One of the top questions I received on LinkedIn and my YouTube channel are the skills one needs to work as a Data Center Technician at Google (or another company). Until recently I would point those individuals to read this blog post I wrote some time back. Why did I change from pointing people to my website? Not because the information is outdated, but that Google released an official website detailing all the skills needed for the role. In this point I want to review the Data Center Technician skills needed at Google.
Author’s Note: Although this website is geared toward roles at Google, the skills listed are pretty universal and apply to Data Center Technician roles at other employers.
Data Center Technician Skills Overview
There are three category of skills one needs to become a Data Center Technician at Google:
- Infrastructure and hardware
- Networking and connectivity
- Problem solving and analytical skills
Let’s review those in more detail.
Infrastructure and Hardware
According to the website, anyone interested in gaining the Data Center Technician skills to pass the interviews need to know the following:
- Applied data security
This means having the knowledge of how to handle a server to maintain data security. Thus, one should understand where data lives (such as a hard drive) and how to properly handle data so that person doesn’t compromise it and cause an incident.
- Data center hardware architecture
I’m glad Google points out this skill because there are plenty of individuals working in IT that don’t understand the type of hardware within a data center. They are used to office hardware, which is totally different. A person could learn this by watching videos on YouTube and doing research online. However, have physical experience is best.
- Data center infrastructure
The website suggest interested candidates know the network, cooling, and power works in a data center. Again, one can learn about this using YouTube. There are plenty of videos there about how a network, cooling structures, and power works in a data center.
- Data center operating systems
Candidates need to know how operating systems work when it comes to the boot process and how to troubleshoot issues. Which operating system do people need to know? Linux. It runs a majority of the servers powering the Internet today. However, if people only know Windows I suggest they learn how to use Linux.
- Machine equipment and components
Last, but not least, individuals need to know the types of hardware used in servers, how they interact with each other, and how to troubleshoot various types of issues. I always tell people this when they ask about a particular skill-set to study. If you don’t know your computer hardware and troubleshooting steps, you’re not going to get the job.
Networking and Connectivity
Now let’s review the suggested computer network skills:
- Network equipment and components
People need to know about the various types of network equipment commonly found in data centers. Good examples are fiber optic cabling, switches, routers, and optic transceivers to name a few. Wikipedia and YouTube are great resources to learn if someone doesn’t have experience.
- Data center network architecture
This skill can get very complex fast. Basically, the type of network within a data center is similar to one used in a home or office, but on a larger scale. Candidates going for a L1 or L2 Data Center Technician role need to know the basics about data center network architecture. However. those going for more senior roles need to know quite a bit.
- Computer networking
I suggest individuals know the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model and the common Internet protocols (such as TCP/IP, UDP, and DNS).
Problem Solving and Analytical Skills
The last Data Center Technician skills to learn is how to properly troubleshoot problems when they arise, be it on a server or within the network. They also need to understand where to find the information containing the error and other information so they can properly troubleshoot.
As a L3 Data Center Technician at Google this is what I do everyday. If I’m not troubleshooting a network link or a machine, I’m finding information about the failures so I can do more research.
Frankly, if one doesn’t have good problem-solving skills then passing the interview is going to be near impossible.
How Can One Gain These Skills?
I highly suggest those wanting to get one of Data Center Technician roles at Google to take and pass the Google IT Support Certificate. I took it myself just to see how it was because I used to suggest individuals get the CompTIA A+ certification. Read this blog post for my thoughts about the certificate.