Joshua Feinberg and Adam Gibson discuss career advice for early career entrants, particularly those interested in data centers, influenced by recent advancements in AI and NVIDIA.
Gibson emphasizes the importance of attracting new talent to the data center industry and suggests reading industry books to gain insights.
He highlights various entry-level roles, such as customer service, sales, and IT, and notes the growing demand for technicians, engineers, and marketing and operations leaders.
Feinberg adds that opportunities span facilities, construction, real estate, and capital markets. Smaller companies offer broader roles, while larger ones offer more specialized positions.
Both agree that the data center industry is experiencing significant growth, presenting numerous career paths for those interested.
This video is excerpted from the podcast Ep. #38 Adam Gibson, VP of Global DC Development of Megaport | Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast.
Action Items
- Explore data center industry roles that match the individual's interests and background.
- Consider starting in an entry-level position in the data center industry, as there are opportunities for quick career advancement.
Outline
Career Advice for Early Career Entrants in Data Centers
- Joshua Feinberg discusses the scenario of young people, possibly still in high school, exploring career options and showing interest in data centers, particularly with the rise of NVIDIA and AI.
- Adam Gibson emphasizes the importance of attracting new talent to the data center industry rather than poaching from other sectors.
- Adam suggests reading industry-specific books to gain a better understanding of data centers and the various roles available.
- He highlights the need for staffing in key areas like customer service, sales, and technical roles, and advises individuals to align their backgrounds with available positions in the data center industry.
Entry-Level Roles and Career Paths in Data Centers
- Adam Gibson explains that data centers, like the cloud, encompass a broad range of roles, making it essential to identify areas of interest.
- He compares data center roles to concierge positions in hotels, emphasizing the importance of customer service and basic technical skills.
- Adam mentions that a sales background can be beneficial, as there is a demand for strategic sales partners in the industry.
- He notes the growing demand for technicians, engineers, and senior leaders in various roles due to the industry's continuous growth and the shift towards hybrid cloud solutions.
Opportunities in Different Company Sizes
- Joshua Feinberg adds that there are numerous entry-level roles available in facilities, construction, real estate, and capital markets within the data center industry.
- He points out that smaller startups often require individuals to handle multiple responsibilities, while larger companies offer more specialized roles.
- Adam Gibson agrees, noting the significant media attention and public awareness of data centers, which have increased interest in and awareness of the industry.
- He highlights the historical context of data centers and the rapid growth from single megawatts to hundreds of megawatts in a short period.
Growth and Future Prospects in the Data Center Industry
- Adam Gibson discusses the continuous growth of the data center industry, which shows no signs of slowing down in the near future.
- He mentions the increasing demand for AI, regionalized sovereignty, and defense networks, which are driving the need for more technicians and engineers.
- Adam emphasizes that the data center industry is an excellent place to start a career, with opportunities for rapid advancement due to the industry's rapid growth.
- Reiterates the variety of roles available and the importance of aligning career interests with the available opportunities in the industry.
Resources
Watch the full podcast Ep. #38 Adam Gibson, VP of Global DC Development of Megaport | Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast
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