Reinventa-Tech: an experience from inside
Author: Pilar Alonso
Cloud Consultant @Quistor
There's a saying that goes: "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."
Let's go back in time: in 2002, the dot-com bubble burst causing a great crisis that severely affected the telecommunications company I worked for. The most immediate effect was the dismissal of many workers across all departments, including the IT department, where I worked as a systems engineer and project manager.
Now we come to the lemonade part: I thought it was the ideal time to start a family and be able to dedicate myself to it without work pressures. They have been fantastic years, and honestly, I wouldn't change them for anything. But it was a stage in my life that was coming to a natural end.
So, at this point, I started to consider my return to work. Doubts also began. Where do I start? Do I look for work in the same field? But technology advances, and I must catch up. Will I be able to do it? Do I look for a different kind of job? But then I would have to start from scratch.
Then life gave me lemons again. But they weren't lemons anymore; we could say it was something sweeter: Oracle's Reinventa-Tech program.
I heard about it almost by chance. This program aims to have a real impact on the lives of some women, providing them with training in highly demanded cutting-edge Oracle technologies and support to get a job. No prior technical knowledge is needed, just the desire to reinvent yourself, a passion for technology, and a lot of enthusiasm.
After a selection process, I became part of the group that would specialize in Cloud with four other colleagues. Our goal was to obtain the necessary certifications to specialize in Oracle's Cloud technology within a year.
We formed a fabulous team, consisting of the five of us and many other people from Oracle who were always there to answer our questions, share their experiences, and encourage us during tough times. And with all the other women from the other branches, forming a community where one's effort is the effort of all.
When I finally finished all the exams, it was a moment of great emotion and a lot of nerves. I think I wasn't the only one worried about whether I could find my place in a company that would consider my particular situation.
And here is where the second fundamental pillar of the program comes into play: the collaborating companies, such as Quistor. Because without them, the ultimate goal, which is employment, would not be possible.
During the selection process, I felt very comfortable, and they even considered my preferences when placing me in a group. I felt there was a lot of unity and a great team spirit. So, when they told me they wanted me, I was thrilled.
"Here is where the second fundamental pillar of the program comes into play: the collaborating companies, such as Quistor. Because without them, the ultimate goal, which is employment, would not be possible."
The first thing I thought when I started working was: I missed this! And the second, when I met my colleagues, was that they were great professionals. But there is not only knowledge, but also collaboration and support. I immediately felt like one of them.
To summarize my achieved objectives, I have: reinvented myself with cutting-edge technology, employed in a leading company, and worked in a great team. Can you ask for more?
I want to thank everyone at Quistor who welcomed me with open arms. I hope to continue advancing and learning new things within this fascinating and ever-changing technological world, contributing to Quistor's ongoing growth.
"I have reinvented myself with cutting-edge technology, employed in a leading company, and worked in a great team. Can you ask for more?"
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