Today marks my last day, officially, as a Software Tester. It has been a wonderful experience. I never thought this old dog would be able to learn new tricks, but it did.
I am taking a trip down memory lane if you will permit.
Jump back to 2010, that was when I applied as a software tester. I had absolutely no idea what the title entailed back then, but they did not really require anything at all. No degree, no experience, nothing. Just the willingness to learn and do weird things.
So when I had my phone interview, it went well. All I had to do was talk about my passion for technology and mobile devices. I did not have to lie, I was really into them. Who wouldn’t? I passed that interview, got invited for a second one and passed that too.
When I started in January, I went into a room full of shelves filled with tablet and mobile devices. It was heaven! And that was not all, two of my best friends were sitting in the same room.
WHAT MORE COULD I ASK FOR?
I learned a lot of things immediately. I tested a lot of devices, which was awesome. That went on for a year, I think. Then I got promoted to test manager. I was not only testing some awesome mobile websites, I was also managing everything that testing entailed. This then went on for another couple of years, but the eagerness to test never really left.
Do I miss the job? Nope, not the job, and not the company, but the colleagues and the devices.
Let us now look back at 2017. I was not really ready to work, the initial plan was to start working in 2018. But a really cool job opening was relayed to me by a former colleague. I was not sure if I should apply, turns out it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
I had 2 interviews. The first one had a weird test, and I was honestly not ready for it. But it was basically just to see if I can work well with others, and take critique where it was needed. The second one was for the persons hiring me to get to know who I am.
So I got the job. I started in August and that was when I realized I will never get cold in the company. The sun always shone in the office I sit in, even in winter. So that is also a huge plus.
The first month was very informative, but also a bit scary. But this was all me. I am never sure in the beginning if I will be good enough for everyone. My colleagues were all very nice to me, and very helpful too. They still are. I got to try out new things, I got to learn a lot more, and I probably won’t stop.
Will I miss the job? You bet I will, but just because I am changing careers does not mean I will stop being a tester. I will always be one, and I think my colleagues will always know that. But there is this fire in me, this enthusiasm that is UX/UI Design.
Even though I am switching careers, I will still try and keep the tester in me. I will practice it where I can, read to grow, and keep up to date. So even if today is my last day as a tester, I will always be a tester at heart.
P.S.:
The cover is for today’s flower friday.
Silke 