ABOUT

Exploring Microsoft Datacenter Operations Career Paths is a virtual event designed to demystify the wide range of technical career opportunities within Microsoft’s datacenters. Attendees will gain valuable insights into roles that keep Microsoft's global infrastructure running.

Whether you're new to the tech industry or looking to pivot your career, this event will provide an inside look at the responsibilities, growth opportunities, and hiring process for these essential roles, equipping job seekers with the knowledge and confidence to take the next step.

PRESENTERS

Navin Sathi

General Manager, Datacenter Operations
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Aaron Brown

Technical Recruiter
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Dawn Odom

Critical Environment Operations Manager
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Brian Napier

Datacenter IT Operations Manager
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Rukayah Balogun

Datacenter Inventory & Asset Manager
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Kim Worthy

Director, Hiring as a Service (HaaS)
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Cheri Wells

Senior Business Program Manager, Hiring as a Service (HaaS)
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DATE & AGENDA

THURSDAY

July
17th

2025

Agenda

time iconJuly 17, 2025 11:00 am to
11:30 am

Welcome & Event Overview

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Navin Sathi
General Manager, Datacenter Operations

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Kim Worthy
Director, Headcount & Growth/Hiring as a Service (HaaS)

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George Jackson
Director, Data Center Operational Excellence

Welcome to the Datacenter Virtual Experience

Start your behind-the-scenes journey into the world of datacenters and cutting-edge cloud infrastructure. We’ll begin with opening remarks from our co-hosts, Kim Worthy (Director of Headcount & Growth/Hiring as a Service) and George Jackson (Director of Datacenter Operational Excellence), who will welcome you and set the stage for the day.


They’ll then introduce Navin Sathi, General Manager of Datacenter Operations, who will share a brief message to kick off the event.


After Navin’s remarks, Kim and George will return to give you a guided overview of what to expect, including an overview of the sessions, tips for navigating the platform, and how to make the most of your experience.


time iconJuly 17, 2025 11:30 am to
12:30 pm

A Day in the Life: Datacenter Technicians in Action

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Brian Napier
Datacenter IT Operations Manager

What does it take to keep the digital world running? Step inside the role of a Datacenter Technician and learn how these essential team members ensure servers are installed, maintained, and running at peak performance. You’ll get a real-world view of daily responsibilities, what hiring managers are looking for, and how to break into this high-impact role, even without prior tech experience.

time iconJuly 17, 2025 12:30 pm to
01:30 pm

Powering the Cloud: Life as a Critical Environment Technician

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Dawn Odom
Critical Environment Operations Manager

Ever wondered who keeps the power on in the cloud? This session takes you into the high-stakes world of Critical Environment Technicians (CETs), the people responsible for electrical and mechanical systems that support datacenter operations. Explore the skills required, what a typical shift looks like, and how you can position yourself as a strong candidate for this mission-critical role.

time iconJuly 17, 2025 01:30 pm to
02:30 pm

From Parts to Performance: Behind the Scenes in Inventory & Assets

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Givon Forbes
Datacenter Operations Manager

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Rukayah Balogun
Datacenter Inventory & Asset Manager

Go beyond the racks and servers to discover how Datacenter Inventory & Asset Technicians keep operations flowing smoothly. This session dives into the logistics, asset tracking, and equipment lifecycle management that keep infrastructure running. Learn about the blend of technical know-how and organizational skill this role requires, and how you can get started!

time iconJuly 17, 2025 02:30 pm to
03:30 pm

Driving Innovation: Engineering & Program Management Careers

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Jerrion Crutcher
Electrical Engineer

For those with a passion for big-picture thinking and systems design, this session shines a spotlight on the Engineering and Program Management teams. Learn how these professionals shape the future of infrastructure, support large-scale projects, and solve challenges with global impact. Hear directly from team members about their path into tech and what sets successful candidates apart.

time iconJuly 17, 2025 03:30 pm to
03:55 pm

Launch Your Career: Opportunities in the Datacenter Industry

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Aaron Brown
Technical Recruiter

This session is your gateway to explore available roles and career paths in Datacenter Operations. Learn how to match your skills to the right opportunities, how to stand out in the application process, and what success looks like in one of the fastest-growing industries in tech. 

time iconJuly 17, 2025 03:55 pm to
04:00 pm

Closing Remarks

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Cheri Wells
Senior Business Program Manager, Hiring as a Service (HaaS)

GALLERY


FAQ


No, this event is completely free to attend.

This is a virtual-only event. You’ll be able to join from anywhere with internet access.

This event is open to anyone exploring a career in tech, especially those interested in learning about Microsoft Datacenter Operations. Whether you're early in your career, changing industries, or just curious about tech careers, you're welcome here.

Not at all. No prior technical experience is required. We'll cover a variety of roles for those interested in a career in the tech industry.

No. This event is informational and does not require any formal application. However, you'll have the opportunity to learn about next steps if you're interested in exploring roles in the future.

This is not a hiring event, but we will share insight into the hiring process, potential roles, and how you can prepare to take the next step.

We’ll highlight roles in Datacenter Operations such as Datacenter Technician (DCT), Critical Environment Technician (CET), Datacenter Inventory & Asset Technician (DIAT), and supporting roles that keep Microsoft’s global infrastructure running.

Yes! We’ll have Q&A segments where you can ask questions directly to Microsoft team members.

If you need any accessibility or other accommodations to participate fully, please let us know when you register or contact dcopshaas@microsoft.com at least one week in advance.

Yes, the session will be recorded and made available to registered attendees after the event.

No preparation is required, but we encourage you to come with questions and curiosity.