Database Administrator at Alerce Group (2006-2009), managing critical systems during Spain’s IT modernization period when businesses discovered that “turning it off and on again” doesn’t work with Oracle RAC.

The Context #

Mid-2000s enterprise transformation:

• Oracle dominated but required specialized expertise
• Linux gaining enterprise acceptance over proprietary Unix
• ETL processes critical for system integration
• Custom applications replacing legacy systems

Core Responsibilities #

Oracle Management: Administered Oracle databases for core business applications, implemented backup/recovery procedures, optimized performance for growing transaction volumes.

System Integration: Designed ETL processes integrating multiple business systems, automated data migration for system upgrades, created validation scripts for data quality.

Linux Infrastructure: Managed Red Hat Linux database servers, implemented monitoring and alerting, automated maintenance through shell scripting.

Database Design: Participated in application schema design, created stored procedures supporting business logic, documented structures and procedures.

Technologies #

Oracle (9i, 10g), Red Hat Linux, shell scripting and Oracle PL/SQL, ETL tools, custom SQL solutions.

Key Achievements #

• Mastered Oracle administration including performance tuning and security
• Gained Linux expertise during enterprise open-source adoption
• Developed ETL skills valuable for data integration
• Built systematic troubleshooting methodology
• Established documentation practices benefiting entire career

Foundation Insights #

1. Oracle expertise opens enterprise doors: Deep knowledge provides access to high-value projects
2. Linux skills are foundational: Unix/Linux understanding essential for database professionals
3. ETL experience transfers: Data integration skills apply across all platforms
4. Documentation habits pay dividends: Good practices established early benefit entire career