Jennifer Harris: Oracle graduate

Employer: Oracle Corporation UK
University: University of Surrey
Subject: BSc computing and IT

I enjoyed IT while I was at school, so I pursued it further to degree level, and then, on into a career. I researched the leading employers online and explored their schemes. I wanted a job where I could develop my own career path and gain as much experience as possible, which is why I decided to become an IT consultant.

My job

My role is very varied and takes me around the country working for various clients, both private and public sector, implementing Oracle’s application suite. I help define the client’s business requirements and seek ways to match these with the technology product being implemented. I also liaise with developers to translate requirements into feasible solutions.

I rely on my ability to listen to and comprehend people’s requirements as well as convey information effectively to different audiences. I’ve also had to learn quickly and be able to keep cool under pressure. The graduate programme started with two-months’ training that included familiarisation with the application suite and provided technical and soft-skills courses essential for the job.

My work environment

I spend most of my time working away at client sites: IT consultants are very mobile. My hours depend on the client but I usually work an eight-hour day during normal office hours, depending on project deadlines and the varying flow of work between different stages of the project life-cycle.

My first year in IT

The highlight of my first year was meeting a whole range of people from different walks of life. I enjoy being treated as a professional and I like being seen as someone who is able to make a difference. I also like the independence of working, knowing that I am free to make my own decisions and support myself financially – a great change from being a student. There’s never time to get bored and I have gained a huge amount of experience in a short time.