„My biggest fear was that I wouldn't make it. I got hired as a Software Tester at the coolest IT company in Iași”.
It all starts from a story with two main ingredients: passion and motivation. Then you sprinkle in some stardust: ambition and perseverance. And it becomes – not a recipe, but an open letter to you and everyone who loves technology. To those who, today, right now, are looking for a fresh start.
Elena Cantemir writes it. As a child she dreamed of working in a chocolate factory: „I definitely remember wanting to test the quality of the chocolate”.
She graduated from the Informal School of IT. Now, finally, she tests software products, at 30. „I managed to get hired at the coolest IT company in Iași”. About the taste of her new career, of the road that led there? Add study, practice and skill, and it becomes the taste of passion.
But let's start from the beginning.
The desire to actually step into the world of IT
1. Why IT?
Before making the career change, I worked in sales, indirectly connected to IT. I was responsible for promoting, developing and selling services for an IT product (an e-commerce platform). I wanted to learn more about the IT world and change the angle from which I contribute to solving consumers' problems. That's how I ended up at the Informal School of IT.
2. My biggest fear was…
That I wouldn't make it, not without a degree in IT.
3. What made you apply to the Informal School of IT, train and grow as a Software Tester?
The desire to actually step into the world of IT. I decided to first take Intro in IT – an Introduction to Programming and Software Testing course, and then continue with the QA Complete – Software Testing Course program to deepen my knowledge. By graduation, I realized how important the role of a Software Tester is in an application's development process. And also the quality of the product, just as much.
It's not a bug hunt, but…
4. How would you describe, in simple terms, what Software Testing means?
Software Testing is an investigation into the quality of the product or service being tested. In other words: Software Testing isn't a bug hunt, but ensuring a product's quality and the customer's satisfaction.
5. What skills should you start out with in Software Testing?
Hard Skills: English knowledge (intermediate level), PC operating skills (intermediate level), basic knowledge of concepts specific to software application testing.
Soft Skills: patience, communication, an out-of-the-box mindset, attention to detail, team spirit, etc.
„Don't be afraid to ask for help” – it's important to have this ability, when you're just starting out.
Also read: Why take a manual and automated software testing course?
6. If you had to make a top list, what are the most important things you learned in the course?
- Within the software development process, testing is extremely important.
- The quality of a software product is the responsibility of every team member.
- Automated testing doesn't replace manual testing.
- Software Testing is about customer satisfaction in qualitative ways.
…confidence in my own abilities
7. What were the mentors who guided you at the Informal School of IT like?
Very open. They shared their personal and professional experience with us, the students. Beyond all the technical knowledge we gained, they somehow managed to motivate us too. They gave me confidence. They made me believe in my own abilities.
8. Tell us about the job interviews too.
After the first interview I didn't get a job offer. That's when I understood that you need practice to successfully get through a job interview in IT. It was relatively easy, except that I was very nervous. The knowledge I gained during the course sessions guided me and helped me a lot in getting the job offer. Today I'm part of the Strongbytes team, the coolest IT company in Iași
9. Send a message to whoever is reading this interview right now.
Have courage! Be confident, follow your passion. And prepare for the job interview.
Also read:
Irina's story, QA Complete graduate. From event organizer to software tester
Talking with Diana Bordean, QA Complete – Software Testing course graduate
Turn your passion for IT into a career with the Software Testing course!
Are you ready to take the step toward a successful career in IT? Our QA Complete – Manual Testing and Automated Testing course is what you're looking for! This program is designed especially for people like you, eager to learn and grow.
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By the end, you'll be ready to enter the job market with confidence. A career in software testing is waiting for you!
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