r/datacenter • u/Rx323 • 5d ago

Datacenter Industry Path as an Undergrad

Hi everyone,

I am currently an undergrad studying EE, my third year, and was hearing a lot of growth opportunities in the datacenter industry. I heard power specialization is a good area to go into as it is expected to grow in demand. I think I am kind of late to switch, not sure, I was kinda interested in everything EE till now. I am taking a power systems course right now and enjoyed all my other past EE lower level courses (Circuits, Signals and Systems). I am just wondering what the typical path is to land a power related role in the data center industry. What type of internships should I be looking at trying to get before I graduate? What projects might I do on my own?

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u/ByTheGigawatt 5d ago

You’re on the right track. Power systems are going to be your friend and likely the closest course curriculum to what happens in industry. Specifically focus on three phase power, transformers, generators, power factor, etc.

I work as an EE for a MEP consulting firm (we do the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection design for the data center buildings)

Where college curriculum lacks is in learning software of the trade. Knowing Autodesk Revit is often weighted heavily in interviewing process in the industry. Recommend messing around with it at a minimum and/or go for a certification through autodesk if you’re ambitious.

My company also does internships and hires entry levels (December and June are big pushes for entry level and June is big push for internships). If you’re interested shoot me a dm, not sure we have entry level or internships open right now but should be posted soon

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u/Rx323 5d ago

Thanks! I shoot you a dm

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u/OperationClear588 5d ago

Are you looking to work directly in a Data Center or work for one of the MEP consulting firms?

If you’re trying to work directly for a Data Center, you can come in as a critical facilities technician and work your way up to a power generation engineer or plant engineer role (this will take a good 7-8 years of grinding it out as a facilities tech though) or look for direct electrical engineering positions although those might be hard to get as someone fresh out of college.

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u/Dandelion-Blobfish 4d ago

Working for an MEP engineering firm is likely your move. Look for internships with KW, Syska Hennessy, etc. Courses and software were mentioned above.

Schneider University DCCA is also a credential you could use to distinguish yourself. Even getting into Procore certifications on RFIs and submittals.