Meet The Experts: Featuring OCP Mihajlo Tekic

This week's featured expert is Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) and soon to become Oracle Certified Master (OCM) the debonair DBA - Mihajlo Tekic.


OCP Advisor:Hi Mihajlo, on behalf of the OCP blog readers we are delighted to have you as this week's featured Oracle Expert. Please tell us something about you, your background and professional experience.

MT: I have been working in the IT industry for over eight years. After I obtained my Bachelors degree in Computer Science I got an opportunity to work as an Oracle Developer. I have been working in Oracle database development and administration for more than five years. I have special interest in performance optimization, data replication and MAA solutions. I am also pursuing my Masters degree in Computer Science at DePaul University in Chicago. I am originally from Macedonia, but currently live and work in Chicago, USA.
I spend my spare time with my wife Natasa and our newborn daughter Monika. Whenever possible, I watch soccer games, read books and hang out with my friends. (Editor's note: Congratulations Natasa and Mihajlo on the new addition to your family!)


OCP Advisor: New Oracle technologies are being introduced every year. Which technologies excite you the most right now?

TM: I have been using many Oracle technologies and database features. Each of them is special in its own way. If I have to pick the ones that have excited me the most, that would be Flashback Database, Oracle Streams and definitely Oracle Wait Interface.


OCP Advisor: You have passed multiple Oracle Certification exams. How do you prepare for the certification exams? Can you please walk us through the preparation steps of one of your exams ?

TM: First and foremost try to completely understand the exam topics. Read as much Oracle documentation related to the exam topics. Read the books related to the exam, if any available (but be aware that the topics might have been changed since the book was published). And finally, practice, practice, practice. Reading without practice is not sufficient.

I also want to mention that participating in Oracle Technology Network (OTN) forums helped me to better prepare for the exams. I always find some interesting discussions that make me research more and take more tests.


OCP Advisor: Your are preparing for Oracle Certified Master credential. What is your impression about the Certification exams? What advice, tips and suggestions do you have for the certification candidates?

TM: Well, there is one common thing for all the exams I have taken: They made me improve my skills and become a better professional. For all the future candidates, remember the words of Goethe: "Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do."


OCP Advisor: Can you please let us know one habit that has contributed most to your professional success?

TM: I always follow the KISS principle (Keep It Simple Silly) when solving problems and never try to reinvent the wheel if the solution already exists.


OCP Advisor: Thanks Mihajlo for taking time out from your busy schedule and chatting with our blog readers. Wish you continued success and acclaim in the coming years!

TM: Thanks for inviting me to participate. Good luck to all your blog readers in their careers and certification endeavors.