IET ARTICLE
WRITING PROMPT
FOR JOB AT NOVA IET
Prompt: Why should students pursue a career path at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) to get into Data Center Operations (DCO)? How are a few effective ways they can follow a career pathway that leads to an in-demand technology career in DCO? In the backdrop of an explosive growth in the tech industry, graduates of Northern Virginia Community College’s (NOVA) Data Center Operations (DCO) programs emerge as highly skilled individuals, ready to take on key roles in data centers or companies crucial to supporting data center functions. Careers in the technology field are rapidly growing not only in Northern Virginia but also throughout Virginia and the United States as a whole. In fact, according to the Global Data Center Outlook 2023, Northern Virginia has been recognized as the “top Data Center Market in the world in terms of megawatts of supply.” Furthermore, NOVA DCO Professor and STACK Infrastructure VP T.J. Ciccone states that “a greater number of professionals are retiring from the industry than are joining it.” As a result, now is an excellent time for students to consider pursuing a career path at NOVA for a DCO certificate or degree. NOVA’s DCO programs not only have an excellent reputation but are also more cost-effective than comparable programs. For the Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 semesters, NOVA's in-state tuition is $218.86 per credit hour, totaling approximately $6,566 for a 30-credit academic year. In contrast, the average annual in-state tuition and fees at public four-year institutions is $11,610, with out-of-state tuition averaging $30,780. Additionally, data center technician salaries in Virginia average $73,231 annually, with entry-level positions starting around $66,246 and experienced technicians earning up to $76,531. NOVA’s emphasis on hands-on training—such as fiber optics and BICSI certifications—prepares students with the practical experience employers are actively seeking in this high-demand industry. There are numerous success stories of students who have completed NOVA’s DCO program. For instance, alumni Albertine Djoumou Nkombou completed the A.A.S. program and now works as a facilities engineer at Digital Realty while also serving as an adjunct faculty member at NOVA. Djoumou Nkombou says, “NOVA has given me so much—not only as a student but as a person in general. I left my country to come to the United States, and NOVA accepted me as an international student. So, for me to go from international to an adjunct faculty at NOVA—it is incredible.” Elizabeth (Liz) White, a current NOVA student, is pursuing a double major in Engineering Technology, with a focus on Data Center Operations and Information Systems Technology with an emphasis on Cloud Computing. White became interested in Data Center Operations after learning about the stable job market and high demand in the sector. She states, “This prompted me to embark on a path within the data center field by starting with taking TJ Ciccone’s class ‘Intro to Data Centers.’” Aspiring students can pursue a career in the DCO field through various pathways, including the Data Center Operations, C.S.C certificate and the Data Center Operations Specialization, A.A.S. degree. While there are no prerequisites for The Data Center Operations C.S.C. certificate, it is recommended that students have proficiency in high school English, algebra, and geometry, and the ability to use hand tools and instruments. The C.S.C. program is a one-year program designed for students interested in entry-level positions in data centers or companies that support data center functions as technicians, operators, and/or technologists. Upon completion of the program, students will earn industry credentials, including DICSI Installer 2 (Fiber Optics) and OSHA 10 certification. The Data Center Operations Specialization, A.A.S., is Virginia’s only certified two-year accredited data center degree program. This program is designed for students interested in pursuing careers as technicians, operators, and/or technologists in data centers or companies supporting data center functions. Upon program completion, students will earn industry credentials such as BICSI Installer 1, Installer 2 (Copper), and Installer 2 (Fiber Optic). This degree also prepares students for potential transfer to a bachelor’s degree program if they wish to pursue further education. With the global demand for data center professionals continuing to rise and Northern Virginia leading the world in data center infrastructure, NOVA offers students a clear and affordable pathway into this booming industry. Through industry-aligned training, hands-on experience, and direct connections to employers, NOVA’s DCO program equips students with the skills and credentials they need to succeed. Whether you're just starting out or looking to shift into a high-demand, high-reward tech career, there’s no better time to begin your journey. Take the first step toward a future in Data Center Operations—apply to NOVA today and power up your career.
technical editing assignment for technical editing course
Technical Editing TO: Professor Immel, Technical Editing FROM: Kristy Gillespie, NOVA Technical Writing Student DATE: November 14, 2024 SUBJECT: Analyzing Graphics Dear Professor Immel, Here is my analysis of the bar chart I selected: Source: Smithsonian Magazine – a science and nature publication Link: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/enterprising-woman-belinda-mulrooney-built-booming-empire-klondike-gold-rush-180985221/ Intended Audience: Adults interested in history and finance Type of Graphic: Bar chart Purpose: The article, “Queen of the Klondike,” tells the story of Belinda Mulrooney, an Irish immigrant with little formal education, who became the richest woman in Canada’s Yukon Territory during the early 1900s gold rush. The graph compares the value of money at various points in history, including the Gold Rush, and illustrates how it has changed over time. Adults interested in history and finance will appreciate its clear depiction of money’s shifting value. The headline, “Show Me the Money,” is an appropriate title for the chart. The X-axis displays the amounts of gold coins, while the Y-axis indicates the monetary values. Six examples are provided, including a section titled “Blubber Bucks,” which explains how American whalers in 1851 contributed $10 million to the GDP, a value equivalent to $408 million today. The information is presented clearly and concisely, with an appropriate level of information density. Overall, the chart is quite effective. The graphic successfully conveys its intended message by telling the story of money's changing value throughout history. Given the numeric data, a bar chart is well-suited to illustrate these changes visually. The graphic is also factually and historically accurate, effectively highlighting the significant differences between millions and billions of dollars. The chart’s clarity enhances its overall impact, and the colors and fonts improve readability.
business article for discover publications, a local newspaper i write for
Iron Heart Forge: Joe Sitton’s Lifelong Craft and the Art of Passing It On Joe Sitton, owner of Iron Heart Forge in The Plains, is no stranger to hard work. Born into a poor family in Lynchburg in 1943, he grew up in the nearby village of Forest in Bedford County. By age nine, Joe was stocking shelves and sweeping floors at a country store, earning a quarter for afternoons and a dollar for a full day on Saturdays. He also mowed lawns, pulled weeds, and worked for a local man who owned ponies. If he trained a pony within 30 days, he was paid $10. At New London Academy, the county school, Joe was introduced to welding, blacksmithing, and electrical work. At 17, he struck his first piece of hot steel and forged a punch tool. His skills expanded while spending time with a great-uncle in Texas, where he learned to rope, shoe, and show horses, and make horseshoes. He worked in large stock barns with up to 200 stalls across Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, traveling weekly to show horses both locally and regionally. For about 20 years, Joe roped and shod horses, winning several championships. At one point, he aspired to be a world champion bull rider, but a back injury ended those ambitions. "I’ve been a cowboy my whole life," he says. In 1982, he moved to Marshall, where he managed the Virginia Beef Corporation until 1994. During this time, he continued working as a farrier and dabbled in ironwork. Renowned blacksmith Nol Putnam recognized his talent and helped him secure contracts. One such order—a dozen roses—became his signature creation. Now, Joe’s roses are shipped to clients in 38 states and five foreign countries. He spends up to nine hours crafting each one, relying solely on word of mouth for business. In 2012, he founded Iron Heart Forge, a blacksmithing business in his backyard garage. A fan of Dale Earnhardt, he named the business "Iron Heart" as a tribute to the NASCAR legend. For the past 15 years, Beverly Young, whom Joe describes as having "a great eye," has been his full-time apprentice. Together, they hammer-stamp all their work with Joe’s initials, fulfilling orders for railings, driveway gates, and more. For one customer, Joe crafted three tables from American clear walnut, incorporating 450 handmade leaves—each uniquely crafted—over the course of six and a half months. This clearly demonstrates his craftsmanship, artistry, and skill as a gifted blacksmith. Sharing his blacksmithing skills is one of his greatest passions. "If you have knowledge and don’t share it, it’s lost when you're gone," Joe says. "That knowledge dies with you—it's wasted. But if you can pass it on, it’s a gift." Joe values repeat business from loyal customers, but teaching is where his heart truly lies. He’s currently mentoring two apprentices, with a third potentially joining soon. His students visit the workshop for up to two hours at a time, learning the craft firsthand. He encourages anyone interested in becoming an apprentice to contact him. Reflecting on his own mentor, Joe is deeply moved. "Nol Putnam was one of the best men I’ve ever known,” he says. “Watching him hammer was mesmerizing. For 20 years, I watched his stroke, his arm, his steel. It was art in motion." For Joe, blacksmithing is not just about craftsmanship but creativity. "You need an eye for art in this trade," he says. "I learned so much from Nol—more than I could ever repay." For more information, call (540) 270-4680.
magazine article prompt for my internship with route magazine
The Enchanted Continental Divide With its stunning red and yellow sandstone cliffs, white gypsum sand, limestone caverns, sparkling lakes, and dramatic sunsets, it’s no wonder that New Mexico’s official nickname is “the land of Enchantment.” In fact, Georgia O’Keeffe, one of the most well-known American modernist painters, said, “When I got to New Mexico that was mine. As soon as I saw it that was my country. I’d never seen anything like it before, but it fitted to me exactly. It’s something that’s in the air, it’s different. The sky is different, the wind is different. I shouldn’t say too much about it because other people may be interested and I don’t want them interested.” Clearly, people have become interested in New Mexico, considering a record number of nearly 40 million people traveled there in 2021. One way to travel to New Mexico is by driving the historic Route 66, which starts in Chicago, Illinois and ends at the Pacific Coast in Santa Monica, California. Although sections of Route 66 are no longer drivable, the majority of it still is. And it’s worth a drive, considering there are fascinating attractions and breathtaking views along the way. Although it’s not as bustling as it was in its heyday, there’s a quiet tranquility along this route through New Mexico. It also boasts the highest point on Route 66, with an elevation of 7,295 feet, and a natural wonder called the U.S. Continental Divide. The U.S. Continental Divide, which is also known as the Great Divide, is a natural boundary of mountain ranges that separates the flow of water between the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean. Precipitation that falls west of the line will end in the Pacific Ocean, whereas precipitation that falls east of the line will end in the Atlantic Ocean. It’s no wonder that The U.S. Continental Divide has become a popular tourist destination. Who wouldn’t want to travel to a spot where such a unique phenomenon takes place? The Continental Divide is also a small village consisting of a few houses, souvenir shops, a gas station, and a post office. The surrounding area has been inhabited by Native Americans for nearly 11,000 years. Spaniards came and went and Mexico occupied this region from 1821-1848. Besides having a rich history, there are also a lot of signs reminding travelers that they are indeed at the Continental Divide. The official marker is located south of I-40’s exit 47 between the freeway and Route 66. (There’s a second identical official marker further along Route 66). The marker, which consists of a brown sign between wooden posts, was erected by the New Mexico Preservation Division. It reads: “Continental Divide Elevation- 7,295 feet Rainfall divides at this point. To the west it drains into the Pacific Ocean to the east, into the Atlantic.” Although the inscription’s brief, it’s also beautiful to imagine rain drops falling from the same sky yet ending up in vastly different oceans. On the Route 66 side, there’s the Top of the World souvenir shop which sells turquoise and silver jewelry, moccasins, Native American artwork, and souvenirs, of course. There are also unique Native American murals, one of which says: “Continental Divide Elevation 7245 ft Rainfall divides at this point West drains into the Pacific East Drains into the Atlantic.” Although the inscription is similar to the aforementioned, strangely it states a lower elevation than the official marker. Past the souvenir shop, there’s a brown historic sign that says: “Historic Route New Mexico U.S. 66” with a beige sign underneath that says: “Begin,” to indicate that Route 66 starts here (in New Mexico at least). From this spot, if you head east, you’ll head towards Chicago. On the flip side, if you turn west, which will lead you to Los Angeles; you’ll find an identical brown “Historic Route New Mexico U.S. 66 sign.” However, the sign underneath is a yellow “Dead End” sign, because there is a dead end ahead. All of these signs were posted by the US Department of Transportation. One more sign to check out in Continental Divide is the rusty red and yellow Whiting Brothers Service Station and Motel, circa 1926, which interestingly, is the same year Route 66 was created. When I-40 opened in 1957, businesses along this section of Route 66 took a financial hit, including the Whiting Brothers’ businesses. Ironically, their slogan was “Most of the Best for the Least.”