In today’s industry there’s a high demand for qualified, trained professionals. The increasing impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the continuing convergence of IT and Facilities functions have created an escalating demand for skilled individuals to operate and maintain data centers. Many companies are currently seeking candidates with multiple skills in electrical, mechanical, computer science, application, cloud and network engineering experience.
7x24 Exchange International is pleased to announce Data Center 101, a program designed to educate students about the infrastructure, technology, and operations of a data center and illustrate future opportunities in the mission critical industry. At the 2017 Fall 7x24 Exchange Conference, the organization officially launched the program with the primary objective of introducing the mission critical sector to college students.
“In 2015, members challenged 7x24 Exchange with attracting qualified talent for the future of the industry. 7x24 Exchange soon realized that many college students are unaware of the industry and need to understand more about how data centers operate hence the creation of Data Center 101” said Bob Cassiliano, chairman & CEO, of 7x24 Exchange International.
Industry professionals James Coe, Syska Hennessy Group; Dennis Cronin, Resilient Solutions; Rich Garrison, Alfa Tech; Martin Gollwitzer, Gensler; and Michael Swetz, State Street Corporation taught the students basic data center knowledge. Five topics including what drives a data center; architectural considerations; MEP Design; data center operations; and careers in the data center industry made up the two hour course attended by students and professors from various universities.
“The Data Center 101 seminar is a concise and effective overview of the ever expanding world of data center technology. Those unfamiliar with the industry will walk away with an understanding of the systems within a data center as well as the critical role they play in today’s connected world. As the president of the first 7x24 student chapter at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I will use it to give potential members an understanding of the industry” said Collin Richardson, 7x24 Exchange Student Club president, Cal Poly.
Cassiliano said “Data Center 101 is a core component of 7x24 Exchange’s STEM Initiative along with the Mentoring program, 7x24 Exchange Women in Mission Critical Operations (WiMCO), and similar programs”.
The second Data Center 101 course will be held on Sunday, June 3rd at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, FL. early bird rates expire on May 11 so register today at http://conferences.7x24exchange.org/spring2018/. The course is available online at https://www.7x24exchange.org/dc101/.
