1 | Can you share a bit about what you do and what a typical day looks like for you?
I'm a QA, which involves improving the quality of the software we develop throughout the software development process. This includes getting involved early in the process, such as during refinement, helping to improve the team and the way we work, as well as identifying gaps in our processes.
A typical day involves stand-up, reviewing the board, creating test cases or testing, asking questions, and engaging with the team to create clarity. There might also be ceremonies to attend. I have ad-hoc catch-ups, share test cases with the team, get feedback on them, and make changes accordingly. I'm also an active mentor to other QAs and participate in the ElevateHer programme.
2 | What motivated or inspired you to pursue a career in the software industry? Was it always something you wanted to do?
I didn't know what I wanted to do initially. I completed a business science degree as I was interested in economics. I didn't study IT at school, so I registered for marketing and did the first year to discover which subjects I enjoyed. I found that I liked information systems. I enjoyed the link between the business side and the software side.
Computer science was purely about code, without the understanding of the application or business benefits. At a career day, I was considering either a BA or developer role. I enjoyed development, but not all the time. When I saw the QA role, I was curious about it. The description was interesting and matched how I describe myself. I like to ask questions and find ways to improve things, though not necessarily solving them myself. There's also an automation route where there's a bit of development that I can explore, and I can change my focus when needed.
3 | Can you describe your career journey and how you came to be at Entelect?
When applying for jobs from university, I did apply to Entelect. However, another company was interested and I got that role before pursuing things further with Entelect. I was there for two years. I enjoyed it, but I wasn't growing. There wasn't much opportunity. I always remembered Entelect. I went to one of the open days and there was a good vibe, so I reached out to Charmain to ask if they had any roles. I didn't want to stay in the same industry and was keen on being a consultant so I could explore different avenues. After calls and interviews, it happened quickly and I was excited to join Entelect. It was meant to be!
4 | What has it been like working in the Dutch tech scene? Any cultural differences that surprised you or that you particularly appreciate?
Work-life balance is genuinely a thing here. There's been a lot of adapting to cultural differences. I'm on a fully Dutch team, and I enjoy being funny and making jokes, but there are South African nuances that we don't realise until we're in a totally different environment, so the banter isn't easy to cultivate. However, there is the possibility of joining a multi-cultural team.
I've been in teams that say they're agile, but I feel Dutch teams are very adaptable to avoid making people work overtime. It's natural to reassess rather than planning to work overtime. From the QA side, I've also observed there's more willingness to try new technology, though this is just from my experience.
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5 | What's your special sauce? What unique perspectives or flavour do you add to your team/client?
Asking difficult questions. I pick up domain knowledge super quickly, and I'm very observant, which leads to asking difficult and insightful questions.
6 | Can you talk about a particularly memorable project or accomplishment in your career and what you learnt from it?
I was a QA on a team when another QA joined. I created a document for him, and when I spoke to him recently, he said he still references it and uses it to share with others. My most memorable accomplishments are those that have a long-lasting impact on helping others.
7 | If you could give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be?
Don't overthink it. I'd give myself this advice right now as well!
8 | What initiatives or strategies can organisations implement to foster more gender diversity and inclusivity in tech teams?
Applying intention to the construction of teams, such as trying to place women in teams with at least one other woman. Awareness of people and different behaviours in general is important. There's a lot of unconscious bias. Being aware of it allows us to challenge it and push back against it.
9 | What do you envision for the future of women in leadership positions in tech? What role do you hope to play in shaping that future?
Simply having a place there based on meritocracy, where talented women can also strive for leadership positions. I'd like to help others get there whilst also challenging myself and making it seem possible.
