Many of us understand that career paths aren’t always linear – they can scale up, down, sideways, and even diagonally! And that’s what makes them so compelling.
If you’re motivated to reinvent your career or enter a technical field, making a change can feel daunting, but taking the plunge can be hugely rewarding.
Liliana Garavito, a Data Centre Technician with NEXTDC, a leading Australian data centre operator, shares how embracing change has the potential to unlock new opportunities, growth, and fulfilment.
“I love the collaborative, innovative culture, where every day brings new challenges and learning opportunities. My favourite part of my role is the hands-on technical work and the opportunity to solve complex problems.”
We spoke with Liliana about the value of finding a supportive organisation to grow and how making career pivots can transform your work experiences, knowledge, and abilities.
Step One: Identify your transferable skills.
Before joining NEXTDC, Liliana began her career in customer service and operations management:
“My diverse career journey involved managing online stores and eventually overseeing daily operations in various industries. My roles have always involved a mix of technical and managerial responsibilities, which gave me a strong foundation in problem-solving and customer relations and prepared me well for my current position.”
She was inspired to join NEXTDC as a customer service representative because of its reputation for innovation and excellence.
“I was motivated to join the data centre industry, particularly with a company committed to sustainability and cutting-edge technology. These two areas really resonate with me. Plus, the opportunity to work in a dynamic, growing field was too exciting to pass up!”
Liliana knew she had made the right decision when she decided she needed to take a small step back in her career to prioritise her family. NEXTDC fully supported her:
“A year into my role, I decided to transition to a casual role to better balance personal and family responsibilities. I was grateful to receive full support from my team. For me, it demonstrates the company’s supportive work culture, policies, and commitment to helping people continue to grow professionally while offering flexibility and a healthy work-life balance.”
Step Two: Explore opportunities across the sector.
Liliana continued to take on additional responsibilities, like assisting with customer equipment installations and providing remote support. This allowed her to better understand the company’s operations and customer needs.
“When I was ready to return to full-time work, I stepped into our Facilities Management team as a 24/7 Data Centre Technician – a completely different technical role for me.”
Admittedly, this step further into tech was a steep learning curve, but one Liliana felt ready to take on and, in her own words, the hard work has more than paid off:
“One of my proudest achievements is being promoted to a Data Centre Technician in such a short time. It was a steep learning curve, as I had to get across a lot of technical information and learn about various systems, including electrical, HVAC, fire safety, and more. The hard work and dedication paid off, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how far I’ve come.”
In developing greater perseverance and adaptability, she’s managed to overcome additional challenges, too:
“Being a Latin American woman in a male-dominated industry has been interesting. For instance, organising maintenance with different contractors and working in a language that isn’t my mother tongue have been both challenging and rewarding. All things considered, I’m passionate about encouraging more women, especially from diverse backgrounds, to pursue careers in tech and data centres.”
Knowing that NEXTDC has partnered with WORK180 makes her proud to be part of a company that values diversity and inclusion.
“It reinforces my belief that I work for an organisation committed to creating a supportive and equitable workplace for everyone.”
NEXTDC is committed to ensuring every employee can find the right path, and they’ve got the learning and development opportunities ready to help you get there.
Compare NEXTDC’s benefits and policies and discover current job openings.
Step Three: Scale up through learning and development.
While having the right mix of transferable skills and motivation to explore a new sector is essential, balancing that with supportive learning and development opportunities can make all the difference.
Liliana shares that NEXTDC has plenty to offer and has always backed her development:
“NEXTDC has been incredibly supportive of my career progression. The company offers numerous learning and development initiatives, including professional development programs and technical training. This support has enabled me to continuously improve my skills and take on more complex tasks within my role.”
As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, NEXTDC is recognised for its commitment to this space. Initiatives include access to training and education resources, mentoring programs, secondments and internships in new business functions, leadership training, and much more. Liliana adds:
“We receive numerous learning and development initiatives, including professional development programs, workshops, and technical training. This support has enabled me to continuously improve my technical skills, stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, and take on more complex tasks within my role.”
When we ask Liliana about the next step in her career, she tells us she’s excited about the company’s growth and the opportunities it presents for her professional development.
“I’m motivated to continue growing with NEXTDC, taking on more complex projects, and hopefully, progressing into a leadership role.”
