How I Moved From Construction to Technology

Abstract

At the same time, I wasn't interested in becoming a full-time academic, so I found a compromise and a challenge: I decided to work in the construction industry while also continuing with my education to get my PhD. That way, I was able live in both worlds. I saw firsthand the disconnect between academia and industry - and my work since has in many ways involved efforts to bridge the two. We hosted three of these events in total, and at the last conference I was asked to write for an industry publication. The Lab team works side-by-side with customers and partners in a hands-on simulated industry setting to turn ideas into solutions we can implement and use today. I now can see the opportunities and similarities between multiple industries from construction to telecom to utilities to hospitality to food and beverage, just to name a few. So much to learn! As I said, my decision to take on this role as vice president of innovation at the Oracle Industry Lab was the best career choice I've ever made. Burcin Kaplanoglu is vice president, innovation at the Oracle Industry Lab in Deerfield, Ill. He is active in industry organizations and on LinkedIn where he provides educational content related to technology, innovation, robotics, AI and industry use cases.