Oracle Corporation
07/05/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/05/2024 08:19
Generation Oracle: Inclusion, respect, and career success
Susan Happonen, an Associate Advanced Services Engineer with Oracle Customer Success Services, is excited to be part of the Generation Oracle (GenO) program. She's learning a ton and enjoying every moment, all while helping customers succeed and thrive.
Tell us a little about yourself and what you do at GenO.
I am an Associate Advanced Services Engineer based in Finland. It has been over nine months since I joined Generation Oracle and I'm about to graduate! In my data management role, I've thrived on solving complex challenges and optimizing data solutions to drive efficiency and innovation.
When did you first know you wanted to work in tech?Susan's graduation ceremony
I started working in a marketing tech startup during my studies. This gave me a first-hand look at technology's potential to drive business success. After that, I interned at a bigger competitor where my interest in tech truly amplified.
The ever-evolving landscape, the opportunity to solve complex problems, and the potential for continuous learning and growth made it the perfect field for me.
What is the best thing about the program so far?
It has to be the incredible people I collaborate with daily. My colleagues are highly skilled, supportive, and inspiring, which fosters a culture of continuous learning and innovation. The challenges we tackle are stimulating and provide ample opportunities for professional growth. Each project pushes me to expand my skills and think creatively to deliver the best solutions for our clients. Additionally, Oracle promotes a healthy work-life balance.
Speaking of work-life balance-how do you like to spend your free time?
I love to immerse myself in nature. Whether it's a walk or a run, being outdoors is my therapy. It rejuvenates me, providing a sense of calm, energy, and inspiration. I am also an avid sports enthusiast, with a passion for tennis and padel. Sports play an important role in my life, which is why I have been active in Finland's OraClub team.
I also enjoy good food in the company of great friends and family. There is something magical about sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. Outside my career, family and friends mean everything to me. I have two big sisters and a younger brother-our connection brings joy and support to everything I do.
It sounds like you're a natural team player! What's the culture like at Oracle for someone like that?
I would describe it as open, friendly, and fair. From the very first day, I felt welcome in my team. My manager, my buddy, and other more experienced engineers have been supporting me and making sure I have all the needed help and resources.
We take our tasks seriously, but we can also talk about other things than just work. I have had the chance to work with very experienced colleagues but have never felt I was not treated equally. There is respect for every employee at Oracle and different perspectives are valued.
You hinted at Oracle's culture of inclusion just now. Why do you think it matters so much in your organization and across the company?
When people from diverse backgrounds come together in a project, the outcome is more creative. Inclusion leads to innovation in that way. It helps to view the situation from different perspectives, whether that is an internal project or a customer project. If the team is rather homogenous, they might view things from a narrower perspective.
What are you collaborating on with your team right now?
Multiple projects, mostly in shadowing positions. I work with tasks related to user account management, which is a fundamental aspect of security and user experience, as well as projects related to Oracle Golden Gate. We also have an internal project going on with a team of fellow GenOs, which I am very excited about!
How do you think this experience will benefit your career in the long run?
I see my career path evolving within data management. I am particularly interested in cloud projects and roles that blend technical expertise with business knowledge. I am also intrigued by the potential of emerging technologies like AI and Machine Learning. Exploring roles that focus on integrating these technologies into data management processes could be a fascinating and rewarding next step.
Why should people consider joining GenO?
GenO is a great platform to learn about the industry and the company and train while growing your network and contributing to customer projects.
There's also the Oracle Women's Leadership (OWL) initiative, which aims to develop, engage, and empower current and future generations of women leaders. We meet every month to network and learn about new topics at the local office. I was also happy to see so many female GenOs in the cohort I joined, even though women are a minority in this field.
Whether you are new to the industry or not, you will learn a lot. There are also lots of opportunities for career development since Oracle is such a large company with many different lines of business. Finally, along with your local team, you get a supportive GenO community to share this awesome journey with.
Make a career move that puts you on the path to success in tech. Explore our latest GenO opportunities and create the future with us.