Dr. Priyanka Ray advises early IT career starters to embrace continuous learning and adaptability, given the rapid evolution of cloud and data center technologies.
She emphasizes the importance of understanding cloud architecture fundamentals, staying updated with innovations like AI and edge computing, and obtaining certifications from major providers such as AWS and Google Cloud.
Additionally, she highlights the need to understand various data center functions, including operations, cybersecurity, network engineering, and sales, before choosing a career path.
Priyanka also stresses the significance of building a strong foundation in networking, servers, storage, and virtualization.
This video is excerpted from the podcast Ep. #52 Dr. Priyanka Ray, Global GTM Cloud Migration & Modernisation Lead of IBM | Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast.
Action Items
- Learn the fundamentals of cloud architecture and gain certifications from major cloud providers, such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
- Learn about the various functions in the data center industry, including operations, cybersecurity, network engineering, design and architecture, virtualization, and sales/business development.
- Create a strong foundation in essential data center technologies like networking, servers, storage, and virtualization.
- Stay current with emerging technologies that are reshaping the data center industry, such as automation, AI, edge computing, and sustainability.
Outline
Advice for Early Career in IT
- Joshua Feinberg asks for advice for high school students or university entrants considering career options in client-facing roles such as project management, program management, sales, marketing, products, or customer success.
- Joshua Feinberg mentions the obvious and ongoing need for cybersecurity but seeks general advice for a broader range of IT careers.
- Joshua Feinberg inquires about the type of conversation Dr. Priyanka Ray would have over coffee with someone seeking such career guidance.
Embracing Continuous Learning and Adaptability
- Dr. Priyanka Ray emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptability for early career starters in the cloud and data center fields.
- She highlights the rapid evolution of the cloud and data center landscapes and the necessity of staying curious and proactive about learning new tools, frameworks, and best practices.
- Dr. Priyanka Ray stresses the need to understand the fundamentals of cloud architecture, regardless of whether one is pursuing a technical or non-technical career path.
Understanding Cloud Architecture Fundamentals
- Dr. Priyanka Ray advises gaining certifications with major cloud providers like AWS and Google Cloud to stay ahead in the industry.
- She explains the importance of understanding a data center's various functions, such as operations, cybersecurity, network engineering, data center design, cloud virtualization, and data center management.
- Dr. Priyanka Ray suggests creating a strong foundation in the basics of data centers, including networking, servers, storage, and virtualization.
Exploring Emerging Technologies and Sustainability
- Dr. Priyanka Ray discusses the importance of understanding emerging technologies like AI, edge computing, and sustainability in the data center industry.
- She encourages new hires to establish a base in these areas and then decide where they want to take their careers.
- Dr. Priyanka Ray highlights the need to stay updated with innovations and technologies reshaping the data center industry.
Resources
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