Hello, my name is Clément Bénard and I started to work in Oracle Direct last September as an Internet Sales Representative for the Strategic Accounts. I am based in Paris.
What was your background before joining Oracle?
I graduated from the CERAM Business School in France in June 2008. During my last year of studies I had a part time job at a Web Services Supplier. I also participated in a national competition for sales students. I registered for a session related to IT and negotiation. Oracle was the sponsor of this session and we had to negotiate for 20 minutes in front of a jury consisting of several employees and managers from Oracle Direct Paris and Dublin. I ranked 1st and won the award. Oracle offered me a great professional opportunity; my first job! That's how I started my career in one of the biggest companies in the software industry.
What are your impressions in Oracle after 10 months and after your first closing?
I was very warmly welcomed and started my job with a one-month training in Oracle University in Dublin. During the training I gained a lot of knowledge on Oracle products and the software industry principles. It was an intense period, but it also allowed me to get to know other new employees in Oracle. We were not only focused on work, we also had time to have fun together.
After this training session, I started my mission in Paris. My job in sales is very diverse. It is different every day and always changing. I have to deal with many different people both externally and internally. I have learned to manage multiple challenging tasks, and it is very exciting! Working in Oracle Sales allowed me to learn about the mechanisms that govern the customers' business.
I just finished my first fiscal year on the 31st of May 2009, and the period of closing was more intense than I had imagined. This is really a time for challenges and a period of hard work, but also for mutual support between the teams. It was very satisfying for me when this period ended with well-deserved success and appreciation!
Clément, could you explain us your work environment?
I work with a professional and talented team who help me improve my professional skills. The management team is always willing to help us to manage our business. We can talk with our coach whenever we need some advice. We also have a large amount of internal training to choose from to make sure we are totally efficient!
All the employees in Oracle are part of the "One Red Team", the team spirit culture that is really important. Our business culture creates a very stimulating atmosphere.
If you wish to know more about being a graduate and working for Oracle in France, contact nermine.salah@oracle.com.
