Software Engineer
Sometimes, growth is all about being at the right place at the right time. And catching a once-in-a-generation surge of innovation like the AI revolution at Oracle makes that impact even more powerful. Interns and professionals of all levels thrive here with real work, real mentors, and real momentum. You build skills that matter and a network that sticks with you. Most of all, you see how big ideas turn into products that help customers every day. For many, it’s the first step into that world—for others, it’s a chance to find a new home base where you can grow into senior roles and exciting new experiences.
We sat down with Justin Brand, a Nashville-based Oracle intern, Noah Pilkington, a fresh graduate who has lived in several cities, and Axel Irikungoma, a Vanderbilt alumnus and Oracle engineer, to hear what it’s like to help build a new hub from the ground up—and to live in a city that’s bursting with possibilities.
Why Nashville?
With its rich culture and surging industries, Nashville’s charms are clear as a place to work and call home, but it also offers something especially crucial to anyone just getting started—great people. “Oracle’s Nashville hub has nothing but great energy and a strong sense of community,” Justin explains. “Friendly teammates are always around the corner and every new face is just a friend you’ve never met!”
As first impressions go, it’s a strong one. And with Oracle growing at scale in the area, there’s a unique buzz in the air that comes with building something new. Everywhere you look, there’s a rare mix of start-up energy and enterprise reach. Both newcomers and seasoned professionals alike are getting the tools, the training, and the reach of a major player, plus the spark that comes when teams are growing fast.
“Beyond the camaraderie I’ve seen and experienced around the office (whether that be our neighboring sales team’s weekly teambuilding games or our hub-wide employee resource group socials), the people here are extremely excited to be a part of Oracle’s big push to Nashville. The career, networking, and product opportunities that this new hub presents are simply unmatched,” Justin notes.
Fresh culture
Noah, meanwhile, is impressed by the culture. Nashville is a vibrant city with countless opportunities to explore—from line dancing to hiking and comedy, and he’s making the most of it. Having lived in places like Miami and Fort Lauderdale, he believes Nashville stands out for its warm atmosphere and the ease of making friends.
“It offers a friendlier, safer, and more affordable environment,” he adds. “I’ve found that being in a smaller city allows you to develop deeper connections with people, organizations, and the community, making it easier to have a meaningful impact. Having Oracle establish its presence here makes it an especially exciting place to launch my career.”
“Honestly, my biggest challenge was not owning a cowboy hat and boots! Joking aside, relocating was easy—there are many affordable apartments and friendly neighborhoods. I recommend that newcomers consider a convenient mode of transportation, like an e-bike.”
Opportunities everywhere
Network Reliability Engineer
More than a lifestyle shift for newcomers, new opportunities in Nashville are hitting closer to home, too. Axel, a Vanderbilt alumnus, knows from experience how the growing tech culture is electrifying the city.
“It was easy to tap into my local network for mentorship and have used my Vanderbilt ties to support recruiting efforts. One Saturday, I was coding for a personal project at a coffee shop in Franklin (south of Nashville). A software engineer spotted me and gave me his number in case I wanted a job. A casual encounter turned into a job lead because I was visibly building!”
More teams. More projects. More people to learn from. More chances to raise your hand and try something new. And the excitement is growing as the hub scales.
“What’s even more amazing is that these perks are compounding,” Justin explains. “Over the course of my internship, my team alone has quadrupled its Nashville presence, and in turn, dialed its energy up tenfold. Not a week goes by without a batch of fresh perspectives, excitement, and solutions joining the table—it’s a whole lot of fun!”
Purpose and energy
“On the topic of fun—Nashville is no stranger to a great time. The city exudes life and it’s hard not to walk around feeling like you’re amidst its push towards the future. Between the city’s rapid growth and its influx of talent, Nashville has been a fantastic setting for my internship and looks to be an even greater home for my career.”
Fit matters to professional success, and the same is true for interns who want work with purpose and a city full of energy. Nashville blends both and Justin is making the most of it.
“I’ve personally loved how the city has preserved its musical, southern charm while welcoming the modern age. New developments are everywhere, tons of people are settling in, and yet an equal appreciation of the city’s roots exists alongside these novel ideas and experiences.”
You also feel the pull of two powerhouse industries—healthcare and technology—that are reshaping the city and creating new career paths. That makes it a smart bet for Oracle and a smart starting point for early-career professionals.
“Nashville is emerging as a tech hub with enormous potential,” Noah observes. “If you want to be at the forefront of something big, now’s the perfect time to join.”
Growing together
That momentum shows up constantly in the day-to-day. New projects roll in. Teams collaborate in new ways. Leaders make time for quick feedback and faster decisions. You get to see your work land. And you get to try, learn, and iterate.
Growth also makes it easier to find your lane. You can explore different paths, discover what drives you, and build a portfolio that tells a clear story. In a hub that’s scaling, there’s room to move and make an impact.
Your voice matters
One thing that comes through again and again is the push for innovation. This doesn’t just come through in new solutions, it also shines through in the kind of relationships that sprung up between people and a willingness to evolve.
“For such a new office, the community had already found and embraced its strengths. Everyone’s newness made genuine connections a breeze, well beyond roles or teams. Most importantly though, despite a great culture already existing in Nashville, there was zero resistance to its evolution,” Justin adds.
Feeling heard is more than smiling faces and nodding along. It’s feeling safe to share ideas. It’s knowing your voice matters. It’s seeing leaders welcome change. In Nashville, that openness gives people a chance to lead from where they are. It also creates stronger teams that learn faster and ship better products.
Culture is built in the moments between moments—quick stand-ups, hallway chats, and those cross-team events that help people connect. In a new hub, those rituals form fast when everyone leans in. That’s how trust takes root.
It’s your turn
“A career at Oracle is a career full of opportunity,” Justin explains. “But if you want the most opportunity, Nashville is your go-to. If growth and impact are what you seek, there’s truly no better place to create your future.”
For Noah, it’s all about the vibe: “If you value high-quality career opportunities in a fast-growing city, Nashville is a fantastic choice. The cost of living is lower and the community is welcoming, allowing you to build meaningful relationships while advancing your career.”
Early career programs at Oracle are built to help you grow. They put you in the room with people who’ve solved hard problems at scale. They give you guardrails and freedom. And they give you a hub like Nashville—alive with energy, talent, and possibility—where you can put it all to work.
If you’re looking for a place to make an impact, learn fast, and love the city you call home, Nashville is ready for you. The energy is real, and the opportunities are unmatched. Add your perspective and gear up for success today.
Ready to unlock your own incredible intern story? Explore our internship opportunities all year round and see what’s possible on our graduate and intern site. Plus, join the Oracle Talent Network for advice, insights, and more.