With over 20 years of experience in the critical backup power industry, Kristi Longshore has built an impressive career. As Vice President of the Data Center Division at Exponential Power, she is not only driving business growth but is also passionately advocating for the industry. Kristi encourages young individuals from elementary school, high school, and college, as well as those working outside of this industry, to explore a career in the data center field. We recently sat down with Kristi to discuss her commitment to helping attract future data center professionals.
Finding Purpose in Advocacy
When asked what sparked her passion for sharing the industry with others, Kristi’s enthusiasm was immediately apparent. “I’ve experienced firsthand how the right guidance can completely change someone’s career trajectory,” she told us. “The data center industry has so many fantastic opportunities available for our youth, but we must continue to educate the public about data centers to really get the word out. What truly motivates me is knowing the potential for them to build rewarding, well-paying careers that have a global impact.”
Breaking Down Barriers for High School Students
The timing for this outreach couldn’t be better, according to Kristi. “Our industry is growing at an unprecedented speed, and it needs skilled professionals to keep up with demand,” she explained. “Many technical roles offer competitive salaries right out of high school with the right training and certifications. When we connect with students early, we’re able to inform them about real-world data center career options they might not have thought about.”
Accessible Career Paths
We were curious about specific careers that may be of interest for those without college degrees, and Kristi was quick to provide examples. “There are entry-level positions that require no prior experience, as well as positions available for those who have completed apprenticeship programs. A few examples of positions that often value hands-on experience and industry certifications more than technical degrees are data center technicians, electricians and data center operations staff.”
Making Data Centers Relatable
Kristi has a knack for explaining complex technical concepts in approachable ways. “When I meet students who’ve never heard of data centers, I start by connecting the dots to their daily lives,” she said. “You know that Netflix show you’re streaming? How about online gaming with friends? Banking from your phone? Data is transferred during all these activities, meaning none of them are possible without data centers operating behind the scenes. Once students understand this connection, their interest increases.”
Creating Pathways for Success
Beyond just talking about opportunities, Kristi collaborates within her local data center community to help. “Over the years, our local 7X24 Atlanta Chapter and WiMCO community have actively engaged with local schools to provide students with industry exposure. We invite them to industry meetings where they can hear speakers discuss topics relevant to data centers. Additionally, we have organized data center tours for high school students, allowing them to see firsthand how these facilities operate and understand their significance to businesses and everyday life. We remain committed to finding new ways to help the next generation gain exposure to our industry.”
Advice for Aspiring Data Center Professionals
When asked what advice she’d give to students considering this path, Kristi emphasized that taking initiative as a must. “Stay curious, perform research, look for networking groups, internships and mentors that will sponsor you and last but not least, put yourself out there,” she advised. This industry values critical thinking, problem-solving and adaptability for a dynamic environment more than almost anything you can learn in a classroom.”
The Future Landscape
Looking ahead, Kristi sees nothing but growth and opportunity. “As our digital dependence increases, so does our need for a more robust data infrastructure,” she noted. For young professionals willing to keep learning, this field offers incredible potential for advancement in an industry that’s driving technological progress worldwide.”
Kristi leaves aspiring students with this powerful message: “The future belongs to those who dare to dream and take bold actions. Embrace the data center career opportunities that lie before you today, to be at the forefront of shaping the technological landscape of tomorrow.”