Critical Careers - Women Building Careers in Digital Infrastructure - Book - Page 32
Critical Careers
E A R LY C A R E E R
How did you 昀椀rst discover digital
infrastructure, and what led you to the
role you’re in today?
My journey started very differently. I was working as a contractor in a data
centre with Equinix as a cleaner. Walking through the data halls every
day, I’d look at the equipment and thought, what does that do? How
does that work? One day I asked a technician if he had a few minutes to
explain the systems to me. As he talked, something clicked. I remember
thinking, this is so interesting. I want to do this.
There weren’t any apprenticeships available at the time, but I kept asking
questions and learning where I could. When an electrical and mechanical
apprenticeship 昀椀nally opened, I applied but didn’t get it. They told
me my maths was the issue, as I hadn’t passed it in college. It was
disappointing, but it didn’t stop me. I kept showing up, kept learning,
and a year later when another opportunity came up, I applied again. With
support from the team, I went through the process and this time I got it.
I was so excited.
Now I work four days a week on site and spend one day in college, even
doing extra maths to strengthen that area. I found digital infrastructure
by chance, but my curiosity and persistence has de昀椀nitely paid off.
Nicoleta
Ciortan
MECHANICAL ENGINEER APPRENTICE | EQUINIX
30
“I found digital infrastructure
by chance, but my curiosity
and persistence has
de昀椀nitely paid off.”
