Discover Kristina Gelo’s journey from her first assignment to becoming a versatile software test engineer at System Verification in Frankfurt. Learn about her achievements, industry experiences, and future aspirations.
When you look back at the time you started with your first assignment in System Verification, how much did you develop yourself?
When I look back at the time I started my first assignment, I can see how much I've developed both professionally and personally. At that point, I began working in a small team, which was a new experience for me. Unlike my previous roles, I was entrusted with a wider range of tasks, which allowed me to take on more responsibility and grow in ways I hadn't before.
I was highly motivated and eager to learn, especially from my colleagues who had more experience. I actively sought out opportunities to gain knowledge, whether it was through hands-on experience or asking questions. This exposure to different aspects of the work allowed me to develop a more well-rounded skill set. I learned to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, improve my communication with team members, and adapt quickly to changing priorities.
What is your most significant achievement at System Verification or in your current assignment?
Looking back, I am proud of how far I've come.
The challenges I faced shaped my approach to work and
A key milestone in my career has been the completion of several certifications in various relevant areas. Each certification added valuable knowledge to my skill set, and I was able to apply this new knowledge directly to my work, improving my efficiency and performance. This commitment to learning has made me more adaptable and confident in my role, and it also allowed me to contribute more effectively to the team’s goals.
In how many different industries have you had assignments, and which industries did you like the most, and why?
Throughout my career, I’ve had assignments in three industries: Finance, Insurance and Telecommunications. Each of these industries has provided unique challenges and opportunities, but I particularly enjoyed working in the Telecommunications sector.
In the Telecommunications industry, I had the chance to work on project that was both technically complex and fast-paced. The industry, with its focus on innovation, made the work exciting and dynamic. Especially because this was my first assignment ever and that counts even more. I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with completely new environment and people they really helped me in my new role. The collaborative team kept me engaged and motivated.
On the other hand, my experience in the Finance industry offered a different set of challenges. The structured environment and very big team were a valuable experience. The project was about the quality assurance of a robo-advisory consulting platform for the distribution of investment funds in a portfolio structure. I appreciated the importance of accuracy and attention to detail in financial systems and how critical it was to ensure compliance and security. Working in finance allowed me to develop strong analytical skills and learn to work effectively under pressure.
All this industries provided invaluable experiences, I find that the Telecommunications sector aligns more closely with my interests and strengths, particularly because of its innovative nature and the opportunity to solve complex, real-time problems, but also because I studied telecommunications and information technology.
What do you enjoy the most about being a consultant?
What I enjoy most about being a consultant, especially as a Software Test Engineer, is the variety and the constant opportunities to learn. Consulting allows me to work with different clients across various industries, which means that each project brings new challenges and learning experiences. This keeps my work interesting and allows me to continuously expand my skill set.
I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of software testing. Identifying issues, ensuring quality, and improving systems are tasks that I find both intellectually stimulating and rewarding. Being able to apply my expertise to different environments and helping clients achieve their goals is something that makes me happy.
What do you plan to achieve within the next 1-2 years?
Over the next 1-2 years, I plan to focus myself into learning new skills and route my further development and carrier to Test Management. After spending the past five years improving my skills as a Software Test Engineer, I feel that I have gained a solid understanding of the technical aspects of testing and the value of quality assurance in software development. I’m now eager to take on more strategic responsibilities, where I can leverage my experience to lead and manage testing teams, develop testing strategies, and improve overall testing processes.
In this role, I aim to enhance my leadership skills, improve project management capabilities, and contribute to the development of more efficient, scalable testing practices. I also plan to further expand my knowledge in areas such as risk management, test automation at a broader scale, and tools for test reporting and analysis, as these are key components of successful test management.
I’m excited about the opportunity to influence the testing strategy at a higher level and to help guide teams towards delivering high-quality software. I believe my experience and passion for quality assurance, along with my desire to continue learning, will allow me to transition successfully into a Test Management role.
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Are you interested in learning more about our SYVE employees - their career journey or what they do during work hours, have a look under The Quality Blog-tag: Our Employees.
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