IOUG interviewed Michelle Malcher, an Oracle ACE Director, about her experience as an Oracle ACE. Recognized for their technical expertise, Oracle ACEs contribute knowledge with articles, technical advice, blog posts, and tweets. Oracle ACEs are proven Oracle experts.

When did you become an Oracle ACE?

I became an Oracle ACE in 2006 and became an Oracle ACE director in 2009.

What does this experience mean for you personally and professionally?

I felt a great sense of accomplishment and was honored to be nominated to ACE director. This is a great recognition from Oracle that I have done some pretty cool things with Oracle and that I am willing to bring others along with me to understand databases and the challenges we face as database professionals. This also provided new opportunities to learn what Oracle is working on and provide feedback of how the technologies are being used.

Has your status as an Oracle ACE helped you in your career?

I believe it has opened up new opportunities to present, and being considered an expert in an area at work does have advantages. But if the knowledge and actions don’t back up the title, then it wouldn’t matter if I was an ACE or not.

In your current role researching, writing and teaching for Oracle professionals, what has been your biggest achievement? What has been your biggest regret?

I think being able to come to work and enjoy what I do is a big achievement. I really enjoy working with databases and all of the aspects around the environment. The additional opportunities to write and teach surprise even me. I regret not starting my database career sooner. I had switched around careers about 10 years before landing in technology, but I guess the different perspective from that experience has also made me well-rounded in my career.

Do you have any advice for novices in this industry?

Get ready to keep learning! The fact that companies have a lot of data seems to be one constant, and there are so many opportunities to do things with that data. There is a lot to be said for experience, so find ways to test and play with features in a sandbox environment. Be ready to fix (admit to) mistakes and be open to new ideas.

Do you have any advice for IOUG members for their own careers?

Stay involved in the community. I have always been able to learn more and understand more about database technologies by sharing information and presenting. Having a network of people that have similar experiences and a place to go to bounce ideas off of is extremely important in building a stronger knowledge base and stronger career path.