Data centers are the new wave of mass infrastructure, increasingly shaped by both AI evangelists and next-gen NIMBYs. Fueled by the AI race and the trillions projected to flow into global buildouts, the industry has expanded at a pace matched only by the competing pressures surrounding it.
But while data center growth is often measured in dollars, megawatts and square footage, those numbers say little about the people and expertise required to keep a facility running long after the construction crews leave. Jackie Zendejo is one of those people.
Rows of blinking server racks, cooling systems and monitoring screens can feel daunting for people new to the work. That was certainly true for Zendejo, a Navy veteran with no IT experience knowledge of the field.
“I didn’t set out to work in this field; it kind of found me,” she told Broadband Nation. “After the Navy, I was just looking for my next step somewhere I could keep learning and growing. What drew me into this industry was the scale and the mission behind the work. Once I got exposure to it, I realized how important this infrastructure is to everything we do in our daily lives, and that really hooked me.”
Her curiosity around its broader function helped mediate the initial learning curve of becoming a data center technician.
“At first, it felt a little intimidating and very technical. Over time, that shifted. It’s still technical, but I’ve come to see how collaborative it is and how much of it is really about problem solving and consistently learning new things. Now, I enjoy connecting the dots and seeing the bigger picture, and that’s what’s made the work rewarding.”
Connecting the dots
As demand for data center capacity grows, the work is increasingly filled by people entering without traditional IT backgrounds — many, like Zendejo, learning the systems as they go. That's good news for curious job seekers, but it also means a steep on-ramp to the work itself.
“Honestly, the hardest part was lacking an IT background and having no experience whatsoever. There’s a lot of new language and tools to learn, and it can feel a bit overwhelming at first,” she explained.
But for her, like many technicians in the field of connectivity, success in the role really came down to a willingness to learn.
“What made all the difference was that I stayed curious, asked a lot of questions, and found I enjoyed problem solving on my own,” Zendejo continued. “And people were always available, willing to help me if I didn’t understand something.”
She acknowledged that takes time. “Don’t worry about not knowing everything right away. Just be open to learning and asking questions, and don’t be afraid to try new things,” she advised. “Also, be patient with yourself. It takes time to get comfortable and better at it, and that’s ok."
Even without an IT degree, Zendejo could still draw a lot from her own background. “My time in the Navy really shaped how I work today,” she reflected.
She'd never fixed a server rack, but she was used to the process of working around complex systems and following detailed processes — all of which translated well into her time as a technician.
“But honestly, the bigger impact has been on how I show up every day. The Navy taught me discipline, accountability and how to stay calm under pressure,” she added. “You learn quickly that people are counting on you and that sticks with you.” That teamwork goes both ways. “You rely on the people around you, communicate clearly and step in when needed. That’s exactly how things work here too.”
As system fluency develops, the work increasingly centers around troubleshooting. Like many trades dealing with physical internet infrastructure, be it splicing or GIS mapping, a huge part of the job relies on adapting to issues in the moment — another area where Zendejo could draw on her military experience.
"In the Navy, things can change quickly and the requirement of being on your own is part of the mission. It’s your job, using your training, to figure out how to keep things running smoothly. That mindset has helped a lot in this role,” she described. “Overall, the Navy gave me a lot of confidence to take on new challenges, even when I don’t know all the answers.
Whether it’s hands-on work within a facility or remote troubleshooting, adapting to the challenges is part of the joy for Zendejo. “Things can move fast, and you must adjust quickly... Each day can be different, but you’re always learning and expanding your network,” she said. “The best part is solving problems and being part of a team that’s building and running something important. There’s a real sense of pride in that.”
Zendejo’s experience carries particular weight for women considering data center work. Having entered the industry without an IT background herself, she also did so in a field that remains heavily male-dominated.
For those looking at the industry from the outside like she was not long ago, her advice is simple:
“Don’t count yourself out! I didn’t have an IT background when I started either. What I learned pretty quickly is that being curious, willing to learn and having a strong work ethic can take you a long way,” she concluded. “Ask questions, find mentors and teammates who can help you, and don’t be afraid to speak up when you’re not sure of something. There’s a lot to learn, but if you stick with it, you might surprise yourself with what you can do.”
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