nationwide were all invaluable aspects of this experience.

Undoubtedly, this competition was profoundly enriching for my personal and professional growth.”

Claudio Molina: Bronze Medal in Principles of Engineering

The Principles of Engineering category assesses a competitor’s grasp of basic technical concepts in applied sciences and their ability to demonstrate and explain these concepts in action. Claudio triumphed with a car transmission design, something practical in real world application that needed teamwork for him to succeed.

“The possibility of even making it through States [the SkillsUSA State Championship in April] wouldn’t have been conceivable without the support of my fellow NOVA students and the guidance of the Fab Lab staff. I think NOVA should continue to encourage students to compete in SkillsUSA as it provides a real-world focus on what they would like to do in their careers and lives,” he said.

Lauren Traversa, Mateo Aguilar, and Nyan Prakash: Bronze medal in Engineering Technology Design

In this category, students design and present an innovative engineering project with a display and live model. The trio designed and built a prototype Automatic Dog Trainer.

“Getting to compete through SkillsUSA was an incredible experience,” Lauren said. “I was able to learn so much in such a short period of time and get the kind of hands-on experience a lot of students don’t get until after they graduate.”

Mateo added “participating in the engineering design competition was a unique experience, unlike any other competition I’ve been involved in. One of the most challenging aspects was the necessity to create something completely novel.”

He explained how his team had to lay out plans for construction of the dog trainer and numerous other components which they hadn’t experienced before. Although it was a bit daunting, he described it as an incredible learning experience because it required his team to learn about designing around unknowns.

“Overall, I’m happy with the growth I experienced in this short period of time. Everyone on our team learned a lot, and I feel much more capable after having completed it,” he said.

Mohamed Laouiti earned a SkillsUSA Skill Point Technical Certification and Jonathan Solomon earned a SME Additive Manufacturing Certification.

Jonathan described the national conference as an “incredible experience” where he saw the latest in technology and explored projects in different career fields. He also had the opportunity to network with representatives from companies like Autodesk, Mercedes-Benz, and Delta Airlines.

“I met great, smart people striving to be the best in their field. Being surrounded by them provided a valuable experience that will serve me well in my future endeavors. The experience has been unforgettable, and the skills I learned along this journey with SkillsUSA will help me long after I leave NOVA. A special thank you to Mary Ratcliff, Justin Owen, Andy Chavez, Patrick Waters, and the entire Fab Lab team!”

SkillsUSA Championship competitions are created and judged by industry leaders to ensure students learn the real-world skills employers seek in entry-level professionals. These contests focus on some of the most highly skilled and in-demand trade areas in the country.

To get involved with SkillUSA at NOVA, you can find more info here

 

AFCOM, Data Center Operations, IET Events, Internships, Mentoring, STEM Careers, Student to Workforce

AFCOM Summer Internship in Data Center Operations Lifts-Off!

The AFCOM summer internship kicked-off on May 23rd at STACK Infrastructure with an impressive gathering of students, faculty, DCO program alumni, industry leaders and internship sponsors invested in the success of the Data Center industry, the community and NOVA’s DCO programs.

AFCOM is an association for career advancement of IT and data center professionals. The 10-week internship program lead by the AFCOM Potomac Chapter, connects students to industry partners and is centered around building the data center industry by partnering with NOVA’s IET Division and providing paid summer internships to students in the DCO programs. Historically, more than 70% of these internships will lead to job offers.

For the past 4 years the NOVA IET Data Center Operations (DCO) program has provided the bulk of the students for AFCOM internships, doubling the number of interns from last year, where we provided 8 of the 11 interns that participated. This year we are providing 16 of the 20 interns, answering the challenge to have 20 interns for the summer of 2023. 

During the internship, students experience working at 2 and sometimes 3 different companies, gaining a much broader understanding of how their role as a DCO technician impacts the business and keeps this critical infrastructure up and operational 100% of the time.

A couple of years ago many students did not know what a data center was, but now they are gaining invaluable experience alongside industry giants and through the internship are becoming equipped for high-demand, high wage careers.

In addition, each intern has a mentor from the organization they are interning with as well as an AFCOM industry steward who supports them on their educational pathway beyond the internship.

NOVA IET has another program that prepares students with professional interpersonal skills, the Career and Leadership Readiness Institute (CLRI). Of the 16 NOVA interns, 7 are from CLRI.

We anticipate another successful summer of career-enhancing data center internships and look forward to continuing the successful growth next year thanks to the hard work and dedication of the AFCOM leadership team and funding provided through the GO Virginia DEEP IET grant.

Applications for AFCOM Internships for summer 2024 will be open next February. They will be announced in February in our newsletter and through NOVA IET Twitter and LinkedIn.

For more background info about NOVA pathways to IT and Data Center careers, read this article

For more about Data Center Operations at NOVA, click here

Business Engagement, Career & Leadership Readiness Institute, Career Skills, Community Partnerships, Engineering Technology, IET Events, Industry Partnerships, Information Technology, Internships, Interpersonal Skills, Mentoring, Networking, NOVA IET Career Pathways

CLRI Celebrates Spring Graduates at Networking Event

On March NOVA IET hosted the Executive Mentoring (EM) and Networking event at the Annandale Campus as the culmination of the Spring Career and Leadership Readiness Institute (CLRI). 

CLRI students completing the program networked with nine industry professionals from various organizations including Microsoft, Coresite, Iron Mountain Data Centers, HRTech, Simple Technology Solutions, Cytalks, AWS, and Lockheed Martin.

A total of 23 students completed the Spring CLRI program and were recognized for their efforts with a short ceremony where they received CLRI leather portfolios and a CLRI T-shirt. They participated in facilitated roundtable discussions with the industry professionals who shared insights into careers in the IT industry before a catered networking event with CLRI grads eager to learn and build their networks.

The industry professionals shared their stories, provided career advice, and encouraged learning and professional development as keys to starting an enriching career. The CLRI program depends on the participation from industry professionals both as workshop presenters and EMs.

The Spring CLRI program offered a blended approach including virtual and in-person workshops, Technical Resume Writing, in-depth discussions about Government vetting and clearances, Mock Interviews, a team project formulated around a case study with a community service component and the EM and Networking event.

All sessions were recorded and are available through Canvas.

NOVA IET’s Sedrick Settle and M. Andy Chaves lead this Spring cohort and served as mentors and guides to encourage attendance, participation and completion of the CLRI program elements.  Many of these students have applied for paid summer internships offered through various NOVA IET strategic partners.

For more about CLRI go to www.nvcc.edu/career-services/clri.html

 

 

Career & Technical Education, Cloud Computing, Computer Science, CTE, Cybersecurity, Data Center Operations, Engineering Technology, HS Outreach, IET Career Days, IET Events, In-Demand Technology Pathways, Industry Partnerships, Information Technology, NOVA IET Career Pathways, STEM Careers, STEM Education, Student Success, Student to Workforce

IET Career Days Bring 400 HS Students to NOVA

Our inaugural NOVA IET Career Days were a huge success, with nearly 400 high school students attending from all over northern Virginia.

Held on March 23 (Woodbridge Campus), March 30 (Annandale), March 31 (Alexandria), April 14 (Manassas), and April 28 (Loudoun), Career Days are geared toward bringing students to a NOVA campus and informing them about in-demand technology education and career pathways. More about NOVA IET here.

Career Day events featured presentations and panel discussions by industry experts, including representatives from Google, AWS, Johnson Controls, Leidos, CBRE, QTS, Digital Realty, Deletek, and NOVA, covering a range of topics, including cybersecurity, cloud computing, data center operations, computer science and more.

Industry partners discussed the latest trends and technologies in IET fields and offered advice on career development. Attendees were able to ask questions and gain valuable insights into the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in these in-demand fields.

IET Career Days are an effective example of the burgeoning collaboration between industry and academia as we continue to connect students and professionals with industry partners. Overall, the events successfully showcased NOVA’s commitment to supporting students and professionals in the fields of IET and Computer Science. Many Career Day attendees expressed their desire for similar events in the future.

“My students and I had a great time. It was a great opportunity to hear from a diverse group of professionals about their career journeys, and I have already heard from a few students who got excited about studying computing/IT/security, and about opportunities at NOVA. My students seemed to especially enjoy the tour, and the tour guide did a fantastic job of getting them excited about the facilities and resources at NOVA.”

~ Chris Jones, Counselor, Wakefield High School

NOVA’s Career Days were organized by NOVA IET’s Career and Technical Education Coordinator, Amira Alexander. You can reach her at aalexander@nvcc.edu

 

Business Engagement, Career & Leadership Readiness Institute, Career Skills, CLRI, Data Center Operations, Engineering Technology, IET Events, Industry Partnerships, Industry Tours, Information Technology, Internships, Interpersonal Skills, Mentoring, Networking, NOVA Foundation, Student to Workforce

CLRI Celebrates Fall Graduates at Networking Event

The Fall Career and Leadership Readiness Institute (CLRI) concluded on November 17 at the Woodbridge Campus (at the site of the future NOVA Data Center Training Facility). NOVA IET students put their newly enhanced career skills in action to make industry connections at a final networking session, the culminating event for students before they receive their certificates of completion. This was particularly notable this semester as it was the first in-person CLRI at NOVA since it was established in 2020.

Through an extracurricular 5-week course, CLRI students were trained how to interview, create a resume that stands out, manage interpersonal skills in a diverse workplace, and more. Students were also treated to two tours of an IET partner, STACK Infrastructure Data Center.

The final networking event kicked-off with remarks from VP of IET and College Computing Dr. Chad Knights before students and IET professionals gathered for a round table discussion and Q & A on relevant experiences and pressing needs in the tech workforce. After the discussion, Executive Director of the NOVA Foundation Kelly Persons addressed graduates and presented them with completion certificates and a leather CLRI portfolio. Graduates also receive a digital CLRI badge that they can add to their LinkedIn profiles.

Following the certificate presentation, CLRI students put their skills to the test during a catered meal where there were opportunities to network with the industry partners from the roundtable discussions. One of the major draws of CLRI and especially the final networking event is that graduates obtain immediate internship opportunities and receive priority consideration for our paid summer internships. 2-3 students from the fall CLRI cohort have been offered winter-break internships at Digital Realty and 3 CLRI students have already been extended an offer of employment from various industry partners.

Feedback from CLRI graduates included the following:

“CLRI helped me to get professional skills, to meet people, to make connections, to build my network. I really learned how to rebrand my resumé to attract hiring managers.” – Kanyin, NOVA IT Major

“I want to get better, I want to be better, I want to do better, and I want an opportunity to come my way. This gave me the opportunity. It was a lot of fun and definitely built my confidence” – Elizabeth, NOVA IT Major

“The nicest thing about CLRI is that you get to know a lot of people who are like-minded, and industry professionals who give you really good advice. It’s definitely worth joining.” – Hamid, IST Major

“I would 100% recommend CLRI. The networking aspect was what I got the most from. Tom (Tom Gerencer, CLRI’s Technical Resume Instructor), who I was able to contact via LinkedIn, turned my resume from OK to fantastic.” – Tim, ET Major

“Once [NOVA students] come into the program, they will feel how impactful CLRI is on their career journey.” – Tahiba, IT Major

For the Fall 2022 cohort, 34 NOVA students are scheduled to complete CLRI (make-up sessions are due Dec 15) and 52 students attended at least one workshop. Overall, since it’s implementation, CLRI has surpassed 100 completers.

Special recognition goes to M. Andy Chaves, NOVA SySTEMic CTE Coordinator, and Sedrick Settle, IET Career Advisor for their exemplary work in running CLRI with excellence and enthusiasm from beginning to end this semester.

You can reach M. Andy at machaves@nvcc.edu and Sedrick at ssettle@nvcc.edu

Industry Partners who attended the CLRI Networking Event:

Keron Taylor, Data Center Operations Manager, Google
Troy Hill, Director of Data Center Operations, Iron Mountain Data Centers
Jay Mitchell, Operations Manager, Iron Mountain Data Centers
Scott LaCasse, Supervisor of Workstation Support, PWCS
Darlene Armenta, Director of Talent Acquisition, Red River
Koren Flint, Senior Director of Customer Experience, Red River
Christopher Lettiere, Director of Data Center Operations, Coresite
Rob Morgan, Director of Project Management, CompuDynamics
Sal Amado, Director of Learning & Development, Simple Technology Solutions

Spring CLRI Opportunities:

If you are a NOVA student and want to get ahead in your career, CLRI will continue in Spring 2023, with a kick-off event on Feb 16 and workshops beginning the following week on Feb 21. You can sign up for our Spring 2023 Interest Form at https://www.nvcc.edu/career-services/clri.html to be notified when applications are available. We will also keep you up to date through our monthly Newsletter, which you can sign up for at http://newsletter.novastem.us

Another good resource to keep up with IET and future CLRI sessions and feedback is the NOVA Engage App, which you can find on Apple and Google Play. Some CLRI students who received internships applied directly through the App.

Data Center Operations, Engineering Technology, IET Events, Industry Partnerships, Industry Tours, NOVA IET Career Pathways, Professional Development

Data Center Tours and Career Info

Data Centers are on the rise, especially in Northern Virginia. Demand for Data Center Technicians is soaring and NOVA has the only fully accredited 2-year data center degree program in the state of Virginia.

Last month NOVA faculty and staff as well as Loudon County Public School educators participated in a tour of STACK Infrastructure, which is a leading data center company built from the ground up to address the full stack of client critical infrastructure needs, today and into the future.

Participants were guided through the facility by STACK employees and provided descriptions of data center equipment and procedures. TJ Ciccone, VP of critical operations STACK who also serves as a NOVA adjunct instructor in Data Center Operations (DCO), conducted the tour and educated participants on the mission-critical fields of DCO and engineering technology (ET).

Some of the points about Data Center careers that TJ Ciccone highlights are:

  • The pay is incredible. Students typically make $30-$35 with no experience.
  • Demand is very high in the field. There are 2 million people working data centers worldwide, with that number expected to increase to 2.2mil in the next five years. We need 40,000 people a year with very little outlets to create new candidates.
  • This is a career and not just a job. Outside of data center engineering, there are a multitude of career paths you can take once you are in. These include project management, sales, sales engineering, HR, legal, and more.
  • Data centers are global. You could literally transfer anywhere in the world.
  • Data center skills are transferable. You could work at any number of data center providers once you are trained on the theory of how they work.

NOVA faculty and staff were able to network with LCPS educators and provide them with information such as the points above for upcoming NOVA programs that will help build pipelines for K-12 students into the DCO and ET career fields.

More tours of STACK are currently planned for April 22 and May 20. Contact TJ Ciccone at tciccone@nvcc.edu for more information.

#WeDoSTEM #InDemandTech #HighTechHighWage

Amazon Web Services, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Computer Science, IET Events, Machine Learning, NOVA IET Career Pathways, Publicity, STEM Careers, STEM Networking, STEM Workforce

IET Events In November

IET Speaker Series: Joshua Powers
Thurs 11/4: 6:30-8:00 pm.

Information Technology professionals are in high demand and essential to just about every modern business model, the need for qualified professionals is immediate! Joshua Powers is the Technical Director for Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning at Dev Technology Group. Josh has 25 years of experience in researching and applying artificial intelligence technologies to a wide variety of business and public sector challenges. Join us virtually for the third installment of our monthly NOVA IET Speaker Series and learn more about artificial intelligence, machine learning, and how they can be applied to Information Technology!

Register to attend at iet.novastem.us/Register

IET Speaker Series: Dolica Gopisetty and Christian Ramirez
Weds 11/10: 6:00-7:30 pm.

Dolica Gopisetty is a Solutions Architect at AWS in the Public Sector team and works specifically with customers in Higher Education. She helps them achieve their business objectives by hosting their mission critical applications in the AWS cloud.

Christian Ramirez is an Associate Solutions Architect at AWS, where he entered through the TechU Program. Christian made the career switch after completing a Cloud Computing Certificate at East Los Angeles College, where he gained the fundamental knowledge to attain an AWS Solutions Architect – Associate certification.

In the fourth installment of the NOVA IET Speaker Series, Dolica and Christian will share their journeys to becoming an AWS Solutions Architect, provide a brief introduction to Cloud Computing, and share tips on how to navigate a career in Cloud Computing.

Register to attend at iet.novastem.us/Register

Women in IET & Computer Science Networking Event
Weds 11/17: 4:00pm

Join us in our third and final Women in IET and Computer Science Coffee Chat of the semester. In this virtual session, we will feature a panel of women in IT to discuss their personal journeys into IT, how taking the initiative to learn has helped them advance in their career and how they have built their own personal toolkit to help them persevere in the face of adversity.

Register to attend at iet.novastem.us/techwomen

IET and Computer Science Clubs

NOVA Coding Club Annandale Campus

The Coding Club is held on Fridays from 12:30pm – 1:30pm for students interested in programming (coding) or computer science.  It is open to any student interested in coding of any type.  Meetings focus on coding challenges, upcoming events, and current events in the industry.

For more information contact Aren Waheed at asw2167@email.vccs.edu

Cloud Computing, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Center Operations, Engineering Technology, IET Events, Job Fair, NOVA IET, Virtual Events

IET Events In October

October 13: IET Virtual Job and Internship Fair

NOVA IET and NOVA Workforce are hosting a virtual Information and Engineering Technologies Job and Internship Fair for NOVA students and alumni in Career Connection on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at 12-3 PM EST. Companies from various IT industries will be represented including Cybersecurity, Data Center Operations, Cloud Computing, and more. Get connected with the companies in your field for networking and internship & job opportunities. Contact novacareerservices@nvcc.edu with questions

Register to attend at iet.novastem.us/JobFair

October 14: Women in IET Coffee Chat

Join us for the October Women in IET and Computer Science Coffee Chat where we will dive into how following your passions can lead to career opportunities. In this 1-hour panel discussion, panelists will discuss how they made the switch to a STEM career after starting out in a completely different field and how you can carve out the career you want by following your own unique journey.

Register at http://iet.novastem.us/TechWomen

October 18 – October 22: NOVA IET Cyber Week

As part of National Cybersecurity awareness month, the NOVA IET division will host a series of virtual events and workshops during Cyber week 2021 to educate, engage and inspire students interested in pursuing careers in cybersecurity. Each day we will host a different workshop that addresses a relevant topic including taking the CompTIA Security+ exam, navigating a career in Cyber security, and writing a cybersecurity resume. For an overview of the week’s events see the list below. You can register for all NOVA IET Cyber Week Events at iet.novastem.us/Register

Monday, Oct 18 6:00 PM- 7:00 PM – Acing the CompTIA Security+ Exam Part 1

Kick-off NOVA IET Cybersecurity Awareness Week with a deep dive into what it takes to ace the CompTIA Security+ Exam. This is a two-part workshop with Part 1 being led by NOVA IET Professor, Kwabena (KK) Konadu. In this one-hour virtual workshop, Professor KK will cover best practices and resources for preparing for the CompTIA Security+ Exam, exam topics, and walk attendees through a practice round of answering multiple-choice questions. iet.novastem.us/Register

Tuesday, Oct 19 6:30 PM-7:30 PM – Cybersercurity Resume Writing with Katia’s Cylife

You can’t land a job in Cybersecurity without a good Cybersecurity resume. Join professional Cybersecurity Resume writer and founder of Katia’s Cylife, Katia Dean as she walks you through actionable steps to build a dynamic resume tailored for cybersecurity roles. In this session you will discuss resume action verbs, design tips and tricks, and how to consider positioning yourself. Katia will also walk you through a live resume feedback session and a brief demo on the NIST 800-181 Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. iet.novastem.us/Register

Wednesday, Oct 20 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM – Landing a Job in Cybersecurity Recruiters Panel

On day 3 of NOVA IET Cyber Week a panel of cybersecurity recruiters will share their perspectives on what it takes to land a job in cybersecurity. If you are job searching, making a career switch into cyber, or just curious about what a career in cybersecurity looks like, join us for this virtual panel discussion to get your questions answered. iet.novastem.us/Register

Thursday, Oct 21 6:00 PM-7:30 PM- IET Speaker Series featuring Nick Espinosa

Cybersecurity is an exploding industry and with over five million vacant positions available around the world, the need for qualified professionals is immediate! In our second installment of the IET Speaker Series, Nick Espinosa, cybersecurity thought leader, TEDx Speaker, and regular columnist for Forbes, will talk about the state of the world today as it relates to cybersecurity for everyone and the issues we all face together. Join us virtually on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at 6 PM EST as Nick will help us understand what a career path in cybersecurity looks like so everyone who is interested can join the ranks of those who are defending our governments, businesses, educational institutions, healthcare, and more, around the world! iet.novastem.us/Register

Friday, Oct 22 10:00 AM- 11:30 AM – Acing the CompTIA Security+ Exam Part II

End NOVA IET Cyber Week by finishing up your CompTIA Security+ Exam Prep with Zach Lawrence, NOVA IET Cybersecurity Professor. In this 90-minute session Zach will walk you through how to approach answering performance-based questions on the CompTIA Security+ Exam. iet.novastem.us/Register

 IET and Computer Science Clubs

Cyber.OPS – Cybersecurity Club Manassas Campus

Cyber.OPS Club is held every Thursday in Trailside room 249 on the Manassas campus from 5:30PM – 7:00PM.  Fall semester meetings will focus on the following topics: Computer Hardware, Operating Systems and Services, Cloud Computing, Computer Networking and Advanced topics: Firewalls, UTM and IDS/IPS.  Spring semester meetings will focus primarily on offensive security.  Club members will be exposed to a broad range of topics Including but not limited to intro to Windows and Linux, Web servers and more.

For more info contact Zach Lawrence mlawrence@nvcc.edu or Santwana Das sdas@nvcc.edu

 

 

IET Events, NOVA IET, Tech Equity

IET Speaker Series featuring Mayuko Inoue

IET Speaker Series featuring Mayuko Inoue

Sept 23: 6-7:30 PM EST

Registration opens on September 1st at iet.novastem.us/Register

After working in Silicon Valley tech companies like Intuit, Patreon, and Netflix for six years as an iOS Engineer, Mayuko became a full-time creator in 2020. With over 400,000 YouTube subscribers, Mayuko uses her platform to help people find their way through the tech industry by sharing her own experiences navigating this world through technology, as well as sharing career advice and lifestyle videos. She is passionate about discussions around mental health, cultural identity, and creating technology with empathy and compassion. Join us on Thursday, September 23, 2021, 6 PM EST to be inspired, learn more about computer science and software engineering, and dive into how to follow your passions and create technology with care.

*This event is open to the public

#WeDoSTEM