Software QA Tester Review

As a software tester I test various systems/solutions by using automation, manual, and exploratory testing. Automation testing uses C# code for the tests and the scenarios are written using cucumber and gherkins (selenium). I use test rail to document my manual and exploratory testing cases. We also work on various deployments as a team which involves live testing of API's through Postman and other solutions when deploying out to our live clients.

Working on this placement was just the same as any other colleague working in their day to day job. I was given a lot of training and i knew that there was a constant support system there if i needed it, but my team were really keen on helping me advance and learn new skills so i was given quite a bit of responsibility. As much as anyone else in the team. I've helped lead team meetings for example.

I have developed both my soft and hard skills during this year. My teamwork and communication abilities have developed dramatically and my technical skills have advanced beyond what would've been taught solely from learning at university. I can now code in C#, use cucumber and gherkins to write tests, and i've learnt a lot of company specific systems. It's given me a great understanding of what working in the technical sector is like.

There was so much support from my whole team this placement year. Whenever i had any questions or concerns they were there to support me and help me learn and develop my skills. My mentor on the team had regular check-ins with me to make sure i was doing well and getting integrated nicely into the company. Same for my manager who was also very supportive and always made himself available if i needed to discuss anything.

The company culture was so positive and welcoming. Not just may day-to-day team but other colleagues in the business. Even if i'd never talked to them before, they were always open to having a chat and discussing their roles etc. if that was something i wanted to learn more about. It was just a great environment to be working in.

I've thoroughly enjoyed my placement year. I've developed a wide range of soft and hard skills this year whilst also learning a lot more technical knowledge. Like i said earlier, these are things which you can't just learn from going to university. I really enjoyed the team and role which i was working in and it helped me grow as an individual and its definitely something thats going to support me for my first job in industry after i finish university.

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