1. Are You Job Ready? Colleen Cassity
Corporate Citizenship at Oracle is 3 things.
1. Giving & Volunteers (Oracle Giving supports education, environmental conservation, and community services with cash grants, in-kind donations, and volunteer support.
2. The Oracle Academy enables high school and university students -- like you -- to develop IT and business skills prior to entering the workforce. Participating schools receive Oracle software, curriculum, training, and certification resources, which they can flexibly integrate into their curricula.
3. The Oracle Education Foundation:
-Independent charitable organization -- it’s a nonprofit that’s funded by Oracle
-And, it’s dedicated to helping students develop 21st century skills
-It operates a free program called ThinkQuest, which has three parts:
- The first is ThinkQuest Projects, which is a protected, online learning platform that enables K-12 teachers to integrate learning projects into curriculum. That online environment is currently home to more than 500,000 users in 43 countries.
The second element of ThinkQuest is our international Competition , which challenges students to solve real-word problems, and I’ll tell you more later.
The third is the Library, which houses the student-authored content generated by the Competition
Lastly, the foundation provides Professional Development to teachers all over the world.
Job Description:
I’m the ED of the Oracle Education Foundation (manage nonprofit – BOD, legal, finance). I also oversee the Oracle Giving & Volunteers programs globally. (grantmaking, employee matching gifts, sponsorships, representing Oracle in the community, and approving donation requests company-wide) I manage a budget about $ 18 million annually.
Disclaimers: This lecture is about how to prepare for employment and will not discuss specific Oracle technologies, nor will I be able to answer technical questions.
Why is Oracle doing this: We’re trying to reach out to more students -- to make more of a direct impact. We want to get to know you better – as part of the constituency we serve. We want to learn from you, and we also want to help you to be job ready.
Now a bit about you: How many are computer science majors? Business majors? Other? Who is 22 or under? Over 22 – 30? Over 30?
Are You Job Ready?
Colleen Cassity
Executive Director, Oracle Education Foundation
Oracle Giving & Volunteers

2. Presentation Available
This entire presentation is available for download on the ThinkQuest Facebook page and on the Oracle Academy website.

3. Introduce Oracle and what it does.
Today’s Agenda
Introduce Oracle and what it does.
Discuss how globalization has affected the 21st century workplace.
Detail the skills that are most necessary for success in today’s workplace.
Present how you can transform your existing assignments into a technology portfolio that impresses.
Learn about the ThinkQuest Application Development Competition.
Challenge and motivate you to do what it takes to become job-ready.
Our agenda for the next 30 minutes or so
Brief intro on Oracle.
Discuss the job market and changes to the landscape of the 21st century knowledge economy
Skills required in today’s marketpalce
Talk about your existing assignments and how they can be used to create a portfolio that impresses employers

4. Co-founded in 1977 by Larry Ellison.
Oracle Overview
Co-founded in 1977 by Larry Ellison.
Leader in enterprise software and hardware products.
# 1 provider of database software (43% market share).
370,000 customers in 145 countries.
104,500 employees, including 30,000 developers & engineers.
10 million developers in Oracle online communities.
1 million students supported/year.
Oracle was co-founded by Larry Ellison more than 30 years ago.
Since the Sun acquisition, we are a market leader in enterprise software and hardware products.
We are the world’s #1 database software provider and it services 43% of the global database market.
We support 370,000 customers in 145 countries.
30,000 of Oracle’s 104,000 employees are developers and engineers
We support 10 million developers through our online communitites, and more than 1 million students like you through the Oracle Academy and ThinkQuest.

5. #1 in 50 product and industry categories
Oracle Overview
Industry
# of Companies
Aero and Defense
11 of top 11 organizations
Education and Research
9 of top 10 universities
Communications
20 of top 20 service providers
Life Sciences
20 of top 20 pharmaceuticals
Travel
3 of top 5 airlines
Financial Services
10 of top 10 global banks
Media/Entertainment
All of the Fortune 500 global companies
We reach every sector. No matter what you decide to do, you will likely encounter Oracle technology because we are #1 in 50 product and industry categories.
In the financial services industry, for example, 10 of the top 10 global banks use Oracle.
In the communications industry, 20 of the top 20 service providers use Oracle.
In the life sciences industry, 20 of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies use Oracle.
The technology industry is an exciting place to work. Think about Apple, Google, Intel, Cisco, Dell, Microsoft, Oracle, and the many other companies that are creating innovative technology. We are all playing a role in shaping the way people communicate, learn, work, and ultimately, live.
#1 in 50 product and industry categories

6. The Internet changed everything.
This might seem like a funny statement to you – because if you’re twenty-something, the Internet’s been a given in your life, but it wasn’t always so. This was once a new technology. Maybe someone in this room will create the next world-changing technology that surpasses it, but for now, lets’ stick to talking about what we’ve got.
Think about how ubiquitous the Internet is in your life
Social networking (Facebook, LinkedIn: The bigger your network, the more opportunities you have to connect with potential employers and business partners – or people who can lead you in that direction.)
It’s probably integral to your Education
Doubtless, you use it for Research
It’s how most of us pay our bills and manage many other parts of our lives
It’s one way we search for and apply for jobs

7. Centralized Workforce
Okay, Let’s tie that to the corporate environment and work.
There is no longer a centralized workforce or workplace.

8. Distributed Workforce
I work on a global team of 50 people.
Wasn’t always that way – I used to see everyone I worked with, in the office, daily. That was probably your parent’s experience too.
Not anymore.
Today, I am part of a virtual team.
This reality changes how I react, and behave as part of my team.
It makes for a 24-hour work day because when I’m not working on something, my colleague in Singapore is.
This also means early morning conference calls to accommodate those in EMEA and evening meetings for those in APAC.
It means adapting to accommodate different schedules and different types of communication.

9. The global economy raised the competitive bar for workers.
You know this.
It means that you must be clear in your written and verbal communications.
It means that you must be able to solve problems autonomously.
You must be able to learn new technologies quickly.
And your skills must match or best those of your peers internationally.

10. Technology Skills Critical Thinking Skills Communication Skills
These are three of those skills:
Technology skills: go beyond the fundamentals and what you are learning in school.
- video/web conferencing platforms
- internal business applications
Critical thinking skills: your ability to think analytically to solve business problems.
Communication skills: your ability to effectively collaborate with a diverse group of people.

11. How Do You Compete? + - Obtain a degree in a growing field.
Global competition is fierce.
Understand the skills employers want.
Unemployment is 9.6% in the US1.
Don’t be passive. Actively develop your skills!
How do you successfully compete? Beyond acquiring your degree, it is important to understand and actively develop the skills that employers require. This will distinguish you from the pack.
1Source: October, 2010, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Trading Economics

12. Career Clusters for IT Students
Possible Career Opportunity
Information Support and Services
Computer information systems manager
Database administrator
Help-desk specialist
Programming and Software Development
Computer software engineer
Applications programmer
Computer programmer
Web and Digital Communication
Graphic artist
Webdesigner
Webmaster
Network Systems
Network administrator
PC support specialist
Security administrator
This slide presents the 4 IT career clusters identified in the US Department of Education’s Career Cluster Framework.
Possible career opportunities are also listed.
There are 16 career clusters in total. The US DOE Career Cluster Framework was the result of a joint effort involving state, schools, educators, employers, industry groups, and other stakeholders interested in establishing academic and technical standards.

13. Mapping Technology Skills to Careers
Career Cluster
Technology Skills
Information Support and Services
 Database administrator
SQL, Unix, PL/SQL, Oracle Open Office, XML, Solaris,
Programming and Software Development
 Applications programmer
Java, JavaScript, C, C++, GCC, Perl, Python, SQL, PL/SQL, VB
Web and Digital Communication
 Web designer
JavaScript, HTML, CSS, XML, XSLT, PHP, Flash, Dreamweaver
Drilling down one step further, this slide illustrates how the top technology-related skills can be mapped directly to career opportunities.
But, if your career goals don’t map to these slides, there are many other job opportunities available at IT companies.
Oracle offers more than 100 Business Applications Customer Relationship Management, E-Business Intelligence, Financials, Healthcare, Human Resource Management, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Product Information Management, Data Hub, and Product Lifecycle Management, Real Estate Management, Retail, Server Technologies, and much more.
Oracle's Technologies Database, Fusion Middleware/Application Server, Collaborative Technologies, Services, System Management, Application Management, and more
Global Development Opportunities, Usability and Interface Design, Corporate Architecture, Alliances and Channels, Support Services (like Customer Support, Consulting, Global Information Technologies, Oracle On Demand), and Oracle University

14. Example: Software Developer Requirements
Technology Skills
B.S./M.S. or Ph.D. degree in engineering, computer science, or related field.
Experience programming in C++ & Java (required), as well as other languages (preferred).
Strong technical skills, including understanding of algorithms, systems architecture, and end-user experience.
Critical Thinking Skills
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Experience solving complex problems & managing complex project schedules.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Communication/Collaboration Skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
The ability to collaborate effectively with remote team members.
This is a typical job posting for a software developer.
This job description was taken from a well-known technology company’s website and, except for the 3 headers that we applied to each section, it was modified only slightly.
It is very likely that when you look at other technical job descriptions, you’ll see these 3 skill categories referenced over and over.
You’ll notice that only the Technology Skills section refers to educational experience. Critical thinking and communication skills must also be developed and showcased.

15. Ben’s Resume Application Development Algebra Assistant
Java, JavaScript, Flash,
Dreamweaver
Application Development
Algebra Assistant
Collegecook
InternsInc
University of Virginia,
B.S., Computer Science
PL/SQL, PHP, Oracle Application Express
Let me show you how.
Ben submitted his resume to a potential employer via an that read, “I would like to apply for your open software developer position. Attached is my resume.”
Ben just graduated from the University of Virginia and has impressive technical skills. He also has a little work experience. He was a sales representative at Radio Shack for 6 months, a Mac and PC support specialist for 6 months, and he did some application development and testing work during a summer internship. At the bottom of his resume, Ben listed some of the technical projects he completed.
Ben’s cover letter and resume likely will not stand out in a stack that includes those from people with technology industry experience. And if his resume does get him an interview, how will he show that he has the requisite skills for success?
Ben would be in a much stronger position if he submitted a cover letter like this:

16. Ben’s Cover Letter Text
Dear Brad,
I would like to apply for your open software developer position. Attached is my resume.
I possess a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Virginia. In addition to completing my college course requirements over the past four years, I developed the following applications using Java, JavaScript, PHP, PL/SQL, Oracle 10g Express Edition, Oracle Application Express, Dreamweaver, and Flash.
Algebra Assistant is an interactive game that helps students master Algebra.
is a web application that enables college students to apply for summer internships with employers.
Collegecook is an online library that helps college students make healthy eating choices.
Please feel free to peruse these applications. If you like what you see, I would happy to discuss my qualifications for your position.
Regards,
Ben
Here Ben highlighted 3 very clear examples that directly tie to the position he is applying for
and he’s provided links. This is proof that he can produce a finished project that solves a real-world problem or addresses a need.
Additional resume and cover letter tips:
On you resume, state your accomplishments in past jobs/internships clearly and compellingly:
for example, “I increased sales by 50% in 6 months.”
Make your resume easy to read at-a-glance. Distill the important information down into the most
concise writing possible.
Make your resume easy on the eye. Channel your inner graphic designer. Don't get crazy, keep it
simple and clean looking, but give careful thought to what you make bold, your use of white space, etc.
If the content of a resume is too dense (long paragraphs, no white space) it often doesn't get read.
Always be polite and gracious in your cover letter. Double check the spelling of the name of the
person you are addressing. Add elements to your resume that differentiate you from other applicants. Beyond the ideas in
this presentation, add something personal. For example, I am earning my private pilot's certificate; or
since 2009, I have volunteered at my local food bank.
I’m sure Ben’s resume does a good job of all of those things. Okay, so…

17. How Do You Compete? + - Obtain a degree in a growing field.
Global competition is fierce.
Understand the skills employers want.
Unemployment is 9.6% in the US1.
Don’t be passive. Actively develop your skills!
Now that you understand the skills that employers want and how best to communicate them, how do you actively develop them?
You might not have the job experience, so volunteer your skills or intern to demonstrate that you can work on a complex project.
1Source: October, 2010, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Trading Economics

18. Developing Your Skills
Microsoft Imagine Cup
IBM Battle of the Brains
Google Programming Contest
CES Apps for Innovation
HASTAC Digital Media & Learning Competition
Another way to build your resume is to compete in a technology competition. There are over 40 such competitions, here are a few.
If you haven’t worked or interned at a multi-national company, competing shows that you’ve applied your skills. Now you can list one of these big-name companies on your resume.

19. Like I mentioned earlier, the Oracle Education Foundation hosts the ThinkQuest International Competition, which is
designed to help hone the skills you need for the 21st century workplace.
This is one of the only competitions that evaluates your performance based on the technology,
critical thinking, and communication skills you demonstrate. Those are the evaluation criteria used by the judges.
The competition has three events, two of which are relevant you. By participating in the Application Development or Digital Media events, you can transform your existing assignments or side projects into an entry that can then be used to augment your portfolio and resume.
Thinkquest.org

20. ThinkQuest Application Development Competition
Select a real-world problem to be solved.
Produce an application or a game that elegantly solves that problem for users.
Use your choice of the programming languages, software and development environments from below.
Programming Languages
Option 1
Option 2
Flash
JavaScript
Java
PHP
Database: MySQL
PL/SQL
Database: Oracle Database 10g Express Edition
Here’s how:
Select a real-world problem, then produce a web-based application or game that elegantly solves that problem for users.
Ben’s examples include:
an interactive game that helps students master algebra,
a web -application that enables college students to apply for summer internships,
and an online library that helps college students make healthy eating choices.

21. ThinkQuest Application Development Competition
Age divisions: 22 & under, 19 & under, 16 & under.
Teams of 1-6 students & 1 adult coach.
Competition closes on April 27, 2011.
Resources available at
There are 3 age divisions – 22 & under, 19 & under, 16 & under – and students may participate as individuals or as members of a team.
And team members can reside in the same country or different countries.
This year, the competition closes on April 27, 2011 and opens again in August/September.
For those over 22, you can still participate as coaches and mentors.

22. Receive a laptop computer and other prizes. Attend ThinkQuest Live.
Experience Oracle OpenWorld with 42,000 global professionals.
Receive face-to-face mentoring from top software architects, developers, and usability experts.
Develop friendships with peers from around the world.
Participate in educational workshops.
Be honored at a red-carpet gala with dignitaries and executives.
“Winning the ThinkQuest Competition gave me an edge
and helped me secure a job as a Software Developer right out of college.”
Shakeeb
ThinkQuest allows you to compete head-to-head with your peers globally – in a fun way.
Beyond the great prizes you’ll win as a top-place finisher, participating in ThinkQuest enables you to impress employers with what you can do – at the click of a mouse

23. In closing today, here are the facts:
Global competition for jobs is fierce. So fierce, in fact, that a college degree – while vital – is no longer a ticket to a great career. You’ll need to do more to stand out.
So, be strategic about a.) the projects you select for your portfolio, and b.) the skills you are mastering.

24. Oracle Internships and Careers
Summer Internship Program
Oracle’s College Recruiting Site
Oracle Careers
Oracle Technology Network is the world's largest community of application developers, database
admins, system admins/developers, and architects using industry-standard technologies in
combination with Oracle products. Millions of members collaborate online to share real-world
expertise and best practices about how to best design, build, deploy, manage and optimize
applications. It also provides free developer workshops globally, and sponsors third-party conferences,
user group meetings, and events.