#MeetOurTeam – Archana

What does a typical workday look like to you?

My workday is very different from day to day. Some days are especially hectic when there is database maintenance planned, while other days things go much slower.

I always start the day reading and answering emails to get an overview of what needs to be done during that day, and what may be left over from yesterday. My job consists of installing software, upgrading databases to a new version, patching operating systems, monitoring systems, storing backups in a secure place, creating scripts, database performance and much more. To put it simply, I would say that my goal is to make sure the systems are up and running 100%, and that there are as few problems as possible. There is so much exciting happening, that my days just fly away.
What technologies do you work with?
I've mostly worked with Oracle technology and some MS SQL. During my five years in Cegal I've worked mostly with A-Z around databases, database monitoring and servers.

What drives you at work and what's fun in your role?

I really enjoy workin in Cegal and everything I work with. I prioritize having things under control.

It's always fun to learn something new at work. It is very important to ask yourself “Why” and “Why not” and find out the cause. It's great fun to work like this.
- Archana

Which app do you use the most, and why? 

Whatsapp! I can ask how my family in India is doing, see them on video and share photos. We can show what we do, and they can show how they celebrate festivals. I can also send messages to colleagues if necessary😊 

What's your favorite podcast, and why? 

“NorsklærerKarense”. I often listen to different episodes to learn Norwegian at different levels while doing housework. She talks about Norway and the culture here, so I have learned a lot about the country by listening to this podcast. I think it's very important to be able to understand Norwegian, and know as much as possible about the culture and the country we live in. 

What else should we know about you? 

My greatest joy in life is being a mom to two beautiful children. They keep us busy with their activities. In the summer we are often out cycling, we go for walks to enjoy nature, or play tennis. Last winter we started going skiing, and our son has become so good, so now he's the one who gives us advice on how to ski 😊 

We celebrate Indian holidays here in Norway, and this is a great way to celebrate our culture and pass it on to the next generation. We dress in nice colorful Indian clothes, cook good food and have fun together. 

It was winter when I first came to Norway, and the whole first day it was snowing. Other Indians who had come to Norway a year before me had not seen snow before this day, so I felt that the snow gave me a big “Welcome to Norway”. We left India with 35 celsius and came to Norway and negative 11 celsius. The first day I put on five layers of clothing, but still I couldn't save myself from the cold. Coming from a populous country like India and suddenly living here in Haugesund/Norway in the winter, when people are rarely out of the house (and with dark afternoons), is something I had never imagined would happen. It was both a culture and a climate shock!