In the Oracle Academy Tech Chat podcast episode, Demystifying Tech Roles: Account Cloud Engineer, Rik Bleeker, Oracle Academy Program Manager for Benelux and DACH, welcomes Lily Grafham, Oracle Academy Program Manager for the UK and Nordics, for a conversation about what it’s really like to work in cloud technology and how to break into the industry.
The discussion introduces the Account Cloud Engineer (ACE) role, a technical presales position at Oracle that blends architecture, product knowledge, and customer collaboration. ACEs guide organizations through Oracle Cloud Infrastructure solutions, helping them understand features, design architectures, and explore new capabilities. Importantly, the role continues beyond the initial sale, with ACEs serving as trusted technical contacts who build long‑term relationships and provide ongoing support.
Lily shares her own journey into tech, reflecting on how she moved from business studies into data science and eventually joined Oracle through the Generation Oracle (GenO) program. Her story highlights the reality that career paths are rarely linear, and that curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to learn can open unexpected doors. She explains how the program provided structured training and opportunities that prepared her for the ACE role, and how those experiences shaped her confidence and career direction.
Listeners also hear personal advice about the skills that matter most in cloud careers. While technical knowledge is important, Lily emphasises the value of communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving. She explains how asking the right questions can uncover customer needs, and how certifications and Oracle Academy resources, including OCI Foundations curriculum and Oracle Academy Bytes, can help build foundational knowledge.
The episode offers a relatable, day-in-a-life look at a role, showing both the challenges and rewards of working in cloud engineering. It’s an accessible way to explore a career path that is increasingly in demand and vital to the future of technology.
You can listen to this episode and other episodes of Oracle Academy Tech Chat on standard podcasting platforms.
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