Tell us how it happened that you joined SoftSystem?
I landed a job at SoftSystem thanks to recommendation of my friend who started working in the company a few months before me. I could learn more about the work environment and testing. I also found out about the company’s friendly atmosphere and development opportunities. It all made me decide to try my hand. After passing the initial recruitment tests and talking to my manager, I could join the testing team.
You studied tourism and recreation. What did you like about testing? Why did you choose this career path?
I pursue my tourist passions during summer trips and the organization of other events. I started my path at SoftSystem as an intern. Due to the lack of experience in the IT industry, it was a completely new challenge for me, a time to test myself and show the manager that working as a software tester is a job for me. And it seems that it is indeed since I have been working in this industry for over 8 years 🙂
You started your adventure with our company as a Software Tester. What did your career path in the company look like later?
I started working as a Software Tester, and after more than 4 years and introducing grades, I worked as a Software Tester – Senior specialist. By gaining further experience, in 2019 I was promoted to the position of a Software Testing Analyst, and since June this year, I have been working as a Team Leader of Software Testing Specialists. Thus, my path could be called “from Tester to Team Leader” 🙂
While working at SoftSystem, thanks to the support received from the company and my own research work, I was able to pass the exams and go through the most famous certification path for testers today, obtaining the following certificates: ISTQB Foundation Level and ISTQB Advanced Level – Test Analyst.
What exactly are you doing in your position? What is your typical working day like?
I start off my day by checking e-mails and then a nice cup of coffee 🙂 Work related to testing software is not only testing itself. In addition to software verification and validation, performing various types of tests at different levels, identifying and registering defects, designing test cases, analyzing specifications and often very extensive documentation, testing means patience, inquisitiveness, accuracy, systematicity and ability to work in a team. An inseparable element of my daily work is cooperation with my testing team and also with other people involved in the software development process – primarily with teams of programmers, analysts and automation testers. My responsibilities also include reviewing and approving test cases written by other testers, maintaining and updating existing acceptance and regression tests, creating test kits, as well as working closely with the manager, performing assigned tasks, preparing documentation, supporting the management of test environments, participating in special projects, hypercares and many more.
In addition to the work of the Leader of the team of Software Testing Specialists at SoftSystem, you also conduct postgraduate studies in the field of Software Tester at the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów. Could you tell us a little bit about it?
In 2017, a new postgraduate course, Software Tester, was launched, with SoftSystem becoming a partner. The aim was to select staff of lecturers, which would also include people working in the industry, to combine theoretical knowledge with practice. Thanks to this, I was given the opportunity to conduct classes in three subjects:
- Introduction to software testing (lectures and laboratories)
- The role of a Software Tester in the implementation of software projects (lectures)
- Planning software testing (laboratories)
Cooperation with the university was (and still is) a very valuable experience for me. First of all, it allows me to systematize and constantly update knowledge related to software development and testing, which I can share with postgraduate students. What is more, this project resulted in the employment of this faculty graduates in our company.
What gives you the greatest satisfaction at work?
Setting the ‘Tested’ status when everything works in accordance with the documentation, customer requirements and expectations. Together with my colleagues, I had the opportunity to travel to the USA, to the headquarters of one of our largest clients, which was not only a priceless experience, but also a great adventure. Visits at the client’s site contributed a lot to our work, allowed to design test scenarios reflecting the real workflow of the client and prevent any defects in the versions sent, which I must say was really satisfying.
What are your interests outside of work?
I love escape rooms, traveling and grilling with a group of good friends 🙂
How do you imagine your future career in our company?
I would like to develop, take part in new projects and take on new challenges. Due to the recent change of position, I intend to diligently perform the duties, cooperate with the team and the manager. We will see what the future holds, but I am open to new experiences.
Why would you recommend working at SoftSystem?
There is a unique atmosphere among employees, especially in my team 🙂 . The company offers the opportunity to participate in many different projects and work with applications created for global medical institutions, which, depending on the position, may result in foreign delegations. Working at SoftSystem gives the opportunity to gain experience and accustom to the IT industry in order to be able to follow the path of development within the company and receive support in additional professional activities. There is also the possibility of remote work, for which the company was ready long before the pandemic. Besides, I can say that the recent changes in the company are going in a very good direction.
