How did it happen that you joined SoftSystem?
After obtaining a master’s degree in computer science at Rzeszow University of Technology, I wanted to find a job in an IT company. I already had some experience, as I had taken various jobs during my studies that brought me closer to this goal. One of them was system management at the Cultural Center. Then I worked on the operation of a website dealing with the manufacture of fences, and then I conducted courses on the basics of computer use and programs. One day a friend wrote to me asking if I would like to work at SoftSystem, as they were just looking for a few people for a tester position. I thought why not and took part in the interview. However, it did not go as well as I thought and I was not offered a job at that time. After some time, the recruiter called me and asked if I would like to participate in another interview. Without thinking long, I accepted the offer and this time the result was positive.
What was your career path at SoftSystem like?
Initially, I got to the testing team, which dealt with genetic applications. There I took my first steps in the world of software testing. The Team Leader taught me how to navigate hitherto unfamiliar genetic applications and test documentation applications. My big dream-which I haven’t achieved yet – is to become a programmer. When the opportunity to move to the Intranet team came up, I thought it would bring me closer to achieving my dream. After an initial conversation with the manager and team members, I was selected. In the new team after the implementation period, I was responsible for testing changes, preparing documentation and solving minor problems. There came a point when we had to build the Intranet team from scratch, and at that time I was the employee with the most knowledge of the systems used. Now we are a serious team of 4 people 😊.
You are an Application Implementation Specialist in the Intranet department, tell us what your job consists of and what challenges you deal with on a daily basis.
The Application Implementation Specialist on our team is responsible for everything except programming. My day-to-day responsibilities include primarily managing and coordinating work in the SCRUM framework. From the very beginning when I found myself in the team we tried to implement it, due to a large number of Intranet modules and the fact that changes occur quite quickly. To better explore the subject, I enrolled in a SCRUM course to prepare for the PSMI exam, which I passed early last year.
Another important task is customer contact – ours is a whole company. Most of the requests go through me. I check their legitimacy, determine the details of the new functionality, and then register the problems and determine their initial order on the to-do list.
I am also in charge of testing the produced part of the software and submitting changes for improvement or review. I am then responsible for creating a list of changes, registering the installation and supervising it on the production environment. My task is also to prepare documentation of the created application or functionality.
What do you like most about your job?
What I like most about my work is its unpredictability. On the Intranet, we can’t complain about boredom. There are various situations, more or less complicated. Nevertheless, we are prepared for everything. Another advantage is the possibility of self-improvement. As a scrum team, we have this written into the characteristics of our team. After each sprint, we meet to identify areas that need improvement. However, my greatest joy comes from helping people, solving their problems and interacting with them.
Why would you recommend working at SoftSystem?
Working at SoftSystem is a constant surprise for me. I’ve already gone through so much here and still have opportunities to grow. If only one has the desire, the company allows training in any direction related to IT, seeking new interests and becoming better and better at what we do.
What are your future career plans?
I wish I knew 😊. My life is a road on which new paths are constantly appearing, and it’s only up to me what I do with it. Starting from the next academic year, I will have the opportunity to teach a Software Tester classes at the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow. I thought I would never return to academia after graduation, but life writes its scenarios. As a result, I took it as an honorary goal to pass the ISTQB exam to expand my knowledge.
What are your interests, passions outside of work?
Outside of work, I have various passions. One of them is spending time together with my wife and two children. Building a house is also an unforgettable adventure – I recommend it to everyone. In addition, I’m interested in darts, I have my own target and recently signed up for my first ever competition. I also like to try new things. My passion is hiking in the woods and thanks to it I got into collecting mushrooms. I already know about 100 species of them. I also play the guitar and ukulele, as well as chess.
