As we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we shine a spotlight on the incredible talent that makes Oracle a LinkedIn Top Company. This month, we caught up with Angela Por, a sales development representative (SDR) who has carved a path to success at Oracle. It’s a story that wouldn’t be possible without the power of mentorship and the rich opportunities available within our sales team.
Generating opportunities
Angela’s role as an SDR was crucial to Oracle’s sales ecosystem. “A sales development representative is responsible for generating new pipeline. We create new relationships with our clientele and figure out what keeps them up at night so we can come in and help them,” she explains. This involves many tasks, from making calls and sending emails to attending meetings. Most of all, it’s about building relationships.
“My average day is kind of different day to day. It starts with a cup of coffee, checking emails, and structuring my day. We have interactions, calls, emails, meetings, and a lot of fun things. What makes it exciting is being on the sales floor with my friends. I’ve developed great friendships with my team. As an SDR, you’re put in a cohort, so you make lasting connections.”
It’s a community within a community in many ways. Here, Angela is empowered to express her own approach and outlook while driving results for the team in her own unique way. Oracle’s broader collaborative culture also means she can be there for her friends and colleagues when they need support.
Mentorship and career growth
Angela’s success as an SDR—and her recent promotion—are a result of hard work, dedication, and the invaluable mentorship she’s received so far in her career journey.
“The mentorship at Oracle is unlike anything I’ve experienced. You have your manager for guidance, but you also have access to directors and field leaders, which shapes your growth. This allows you to form your own perspective and take charge of your development. Being surrounded by talented, like-minded individuals is a huge source of motivation.”
Thanks to this, her path to promotion to the Revenue Development Organization was clear from the start. This helped Angela to form a plan to reach her career goals sooner.
“During my time as an SDR, I focused on hitting my targets, building relationships, and staying authentic. I managed my pipeline, learned from feedback, and improved my outreach. This led to better objection handling and identifying high-value prospects, which all contributed to my promotion.”
Angela’s journey at Oracle began with a desire to make a meaningful impact in the tech industry and, as a Cambodian American, Angela’s background and heritage have also played a significant role in shaping her perspective.
The power of community
Angela, an OPAL (Oracle Professional Asian Leadership) member, also shares the value of working in a place that celebrates both differences, and shared culture, especially as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month approaches. “AAPI Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the various cultures, histories, and contributions of our communities, but it’s also a time to reflect on the challenges we’ve faced.” Angela, whose family history is deeply intertwined with Cambodia’s past, tells us. “My parents both immigrated from Cambodia, and my father was a survivor of the Cambodian genocide in the 1970s. This month is about honoring my heritage, acknowledging the strength and resilience of my family, and continuing to build on the legacy of those who came before me.”
“It makes me feel empowered to work with people from similar backgrounds,” she shares. “We support each other, share experiences, and celebrate our cultures. It’s a great way to connect and feel a sense of belonging.”
As she’s built her experience, she’s been recognized time and again for her growth—and found plenty of opportunities to share her knowledge with others.
“Being chosen for the Oracle career video early in my role was validating. Another highlight was being named MVP in North America Applications, recognizing my efforts. Being able to mentor others who started in the same position I did has also been incredibly fulfilling.”
Culture of success
It’s plain to see that Angela’s experience at Oracle has been transformative, and she attributes much of her success to the company’s culture and support system.
“The culture is amazing. We work hard, but we have fun while doing it. Waking up and coming to work is honestly a blessing—I enjoy my job and the people I work with. It’s hard to have a bad day here!”
“I would tell anyone considering a career at Oracle to go for it. Tech can be a little bit daunting, but you’ll get the support and training to be successful. The positive impact you can have on people worldwide is empowering.”
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