I was arrested for a DUI last year. I was not formally convicted but the arrest is on my record. Would this preclude me from gaining a job at a data center that does not directly involve driving ?

Looking for some guidance. In my new role in IT, I'm tasked with setting up a data center for research, and I'm currently doing an initial assessment to map processes to resources. Right now, I'm using an Excel sheet to align each team’s processes and tasks with our IT resources (compute, storage, network), but it's becoming really complex and time-consuming.

Does anyone have experience with a better way to map resources to processes for a large infrastructure project like this? Should I focus on detailing all processes first, then map them to the resources to get a clear picture of current and future needs for scaling the data center? Any advice on approaches or tools would be appreciated!

Looking for a well-rounded multiple skilled havac Technician to work in an exclusive data center in Vienna Virginia must have TS i can put you in for SC with Poly

I'm a product of nepotism, and I only got this job because of a family referral, so I think I have the appropriate perspective to say this.

I got a rack and stack gig in IDF/MDF environments on big tech campuses a year ago, and when I started I was absolutely terrified that people would be able to tell I didn't know anything.

But very quickly I started to realize nobody knew anything. Network engineers, project coordinators, project managers—I've seen people in every role completely lost in the process, and it relieved a lot of pressure.

But I'm genuinely curious. This job pays a lot more than service jobs. Why is it so common for unqualified people to be in these sorts of roles? I went from making $15hr to $80k salary, no certifications, nothing.

I'm sure this has been asked and answered multiple times. I have an interview with Tek systems for a contract position for Microsoft data center. Does anyone have experience getting on with them then applying within Microsoft? How long were you with Tek systems before you could get on with Microsoft?

Anyone here work or worked as a DCT with Microsoft, I applied with Microsoft and was hoping to get ask some questions about the interview process.

Hello, I recently got an offer as a contractor for a Data Center Technician

What do people typically wear for work? Any shoe recommendations? I was thinking of getting the new balance comp toe shoes

Any advice on what the job is like would be really appreciated

Hello all, I'm a 23 year old senior (online) CIS major though I abhor programming and honestly wish I majored in IT instead of CIS but my college didn't offer it. I've considred SaaS sales but after getting a cellular sales job, I find that I'm not interested in pursuing sales due to the absolute lack of stability and security innate to the field. I went to a 3 month trade school program out of high school and got my OSHA 30 and always wanted to pursue a blue collar job of some kind but also seek to work with computers. This field seems like the perfect synergy but it seems like it's hard to find local jobs (I'm in Northwest Pennsylvania). Given this, does this job seem like a good fit for me? Thank you all in advance, I look forward to reading your replies.

I’ve scoured online and haven’t found anything particularly concrete so I thought I’d ask here. Do your employers allow facial piercings and full arm sleeves of tattoos?

So obviously a lot of money is being pumped into HVDC, especially if you look at developments like the Europe/North Africa 600MW line. But are we seeing DC being implimented on a major scale in DCs? What is this doing for traditional power redundancy systems, especially fuel generators?

TLDR: I believe I'm suffering from some severe culture shock and imposter syndrome, but I'm unsure how to proceed. I feel ill prepared from my current employer's training, and I'm considering backing out of the IT field entirely.

So, I was able to secure my first role in the field after months of applying, and I was fortunate enough to secure a position as a DCT with a Data Center company. I applied with this company a few months ago and was rejected the first time, and I saw the same position opened back up reapplied and scored the job. However, after a month of "training" I am insecure about this whole decision.

I was so happy at first, because I was changing careers from a completely unrelated field. I previously worked in retail management for gun shops/ranges for the past 15 years. I've always had an interest in computers, and I decided a couple of years ago to pursue this interest. I've attained a Google IT certificate (I know this isn't worth much), I'm in the process of attaining the A+ (passed core 1 and getting ready to take core 2), and after that I had my eyes set on the CCNA. I've built a few computers, been the default "IT guy" for previous employers, and enjoy tinkering with computer equipment, and I've taken an interest in networking and setting up a homelab.

I am now regretting accepting this position. The training hasn't been what I thought it was going to be. My new manager has a "if you don't ask questions I'm going to assume you know" attitude, and I can understand this perspective, but when I voice a concern or question about something I'm given a "Well, I just know this because I've worked here for so long" kind of answer instead of being shown what tool to use to look up information for a certain process. Another issue is the ticketing software. I've never once in my life used a ticketing system, and I'm absolutely baffled by this tool. Once again, my questions aren't really addressed in regards to this program.

My main fear is that I'm not going to be trained enough to go on shift by myself, because that is apparently how this company operates. All new hires train 5 - 6 weeks and then are placed on night shift by themselves. I've shadowed a couple of coworkers, and they have been more helpful than my manager. But I fear I'm not going to be trained enough to be left alone. I lack confidence in my skills, knowledge, and capabilities to perform at the expectations asked of me. Is this what imposter syndrome feels like? I also feel as if I'm suffering from some severe culture shock, as this seems to be something outside of my wheelhouse. Everyone keep commenting that I'm picking things up quickly, and that I'm doing a good job. I just feel completely opposite to these comments.

I'm starting my 4th week of training and considering tucking tail, and going back to my previous employer. I'm really just seeking advice on other's experiences that have done a career pivot into IT, who've maybe struggled in the beginning. Thank you for any advice and responses in advanced.

Edit: Thank you to everyone for the advice. I certainly feel a bit calmer about everything, and a good idea of what direction I need to head in. I’ll be sure to ask more questions and learn from my coworkers and resources available to me.

https://www.theregister.com/2024/11/01/microsoft_wooden_datacenters/

I've worked as data center technician for over 4 years and I noticed that this experience is not really helpful whatsoever. My goal is to become a Linux admin but my experience proves nothing as it doesn't involve working with operating systems. Damn it, I guess it's time to find a help desk position and start from 0. What are your thoughts on data center experience? Is it possible to become an admin? What was your path to your ultimate goal?

Hey guys, I will be joining AWS as a DCO 3 in a month? My base will start at $28.04/hour. I was wondering if AWS would increase the base pay in 2025. I heard L3 pay used to start at $32 per hour. I would appreciate any insight. Thanks.

Hello everyone!

I have an interview coming up for a Data Center Technician role at AWS, and I’d really appreciate any advice on how to prepare.

A bit about my background: I’ve been working in IT support for the past few years — 2 years as a Field Technician and now as a Help Desk Analyst for the past year. I recently graduated from WGU with a B.S. in Network Engineering and Security, and I hold several certifications, including Cisco Certified Network Associate, Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate, Cisco Certified DevNet Associate, CompTIA A+, Cloud+, Linux+, Network+, Project+, and ITIL 4 Foundation.

Networking is my main passion, and I'm actively studying for the CCNP in my free time, with lots of focus on labs and theory. I’m really looking to gain hands-on networking experience, and I feel this role could be an ideal step toward that.

The interview process at AWS is new to me, and according to the email, it will be multiple interviews over 5-7 hours. I’ve been researching the process, especially methods like STAR, but I’d love to hear any tips from others who’ve been through similar interviews.

Some specific questions/concerns:

1. I’m not fully clear on the daily responsibilities of a Data Center Technician. Any insight?

2. My soft skills in interviews need work — I tend to get nervous and sometimes freeze up. Any tips for handling this?

3. What questions should I be prepared for? I’ve heard the usual ones like "Tell me about a challenge you overcame," but any other suggestions?

4. Is this a good position for breaking into AWS, especially with a focus on networking?

5. Finally, any specific topics I should review over the next three weeks?

Thanks so much for any guidance, and feel free to ask if there’s more info I can provide!

I've started diving into the data center industry, and wow, it’s deeper and more complex than I expected. From hyperscale vs. colocation providers to data flow, power, cooling (air vs liquid), network interconnections, and security protocols, there's a lot to unpack. Every time I think I've got a handle on it, I uncover another layer of complexity.

I’m finding it challenging to visualize how all these pieces fit together – the major data center types (e.g., hyperscalers, colocation, GPUaaS, IaaS, PaaS), the structure of data flow between centers (e.g., P2P, on-ramps), the role of edge data centers (e.g., aggregation, metro, micro), and how the various players (e.g., providers, operators) interact in the ecosystem. Does anyone know of any good visualizations, resources, or even maps that outline this industry? I'm hoping to find something that can provide a clearer mental picture of the infrastructure and flow within the data center world.

Any insights, resources, or tips would be appreciated!

Typically a lurker here, but I got a decent offer to work as a Critical Engineer/Tech for ABM (coming from a large “Operations” company in the DC world). I don’t know much about them other than that they were a janitorial company. The biggest upside is the schedule and travel, I’d go from 45 minutes one way to work, to 5 minutes, and have a set schedule as opposed to a rotating one.

I’m only a year into the DC world, so really any input on anything would be appreciated. Thanks all, and be safe.

I am doing research on a project: if someone in the oil and gas business owned a large supply of natural gas (not needing to purchase it), what would the challenges be of said person owning a DC whose primary power source are natural gas generators, using this gas they own?

Are there any DC's using natgas generators as prime power in places with grid access?

How many backup generators are recommended?

This would be for a privately owned colocation DC, so any opinions on the size, location, etc. that would allow for the most profitability?

https://preview.redd.it/3jl2jy09v0yd1.png?width=5100&format=png&auto=webp&s=44060823b738ec9a65666b3cf959174396090a4d

My background is primarily in engineering, specifically in vehicle manufacturing, with a two-year stint leading an IT team that supported IT and OT infrastructure, systems, and applications in an assembly plant. I am looking to transition into data center technical operations or program management. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. The recent two-year gap in my employment is due to my role as a caregiver for my father, who passed away in November 2023. Very quick learner and strong will to get things done.

How much do you truly follow that rule? Yes, "power on left, Ethernet on right" is ideal, but I sometimes have PDUs on both sides… and our racks have a wide variety of equipment, so you never quite know where the ports are going to end up.

While looking this up a bit, I was amused to see that even Vertiv, in the middle of their ideal(istic) "best practices" guide, have a diagram of a rack that would like have Ethernet running next to power, right next to "power and network cables must be separate!!".

One alternative is if I tuck the (copper) network cables deeper into the rack, 8"+ from the PDUs, but then I'd be losing in on those sweet vertical cable management brackets with the thousand mounting points…

This is not for a home lab / setup.

https://preview.redd.it/4zcth3gxa0yd1.png?width=739&format=png&auto=webp&s=fb2d3cfe75a31e9fec5a9759db342759bee277f4

Hey, I work for a hedge fund and we’re looking at securing up our data centers to avoid data being corrupted or stolen, I think the biggest issue is theft, we do have a few measures in place but someone told me that at their company they have a setup and I was wondering what you guys would think about it.

Before you can enter the data centre, you cannot take personal items in, so literally all you can take in is the company laptop and company phone, you first have to walk through a scanner make sure you have nothing on your person, the phone and laptop is then passed to security who check that they are indeed company issued and then you walk through a second scanner(can’t remember the name) but this scanner essentially destroys any electronic device, so I guess this is to make sure nothing is brought in and then they can enter, the process is basically repeated when leaving.

What do you guys think about this? Overkill?

Any suggestions welcome.

Hi Everyone,

I have a prescreen interview for a data center engineer position with Oracle tomorrow. Does anyone know what to expect for a prescreen interview at Oracle?

I have searched and seen some older posts. Just wanted to get a temperature on the current environment at AWS data centers. Are you enjoying what you do? How do you feel the culture is? I have read all the "It's bad" stories, but just looking to see if you like it, plan to stay, or whatever it is that you feel? Also, if you are willing to share what role you have, it helps put things in better perspective. Not all jobs are equal. Appreciate any feedback you are willing to provide.

Hello!

We are working on a startup concept in our studio that is looking at robot security guards. Do data centers use nighttime or other security guards?

Hello Everyone,

I’ve had experience designing (5 centers), design building (3) and being onsite operations and maintenance (2). My knowledge is from a power, hvac and RCDD infrastructure perspective. I have a nephew that is 18 looking at school now and asked me how things work. I told him I’m told what server they’ll use, and how many servers racks they think they’ll need we work out the services etc. I don’t know the topology design besides there are routers, switches, load balancers, old school Beowulf clusters (built one in college) and virtual machines to push up PUE numbers to improve efficiency and recover capital costs sooner. I am aware of virtualization and how cloud roughly work and did some white boarding for him. I don’t think I helped besides conveying that that are various depths of knowledge. If he wanted to be apart of a team that designs entirely new systems ( I’m guessing mass scaled SAS, or a new reddit/ebay), should he look to study things related to enterprise architecture or something else because I know today this makes up numerous job descriptions? Just trying to provide a little direction for him and just stress being open minded and being agile. I appreciate your time/feedback to help the next gen.

The paychecks here in Japan for DC jobs are really good, especially when you hit IC2 or IC3 levels. But honestly, we’ve got quite a few lazy people on the team now. It feels like there’s a lot of drama and weirdness going on. We’ve been hiring a ton of DC techs over the last three years, but a lot of the new folks just complain about everything and don’t seem to bring much to the table. It’s never-ending! I think the talent acquisition team could do a better job checking job histories and references to avoid this. r/datacenter r/oraclecloud

Do any of the major DC companies in VA have in house generator maintenance teams? Or do the majority just outsource it to other companies to work on the generators?