He's part of the community of people for whom "continuous learning" is not just a slogan, and it fits him like a glove. Since he started working in IT, he can't remember a single day when he didn't learn something new. This is Robert Romaniuc. He worked in real estate and management, at one of the most important companies in the field nationwide, but he wanted a new challenge.
Here is Robert's story, a graduate of the Software Testing educational program!
All of this made IT an opportunity I couldn't turn down
1. Why IT?
Before choosing IT, I worked in real estate and management. I was part of a team of valuable people, in a remarkable corporate environment. But I'm someone who likes challenges! By that point, through my interactions with the IT world, I had discovered a community of professionals for whom "continuous learning" is not just a slogan. I met creative people who innovate and optimize in a constantly changing environment. All of this made IT an opportunity I couldn't turn down.
2. Why the Informal School of IT?
I enrolled at the Informal School of IT in Iași, first of all, because of the proven results in every city where this school operates and the positive reviews from graduates. But also for the excellent trainers, who have extensive experience in the field and are involved in the IT community in Iași.
The people you learn with and from matter enormously!
3. How did your experience at the Informal School of IT help you?
I believe determination, a positive attitude, and the desire to learn and then to improve are essential to achieving a professional goal. But the people you learn from/with and work with also matter enormously. In my case, Software Testing directly answered my need to learn the basics and build a foundation I could later build my IT career on. I got familiar with the fundamental concepts, but I was also able to map out future directions for my professional development. I managed to get a job in IT by applying what I learned.
4. What did you think of the teaching methods used during the training sessions?
The focus on the practical side – that's what I appreciate most about the way things are taught at the Informal School of IT. On top of that, the relationship with the mentors is very open! You're encouraged to ask questions, and every concept is clarified both through exercises and homework, and through examples from the trainers' own jobs.
5. The biggest challenge you faced?
The initial impact! That was a real challenge for me. Why? Because I realized how vast the IT field is, in general, and testing, specifically. But that motivated me and pushed me to dedicate more time to studying on my own.
During the job interview, I felt right at home
6. Were you prepared for the job interview?
The job interview was a very pleasant experience, and I took it even before finishing the Software Testing program. In the courses held up to that point (both the technical ones – testing, databases – and the soft skills ones), I had gone through numerous concepts and ideas, which I then deepened and rounded out through individual study. Looking back, I can say I saw just how useful the exercises and homework from the Informal School of IT were. During the interview I felt right at home
A message for those reading this interview:
I want to make two important points:
1. Read ahead and clarify things in class!
Since you'll have experienced people with proven results in the field in front of you, make the most of every class session with them. Ask questions and bring up concepts or issues that aren't very clear to you.
2. The Informal School of IT is "what you make of it"!
If you invest time, energy, effort, and persevere, the results will be more than favorable. The success stories of many graduates prove this.
