The world today is more dependent on data centers than ever before. They are the backbone of our digital economy, providing critical infrastructure to support everything from cloud-based applications to e-commerce. The exponential growth of data is partly a result of the global shift toward digital transformation and the rapid adoption of cloud technology. According to 451's recent Hybrid and Multicloud Strategies Take Shape and Challenges Emerge report, “56% of enterprises are using a hybrid and multi-cloud strategy, growing to 64% in two years per corporate planning. The leading drivers of these firms are to improve scalability, facilitate agility, and to have the option of migrating workloads across platforms as needed."
In addition, the volume of data being created and stored has surged dramatically. As a result, the demand for data centers has skyrocketed.
As technology evolves and the amount of data generated expands, infrastructure companies must invest in developing their talent pool to meet the growing demand for data center experts. Unfortunately, the exponential growth of this sector and soaring data generation has resulted in a talent shortage that poses a significant challenge for companies operating in this space. This talent crisis has profound implications for the industry, including increased costs, reduced innovation, and a talent pool with retirement in its sights.
The good news is that a solution comes in the form of military precision.Veterans and the broader military community are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between the need for talent in the data center sector and underemployment in the veteran community. The precision, discipline, and work ethic developed during their service makes them fantastic candidates for jobs in hyperscale, edge, and colocation facilities. That's why leading companies are actively recruiting ex-military members and preparing them with the training and tech expertise for roles in data centers worldwide. As a result, highly skilled individuals from the global military community working alongside critical operations teams are building the data centers of tomorrow with the same military precision they honed during their service.
Breaking barriers and advancing the digital infrastructure industry
The infrastructure sector increasingly recognizes the importance of helping the military community find rewarding careers post-military duty. Providing a path to a challenging and fulfilling role in an innovative company allows these competent individuals to continue serving their respective countries in a new and exciting way. Not only is this a win-win situation for both the veteran or veteran spouse and the organization, but it also helps to create a much-needed pipeline of talent for the data center sector.
Brian Green – Executive Vice President of Operations, Engineering & Project Management, EdgeConneX and Navy Veteran: “My first class in my plebe year at the Naval Academy was Naval Leadership (NL101). The first leadership concept that was presented was that Men (people) mean more than guns in the rating of a ship. Nowhere is that truer than in the data center industry. The war for talent is a very real one. However, what sets the best data center operators apart is the quality of their teams, and the ability to lead them in the right direction.”
Many post-military training programs are tailored to suit the needs of veterans and their spouses, considering their unique skill sets and experiences. They cover roles across a wide range of departments, including data center operations, critical facility management, engineering, security, and maintenance. Military precision can solve the mission-critical talent crisis facing the data center industry. By recruiting ex-military members and providing them with the training they need to succeed in this sector, we can bridge the gap between the need for talent and underemployment in the veteran community.
These specialized training programs, such as Salute Mission Critical’s, change lives daily and are a testament to the commitment to innovation, excellence, and social responsibility. For CIOs, CEOs, IT Directors, and HR Directors, it's time to recognize the value of military veterans and invest in their future by providing challenging and fulfilling job opportunities in the data center industry.
Successful transitions into the digital infrastructure industry
"The military taught me never to quit, and that mentality has helped me throughout my career. The data center industry is growing fast, and there are many opportunities out there that can lead to a rewarding career. Always be willing to learn and ready to seize the moment." - Jeremy Dillard, Critical Systems Engineer, EdgeConneX and Army Veteran
"The data center industry is a perfect fit for a military spouse because if they have to move, those skills acquired from working within a facility can translate to another location when they relocate. Working in the data center industry as a Talent Acquisition Associate has helped me hone the interpersonal skills that I have acquired through various moves that the military has taken me on. Relocating and adjusting to new areas and neighbors has given me a unique perspective and ability to connect with others in the community." - Rebecca Thigpen, Talent Acquisition Associate, Salute Mission Critical
"I learned in the military that attention to detail, strategic planning, and adaptability are critical to success. These same skills are just as essential in the digital infrastructure industry, where the ability to analyze complex systems, anticipate potential issues, and pivot quickly to address them can make all the difference. Whether I'm leading a team in the field or managing a project from the office, the discipline and focus that I developed in the military have been a perfect fit for this industry." - Zach Peterson, Data Center Engineer, Salute Mission Critical and Air Force Veteran
"My time in the military taught me the importance of leading by example, working collaboratively, and focusing on achieving a shared mission. These are skills that I have carried with me into my civilian career, and they have been instrumental in my success as a leader. Whether it's building high-performing teams, navigating complex challenges, or driving growth and innovation, the leadership skills I honed in the military have proven to be invaluable assets in the business world." - Scott Todd, Operations Manager, Salute Mission Critical and Air Force Veteran
Addressing the data center talent shortage is crucial for the tech industry's future. Companies must find ways to attract and retain skilled professionals to stay competitive. By forging paths for the greater military community to apply their critical skills, high integrity, and military precision, we can solve the talent crisis while building tomorrow’s data centers and, most of all, change lives for good. The future of our digital economy depends on it.
If you are a member of the military community and are considering a new career, please check out our EdgeConneX Salutes - Top Tips series here: https://www.edgeconnex.com/category/edgeconnex-salutes/
