How Veterans Are Helping Solve the Data Center Talent Shortage

“Adaptability is crucial in an environment where technology and processes are constantly evolving. Teamwork is essential for collaborating with various departments to ensure seamless operations. Problem-solving skills are necessary to quickly address and resolve technical issues. Leadership is important for guiding teams and managing projects efficiently. Together, these skills help create a resilient, efficient, and innovative data center operation.”

“As a veteran, I've witnessed firsthand how the skills honed during military service – such as structure, attention to detail, sense of urgency, and teamwork – are invaluable in the data center industry. These attributes help ensure operational excellence and pave the way for long-lasting, fulfilling careers. 

I'm proud of my service and of all veterans serving their countries around the world. And while all my past experiences helped guide me to where I am today, I wish I could have had the right resources to help me leverage my military skills into civilian roles. Telecommunications, security, electrical work, and mechanics roles translate seamlessly into the data center sector, offering veterans meaningful paths to contribute and succeed.”

EdgeConneX has hired veterans since the start of our company, and currently, we have many veterans at all levels across all areas. For the Data Center Operations team, we find that both recent and older veterans (like me) can fit into our organization due to their great match in skills and the needed attitude and work ethic.   

Veterans are typically used to hard work and odd hours while looking for challenges. Veterans are used to working with mature standards and processes that mirror how we keep our Data Centers running 24x7.  

Veterans are comfortable working in a team environment and are driven to take the initiative to solve complex problems. Most arrive with directly applicable skills, such as Equipment/Generator maintenance and repair, fiber and IT skills needed for customer support, and other technical skills required to maintain and operate data centers.

Quite a few skills transfer exceptionally well from military service to the data center industry. While many of these skills are valuable in any critical environment, they are essential in our field.  

Attention to detail is crucial. Precision is key in military operations and data center management, ensuring systems run smoothly and securely. Just as military procedures must be executed with exactness, MOPs (Methods of Procedure) in data centers must be carried out with the same level of precision, especially for repeated tasks or unique efforts.  

Additionally, project management is another significant skill. The experience in planning and executing ‘the mission’ translates into managing data center projects effectively and within timelines. This experience, combined with the ability to handle emergencies and crises, is invaluable when dealing with project delays, managing outages, or addressing security breaches in data centers. The adaptability of a typical service member in planning and executing allows them to react during crises in a measured and cool-headed manner.