The U.S. data center market is expected to be worth $10 billion by 2023 — growing at a CAGR of 5% from 2018-2023—with no chance of slowing down anytime soon. Automation, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning systems are rapidly changing normal data center operations, making it difficult to predict what the industry will be like in the long-term. Because of this accelerated growth and innovation, there is huge demand for data center engineers and workers who are highly trained and have a variety of skills—skills beyond the industry norm.
How a Data Center Worker Can Remain Competitive
There are many ways a data center engineer can remain competitive over time. In addition to on-the-job experience, there’s a need for workers with both hard and soft skills. One way that a data center engineer can stand out is by taking courses in programming and automation. Another way is by embracing non-industry specific skills; for example, enhanced communication skills, critical thinking, and creativity will go a long way in a world increasingly controlled by technology.
Training Courses to Meet Demand
Those interested in a career as a data center engineer can now get a bachelor’s degree in data center engineering. The degree is available at the Institute of Technology of Sligo in Ireland, and was designed with input from Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. It was designed to meet the specific needs of the ever-changing data center field, both for beginners and those already in the industry looking to increase their skills. This degree is the first of its kind and geared toward European students. Currently, there are bachelor’s degree programs in data science and analytics in the U.S., as well as a few online master’s degree programs, specifically for data engineering, including Syracuse U., SMU, UC Berkeley, and University of Denver.
Those with a mastery of data science are in high demand in the industry. A data center engineer with specialized, specific knowledge will help reduce the frequency of human error on the job. Further, there will be an even greater need for those workers who have the nuanced skills and experience as AI and IoT technologies become more prevalent. They will be the experts in implementing and managing machine learning systems in the data centers of the future.
If you need assistance with a large-scale data center migration or staffing with a qualified data center engineer or worker, contact Silverback Data Center Solutions today.
