Nazrawi Yenberberu became interested in NOVA’s Data Center Operations course after spotting an online ad for the program. Nazrawi lives in Ashburn, Virginia and is a real estate agent by trade who hopes to capitalize on the growing data center industry.

In November 2021, he participated in a two-day fusion splicing course sponsored by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Sumitomo, in partnership with NOVA. Now, he is excited to start his summer 2022 internship at AWS.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background:

I am from Ethiopia, and I emigrated seven years ago. Family and opportunity brought me to the United States and to the Virginia region.

I am a current NOVA student. When I started, I was studying electrical engineering with plans on going to George Mason afterwards, but I then changed my course after hearing about Data Center Operations. Currently, I would finish at NOVA in two to three more semesters, with consideration for job prospects already.

Job wise, I am a real estate agent, and I am trying to join the data center business. I live in Ashburn, so when I saw the data center growth in this area, I knew I wanted to be a part of it.

What brought you to NOVA?

I saw ads online and it interested me. I went to programs of study on the website, and I knew what I was going to do. When I saw data center there, I said, ‘I’m going to take these courses.’

What are you studying or do you plan to study at NOVA?

I am in the data center operations course. Joining the data center industry is one of the best decisions I made. It is amazing how the industry is growing, especially in Northern Virginia. I see endless opportunities ahead of me.

Where do you see yourself after NOVA or what career pursuits are you exploring?

I see myself working and furthering my education by getting another degree, perhaps my master’s in management.

What would you tell an incoming NOVA student?

The people are nice, and all the staff and professors are amazing. Talk to them because they always have a solution for you.

Tell Us About Your Experience at NOVA; i.e., professors you’ve liked and friends you’ve met.

All of the professors are good especially professors, Amir Mehmood and TJ Ciccone. They are both super helpful.

What do you think about this professional development opportunity and fusion splicing certificate through Sumitomo and AWS?

It is great. This program offers a nice opportunity to get a job afterwards easily. Getting the knowledge of fusion splicing is great because I see it as relevant.

How do you feel that Amazon Web Services is sponsoring this program?

I just feel thankful that they are doing this. It is very nice of the company, and it teaches me that the demand is high.