After CloudWorld 2024, it’s no secret that Oracle is growing at pace and building solutions that are transforming businesses. The Oracle R&D Center in Casablanca is at the forefront of this in diverse fields from analytics, machine learning, and intelligent app security to programming languages and graph processing. It takes top talent to make these breakthroughs, which is why developing and empowering our people matters so much.
Meryem Taikok has called the center home for almost three years now. As one of our senior software engineers, she’s seen this growth firsthand and had her full stack skills challenged in ways she’d never imagined. We caught up with her about life, career, and her journey with us.
Thanks for talking to us today, Meryem. Can you share how you became interested in the tech sector, and tell us a little about your professional journey so far?
Of course! I started out by developing a strong foundation in programming languages like SQL, Java, and Python, as well as methodologies like Agile and Scrum, at the National School of Applied Sciences. My interest in technology was sparked by the way it enables problem-solving on a global scale and the ability to make people’s lives easier. Before joining Oracle, I worked at a reinsurance company, where I applied my software engineering skills and learned business analysis and leadership skills while leading two large teams.
Why did you decide to pursue a career at Oracle, and what has surprised you since joining?
I was drawn to the Oracle R&D Center because of its reputation for encouraging innovation and research, as well as its commitment to inclusion. Since joining, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the strong culture of collaboration and support, as well as the level of innovation happening within the company.
Can you describe your job and what a typical day looks like for you?
As a software engineer, I focus on automation and infrastructure optimization. My responsibilities include incident response, troubleshooting, and implementing security measures. A typical day starts with a standup meeting, followed by a one-on-one discussion with my manager, and then a mix of implementing automation tools, monitoring systems, and fixing bugs.
What technologies are you most enthusiastic about, and how do you engage with them?
I’m passionate about Java, Python, and shell scripting, as they allow me to solve complex problems efficiently. Working here gives me the perfect environment to use my skills, with plenty of opportunities to automate processes, collaborate with senior engineers, and access a wealth of learning resources.
You mentioned our strong culture of inclusion earlier. Women can still be a minority in certain corners of the industry. Have you faced any challenges in tech before Oracle and how did you overcome them?
I have certainly faced a lack of role models, imposter syndrome, and stereotypes. To overcome these challenges, I actively sought out mentors, focused on continuous learning and upskilling, and spoke up to showcase my contributions and challenge biases. I also learned to believe in myself and accept that everyone starts as a beginner at some point!
What’s the team culture like in the Morocco team?
The team culture is very collaborative, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional teamwork and knowledge sharing. We have a supportive environment where team members encourage each other to take on more complex projects and grow their skills.
What opportunities for growth and personal development are there?
The team offers mentorship opportunities, encourages team members to take on more complex projects, and provides regular feedback to help employees find areas for personal and professional growth.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work, and what is your work-life balance like?
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking and going on long walks! The supportive environment at Oracle encourages a healthy work-life balance, which helps me stay refreshed and energized in and outside of work.
Are you ready to grow your career working on the future of technology like Meryem? Explore our latest career opportunities today.