# Data Center Sector Opens Doors for Non-Traditional Career Seekers

By Greg Crumpton · Published 2025-03-03 · Updated 2026-05-19 · Engineering & Construction on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/engineering-and-construction/data-center-sector-opens-doors-for-non-traditional-career-seekers
Creator hub: Straight Outta Crumpton

> Rapid expansion in data centers is creating unexpected opportunities for workers without traditional tech backgrounds to fill critical roles

## Key points

- 50% of data center operators report difficulty filling open roles, with shortages projected to persist for a decade.
- Non-traditional backgrounds — including cosmetology, event production, and trades — can translate successfully into data center careers.
- Expanding STEM and trades education, veteran pathways, and community networks are key to building the future data center workforce.

Block Field

The data center sector is expanding rapidly, driven by increasing digital demands across sectors. As this growth accelerates, data centers face a workforce shortage, with projections showing the shortage could persist for the next decade. According to a 2023 report by [Uptime Institute](https://journal.uptimeinstitute.com/data-centers-are-short-staffed-boys-clubs/#:~:text=About%20half%20of%20the%20survey's,operations%2C%20mechanical%20and%20electrical%20staff.), 50% of data center operators report difficulties filling open roles. This shortage highlights the need to attract talent from diverse backgrounds to maintain the infrastructure that underpins our digital world.

> This shortage highlights the need to attract talent from diverse backgrounds to maintain the infrastructure that underpins our digital world.

How can the data center industry attract talent from varied fields, and what opportunities does it hold for those seeking non-traditional career paths?

In this episode of [*Straight Outta Crumpton*](https://marketscale.com/shows/straight-outta-crumpton/), host [Greg Crumpton](https://www.linkedin.com/in/crumptonskilledtrades/) talks with [**Tiffany Kovaleski**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanykovaleski/), Global Account Manager at [**Overwatch**](https://weareoverwatch.com/), about her unconventional path to the data center sector. Tiffany discusses how building relationships, adaptability, and leveraging her diverse background have enabled her success in a field traditionally dominated by technical backgrounds.

**Key Points from the Episode**

- **Career Transformation and Resilience**: Tiffany shared her journey from an unconventional background in cosmetology and event production to her current role in the data center industry, emphasizing resilience, adaptability, and the value of relationships in navigating career transitions.
- **Promoting the Data Center Industry and Trades**: Tiffany discussed the growing opportunities in the data center industry and advocated for increased awareness and pathways for people from all backgrounds, including veterans, tradespeople, and young students. She highlighted the need for more educational programs and legislation to build the workforce pipeline, particularly in STEM and trades.
- **The Importance of Community and Support Networks**: Tiffany underscored the importance of building strong personal and professional relationships. She spoke about how her network supported her during challenging times and encouraged others to foster connections and have open conversations about mental health and support.

### About the Guest

**Tiffany Kovaleski** is an accomplished global operations and strategy leader, with over 15 years of experience in business development, operations, and community building. As the founder and CEO of **Kōvent**, she created a platform connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors in the technology space. Currently, as Global Account Manager at **Overwatch**, she leverages her expertise to manage key client relationships and deliver strategic value within the data center industry.

Tags: career transitions, Data Centers, non-traditional career paths, Overwatch, Tiffany Kovaleski

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