RJ Saindon, a former Army signals intelligence analyst, has found a new sense of purpose at Oracle. As a site reliability engineer, RJ is part of a team that ensures the reliability and scalability of Oracle’s cloud. But her career journey wasn’t without its challenges.
RJ joined the Army at 18, inspired by her grandfather’s service. During her five-year tenure, she developed a strong background in signals intelligence, network analysis, and administrative management. RJ’s experience in the Army taught her valuable skills, like optimism in the face of challenges, patience, and the power of teamwork.
Building bonds
“I wanted to join the Army since I was 18,” she shares. “My grandfather served as an engineer, and I always looked up to him and his achievements. Like many new paths in life, I was wary and unsure of how it would influence me. Within the first few months, I knew I loved the Army… It helped me grow as a person, allowed me to meet new people, visit new places, and challenged me daily.”
“This may sound odd, but what I miss most about the Army is the uncomfortable, camping-but-not-camping exercises I had with my unit. You build trust and grow close with the people you experience these exercises with,” RJ explains.
“I look back fondly at times I spent sleeping in a single-person tent in Australia, crammed in a MAT-V (an all-terrain armored vehicle) with three other team members at the National Training Center in California, or sharing food with infantry units in the Philippines. I’d probably relive it all if given the chance!”
Transitioning to civilian life
When RJ transitioned out of the Army, she faced uncertainty and stress. And, as challenging as her military service had been, she missed the support of her unit.
“I was in Korea at the time and didn’t have many resources or a clear understanding of how to get the process started,” RJ remembers. “Just like when I joined active duty, the transition was nerve-racking. I wasn’t sure what would come next; I knew I wanted to continue serving my country and work with the government, but nothing was set in stone.”
But with the support of her command team and the Hiring Our Heroes program, she was able to navigate the process and land an interview with Oracle. RJ was first drawn to Oracle’s welcoming Veteran culture, diverse workforce, and employee resources groups (ERGs), which reminded her of the military’s sense of community.
“I didn’t know much about Oracle before being contacted by the recruiter, but once I had my interview and met some of the people I’d be working with, I knew I’d really enjoy it here. Most of my colleagues are Veterans or reservists like myself.”
Thriving at Oracle
As a site reliability engineer, RJ enjoys the professional growth and problem-solving that comes with her role. She appreciates the support of her team and the opportunity to collaborate with engineers from various specialties. She is also an active member of several ERGs, including the Oracle Pride Employee Network (OPEN) and the Military Affiliated Veteran Employee Network (MAVEN).
Thanks to this newfound stability, she’s able to dive into her role with confidence and use her knowledge to smooth the way for other Veterans joining the company.
“The best thing about being a site reliability engineer is the constant learning. I enjoy that this career isn’t mundane. My day-to-day duties really depend on what I’m working on, but generally, I’m busy with change management, monitoring availability, responding to incidents, troubleshooting issues, and validating systems. I also like to help other transitioning soldiers, especially those coming from overseas.”
This has allowed her to tap into a new passion in the form of serving as national volunteer coordinator for MAVEN—a role that puts her in touch with people who share her experiences.
“I get to meet and talk with people from all over the country and abroad; it reminds me a lot of the military. One of my favorite questions to ask people is what got them started on their path with Oracle; it’s always interesting to hear their stories.”
Stay motivated and set goals
RJ’s advice to transitioning service members and Veterans considering a career in tech is to stay optimistic, persevere, and keep on top of professional development opportunities. She also emphasizes the importance of finding a field that truly interests you and embracing new challenges.
“Be patient, stay motivated, and take as many certifications as you can before transitioning out of the military!” RJ urges. “Tech is a vast field with many opportunities. There’s so much to learn, and as transitioning service members, we don’t have much time.”
“Setting 90-to-180-day goals can be extremely beneficial during this transition. And always remember, you’re in control of your future, so follow what makes you happy!”
Veterans belong at Oracle
It’s clear that we’re committed to supporting Veterans and providing a welcoming environment for all. With a strong network of Veteran employees and ERGs, Oracle offers a sense of community that should be familiar to anyone who has served. Our inclusive workforce and constant learning opportunities also make it an ideal place for Veterans to grow and develop their skills.
Are you a Veteran or transitioning service member looking for a new challenge? Consider a career at Oracle with our new career finder tool. Visit our careers page to learn more about joining our team.