Five Careers You Might Not Expect in Self Storage

When you think about careers in self storage, store management and customer service probably come to mind first. But operating a national self storage company requires much more than managing properties. Behind the scenes, professionals in technology, finance, marketing, and analytics tackle complex challenges that help the business grow and serve customers. At Extra Space Storage, these five career paths offer opportunities you might not expect to find in the self storage industry.

Data Science & Revenue Management

Imagine developing pricing strategies for millions of storage units across the country, each influenced by factors like local demand, availability, unit size, and market conditions. That's one of the challenges facing the Data Science and Revenue Management team at Extra Space Storage. Using statistical models, machine learning, and market data, these professionals help establish competitive rates that reflect local market conditions while supporting the company's financial performance.

But pricing is only part of the equation. Data scientists also help evaluate real estate investments, improve digital marketing strategies, and test new approaches to the customer experience. As Chandra Maddukuri, Senior Vice President of Data Science and Revenue Management, explains in his Inside Extra Space Storage podcast conversation, the work extends well beyond pricing and combines technical expertise with creative problem-solving and collaboration across departments.

Real Estate Investments

Self storage is a real estate business, which means investment professionals play an important role in its growth. At Extra Space, these teammates evaluate acquisition opportunities, study local markets, analyze financial performance, and structure investments ranging from property purchases to joint ventures and loans. Zach Dickens, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, offers a closer look at the decisions behind this work in his conversation about acquiring and growing properties.

The work requires more than financial modeling. An investment that looks promising on paper might face challenges related to local competition, customer demand, or property characteristics. In discussing what makes a great self storage analyst, Dickens asks, "Why does a property in Omaha, Nebraska perform differently than Los Angeles, California?" Strong analysts need the curiosity to investigate what the numbers don't immediately explain.

Software Engineering

What do online rentals, mobile apps, customer websites, and store management systems have in common? They're all powered by software.

At Extra Space, software engineers build and maintain the technology that customers and teammates rely on every day. Projects range from improving website performance and mobile applications to developing internal platforms that help store teams manage operations more efficiently. The team's Engineer Spike series highlights the developers behind these systems, sharing their technical experiences and career journeys.

The work presents technical challenges that might be familiar to engineers in banking, healthcare, or other technology-driven industries. Developers must balance system reliability, security, usability, and the ongoing need to improve how people interact with technology. For Nate Green, Senior Director of Software Engineering, one of the most rewarding aspects is tackling complex technical challenges without a clear path forward alongside a capable, collaborative team.

Marketing

Unlike products people shop for regularly, self storage is often something customers seek out during a specific life event or transition. That creates an interesting challenge for marketing professionals. How do you connect with someone who may not need your product today but could be searching for it tomorrow?

The Extra Space marketing team works across digital advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), branding, content, and website optimization. They use customer insights and testing to help people find storage options, understand their choices, and complete the rental process.

The field brings together creative thinkers and analytical problem-solvers, and it continues to evolve with changing technology and customer behavior. Chief Marketing Officer Dayna Hathaway discusses the importance of curiosity, data, and collaboration in building a marketing team that can adapt to change.

Accounting

Accounting at a publicly traded real estate company involves much more than balancing the books. The Accounting department manages financial transactions across thousands of properties, prepares financial statements, supports acquisitions, and helps meet complex reporting requirements.

The work spans a wide range of specialties and experience levels. Accounting clerks handle essential day-to-day financial processes, while other professionals focus on financial reporting, controls, and the complexities of a growing real estate portfolio.

Technology is also changing the profession, creating opportunities to streamline processes and explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can support accounting work. In her Inside Extra Space Storage podcast episode, Chief Accounting Officer Grace Kunde discusses these changes along with the collaboration, mentorship, and professional development opportunities that come with building a large accounting team.

Careers at Extra Space Storage

From developing software and analyzing investments to understanding customer behavior and managing financial reporting, self storage offers opportunities for professionals with a wide range of skills and interests. These five career paths are just a few examples of the expertise that supports Extra Space Storage's operations and growth.

Interested in seeing where your experience could fit? Learn more about the Extra Space Storage culture and current job openings.