Executive Summary
- As part of the Women in Data Centres series, DCi spoke to Patricia Carbajo Jiménez, R&D Engineer and Project Leader for LFB Group, to talk about her career in the industry, what attracted her to the industry and her concerns around progression in the industry as a woman.
- Despite the industry remaining mainly male-dominated, Patricia has experienced supportive networks, mentors and allies who are actively working to make the industry more inclusive and welcoming to women.
- The Uptime Institute reported up to half of data centre engineers could retire within three years. With one year down, we have as few as two years left to fill a gap in an industry that’s often running before it can walk, and women could be the key to stabilising the industry’s future.
As part of the Women in Data Centres Series, Patricia Carbajo Jiménez, experienced R&D Engineer for LFB Group, spoke to DCi about her experience working in the HVAC industry for seven years, the last four of those at the LFB Group. She says the fast pace excitment of the industry growth attracted her to finding a career path and talks about the highs and lows of working in the industry so far. Changes come from conversation, to quote Patricia further down in the text, and the aim of my series that gives women in data centres a platform to speak, is to start conversations.
What attracted you to tech?
According to experts, data centres are now the world’s most competitive infrastructure. With no sign of it slowing. That makes it a really challenging, but exciting industry. It’s so dynamic; there’s always something happening, whether it be the latest innovation, research or data centre warehouses springing up at the rate of knots.
That fast pace creates a ripple effect. It gives us, those working in the industry, the opportunity to constantly learn, re-learn, build and improve. They’re hugely valuable skills. It keeps us agile — much like the solutions we design and build — and I love that ability to better myself.
What truly solidified my interest was realising how the technology can create a tangible impact on people’s lives. I’m motivated by the opportunity to do something positive; to bring something good to the world. Whether by improving energy efficiency or advancing scientific development. That sense of meaningful impact is what continues to drive me.
Any particularly high points or challenges so far?
One of the highlights of my journey has been seeing projects evolve from idea to implementation, and knowing I contributed to something that delivers real-life, value. While the solutions we create are used by businesses all around the world, it’s in part thanks to the technology we’re building at Apx — and many other key stakeholders behind the scenes — that people have access to all-important, critical services like humanitarian aid, internet access and healthcare.
On top of that, getting to work with a bunch of talented, driven individuals is also a real bonus. It’s so rewarding being able to collaborate with people that perhaps have varying skillsets, but share the same mindset of wanting to help; all to achieve the same goal.
While the fast-paced nature of the industry provides ample opportunity for growth, it does come with its challenges. It can be demanding. There’s constant pressure to stay up-to-date with a sector that never sleeps, or continuously develop new skills for technology that’s not even here yet. Navigating complex projects and tight deadlines can be intense, sure, but that challenge pushes me to grow and continuously improve.
Do you have any concerns about progressing in the tech sector, particularly around inclusivity and support for women?
There’s no denying that the industry remains mainly masculine. Figures from the Uptime Institute reported that women make up just 8% of the data centre sector. Across the broader spectrum of technology, looking specifically at the UK, gender diversity remains low, with women comprising just 21% of tech teams. Attrition rates, comparably, as you might expect, remain high.
Despite that though, I’ve experienced supportive networks, mentors and allies who are actively working to make the industry more inclusive and welcoming to women like me. Having people in your corner — no matter who they are — is absolutely essential. Someone who advocates for you, who listens and provides counsel. I’ve been lucky to have that in abundance throughout my career. But there’s still plenty of work to be done.
I’m a firm believer in that it takes just one. One person to break through, give it a go and demonstrate it can be done. My role, and the role of the other women around me, is to do just that. Representation is fundamental to bringing about the next-generation of tech experts. It matters especially in those leadership roles, helping to foster a stronger sense of belonging for that workforce of the future. But, equally, that culture needs to permeate us at a younger age. Speak to children at the school level, get them engaged, inspired by what they could change within the confines of the industry.
There’s also a predicted shortage in the engineering industry, too; something which is developing into a quiet crisis. This time it’s not about recruitment, it’s generational. Uptime Institute reported that up to half of data centre engineers could retire within three years. Now, a year has passed, so we have as little as two years left. Two years left to fill a gap in an industry that’s often running before it can walk.
Women could help to stabilise that future. But, at the moment, women are much less present in technical studies, meaning they’re not finding their way into the industry itself. I’m a firm believer that it’s not just an industry built for men. It’s ready-made for anyone motivated enough to take on the challenge.
To do that though, change comes from conversation. It’s about engaging in open dialogue, both between younger pupils and adults, to let them know it’s a field they’re capable of joining. Having self-confidence and a belief in your abilities. And assertiveness; being willing to stand up for your interests. I think these qualities are key to ensuring that women not only enter tech, but thrive and flourish within it.
