To further support workforce readiness, students participated in the Oracle Job Shadow and Career Day, an immersive experience designed to bridge the gap between education and the professional world. The event brought together 11 Oracle professionals and 20 students from Weiss High School and Travis Early College High School for a day focused on career exploration, skill-building, and mentorship.
Oracle professionals generously volunteered their time to share their expertise, career stories, and advice, offering students valuable insight into how communication, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability are applied in today’s workplace.
Exploring the Oracle Campus
Students began the day with a tour of the Oracle campus, gaining firsthand exposure to a professional technology environment where innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning are essential. The tour allowed students to envision themselves in a corporate setting and better understand how different teams work together to solve real-world problems.
Hands-On Career Readiness Activities
A core component of the day focused on career and work-readiness activities led by Oracle professionals. Students participated in mock interviews, where they practiced professional communication, received individualized feedback, and built confidence in articulating their strengths and experiences.
In addition, students received resume critiques and support, as well as guidance on creating or auditing “About Me” infographics. Oracle mentors worked closely with students to help them strengthen their resumes, refine how they present their skills and accomplishments, and better prepare for future interviews and career opportunities.
Mentorship and Career Conversations
Throughout the day, Oracle professionals shared their personal career journeys, discussing pathways into their roles, challenges they overcame, and lessons learned along the way. These candid conversations gave students a realistic and inspiring view of multiple career paths and reinforced the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and lifelong learning.
A Collaborative Effort
Schools prepared students in advance for the experience, Junior Achievement provided curriculum and coordination, and Oracle led the collaboration by hosting, mentoring, and guiding students through hands-on career readiness activities.
The impact of the experience was clear. Ms. Matula, a Weiss High School educator, shared:
“My students LOVED the trip to Oracle. The interaction with staff was a hit, and everyone had several positive comments about talking with each of them. Thank you for including my students in these amazing opportunities. Can’t wait for the next one.”
The Oracle Job Shadow and Career Day demonstrated the powerful impact of industry partnerships in preparing students for life beyond high school. By opening their campus and investing in student development, Oracle professionals played a vital role in helping students build confidence, career awareness, and readiness for the future.
Shout out to Vanessa Frates at Oracle for all she does to provide JA students with impactful opportunities like this!
Thank you, Oracle, for supporting Junior Achievement!
