The right onboarding program can be life-changing, offering people the opportunity to transition into new careers, gain valuable experience, and make meaningful contributions. For veterans, these programs serve as crucial bridges from military service to civilian life that leverage their unique skills and experiences. Oracle recognizes the immense value that veterans bring, and we’re committed to supporting their journeys.
Military to tech
Tachina Eva’s path from the Air Force to Oracle exemplifies the seamless transition veterans can achieve with the right support and opportunities.
“Mostly it (the military) was a great background to have when you are jumping into new things,” she shares. “We are conditioned in the military to be flexible, having a learning mindset, and to embrace change. This was key in this environment because this type of work (at Oracle) is very similar in that flavor.”
More than five years as an aircraft maintenance officer had instilled in her a resilience and adaptability that proved invaluable in her new career. At Oracle, Tachina found an environment that valued her skills and encouraged her to take the initiative.
“Mostly it allowed room to help when there was a void or a need. Some organizations don’t like that sort of thing and strictly want you to stay in your lane or pay grade. Here it was very much, ‘oh you have skills? Please help! We will take any ideas you have!’ I loved that aspect. I was able to use a lot of my skills that I used in aircraft maintenance.”
This supportive culture enabled her to apply her military-honed leadership and organizational abilities to make a significant impact from day one.
Onboarding and training for all
At our Abilene data center, Tachina took the initiative to design and improve onboarding and training programs, ensuring they’re accessible and welcoming to all, including anyone transitioning from military roles.
“I have been doing grassroots designing of our onboarding and training program at Abilene—ensuring our leaders’ direction is followed in a tangible and data-driven way,” she adds. “I am dedicated to spreading the love, as it were, when it comes to helping others design programs related to the onboard/training process!”
Her approach focuses on simplicity and flexibility, aiming to make the process straightforward so that individuals from all backgrounds can easily navigate and feel invested. A big part of this is emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and documentation to avoid wasted effort.
“Most of it was documenting the design of the training and onboarding programs at our new data center so we understood what was done, what worked, and most importantly, ‘why?’. A common issue we have seen was that there was a ‘reinventing the wheel’ phenomenon with many issues, so I started to write stuff down to provide future data centers a guide on how to set up training programs from scratch.”
This approach ensures that best practices are shared and implemented across Oracle’s data centers.
Measuring success
For Tachina, the success of these programs is measured by employee retention and development.
“Less turnover and more development. I want people to want to stay well past the ‘respectable time.’ I want them to feel like their time at Oracle is worth more than a paycheck. I want them to have tangible and realistic avenues towards certifications, promotions, and more.”
This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that employees are not only welcomed but also have clear pathways for growth and advancement (like fellow veteran Adam Brady). She also highlights the importance of a supportive onboarding experience:
“I think the key to ensuring an onboarding process is accessible and welcoming is ensuring it is always evolving to the needs of the current flow of people. I also think it’s important to have a full cradle-to-grave tracking system. We want our new onboards to know Oracle hired them for a reason. We have to show we care about their entry to our team, their onboarding experience, their training and development, and also that human touch that makes them feel wanted and valued.”
By focusing on the individual needs of new hires, Tachina ensures that each employee feels valued and supported from day one.
Veterans Day reflections
As Veterans Day approaches, Tachina reflects on its significance in relation to her career and contributions at Oracle:
“I once used to feel that it would be the last time I would feel I was part of something bigger than myself. Now I feel like I am part of history. Perhaps even bigger in ways—sort of like the Apollo project of sorts. My military service was a great steppingstone for a role at Oracle.”
She also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring veterans beyond Veterans Day, ensuring their skills and experiences are valued year-round.
“Unleash the veterans and you will get the job done,” she advises. “Giving avenues for them to show their leadership skills and creativity is the best way to make a veteran feel valued.”
By providing opportunities for veterans to lead and innovate, organizations can fully harness their potential.
Veterans moving to tech
For veterans contemplating a transition into data center operations or the tech industry, Tachina is clear with her advice—embrace learning opportunities as a path to progression. Even unlikely ones.
“Don’t be afraid to start small. You might be in a different career field or something, but that military edge will raise you to the top like oil on water. So don’t be too prideful to take the risk of a lower-end role to your military skill set. It’s honestly more helpful to learn from the bottom up than to try and fit in at the top.”
This perspective underscores the value of humility and the willingness to learn, which can lead to significant growth and success in any new field.
Oracle’s commitment
We’re dedicated to supporting veterans through our programs and initiatives. Our veteran services offer resources and opportunities tailored to veterans, helping them translate their military skills into civilian careers. Programs like the Oracle Veteran Academy and the Oracle Veteran Internship Program, meanwhile, provide training and development opportunities to facilitate a smooth transition into the tech industry. By fostering a supportive environment, we ensure that people like Tachina can thrive and continue to make meaningful contributions. If you’re looking to transition into a rewarding career in tech, Oracle offers a supportive community and numerous opportunities to succeed.
We value the unique skills and experiences that veterans bring to our workforce—explore our latest career opportunities to learn more. Plus, join the Oracle Veteran Talent Network for advice, insights, and more.