Software Tester Review

On a day to day, I would work with a product group to produce new features for our site to highest quality standard. I would facilitate and coach session to highlight functional and non-functional requirements and how as a team we can play these. We want to make sure that the new introductions work as expected and any unexpected behaviours are reported, investigated, fixed and then tested again. Along with regression tested to make sure that the change in one part of the system has not had ant adverse effects on other parts.

My confidence has increased - with the help of the people around me, i have been able to ask the questions i need to in order to pick up skills and knowledge. This has enabled me to do my job without guidance and have courage in my decisions Coaching - This role has enabled me to inform my team about the quality aspects that we should all be responsible. I now think about the non functional requirements that may get overlooked that can improve a customers overall experience. For example accessibility which is now worked into my teams way of working

The programme has enabled me to step outside of my comfort zone and take on a role that I have always been capable of but not had the confidence to undertake. It has enabled me to be challenged and learn continuously which is what i was missing in my previous work. I actually enjoy my job and love going to work

From my companies perspective they have worked in a clear plan of what we should expect. We had a set contract that laid out what was expected. There were provisions in place to help us achieve the end goal. In terms of apprenticeship provider; there was a plan of what exams we had to take and a set of requirements we had to meet.

My company has been brilliant when it come to support throughout my apprenticeship. They have helped our learning by making sure we have mentors to shadow. We have been given access to reading materials, internal documentation and articles, video and courses from the industry we work in. At booking we have access to specialists in subjects that we may come across throughout the apprenticeship (security, performance, accessibility). These collegues where always eager to help, booking time together in order for me to flourish. They also provide learning time that can be taken throughout the week which allowed us to step outside of the team we were working in to concentrate on study ect

In terms of plan, it was clear at the start what we needed to complete - statements, exams and courses. The problem was the communication, sometimes I found myself having to chase information constantly wether that be for a change of date for something or for feedback on work. Also communication was a problem when receiving messages - there were several apprentices doing the same programme in my organisation that were given different instructions causing confusion.

I think the qualification has helped me as it has given me a wide view of the world of testing. My company is very agile so it allowed me to see other ways companies organise there testing. Also it allowed me to learn about different testing techniques that are different to those that completed by the mentor i was shadowing.

My company is very people focused, we have several types of team events, from the team role group, to the product group I work in on a daily basis and as the whole company. These can range from, end of month drinks, parties to darts. We also run events like choir, yoga and events for celebrations and causes like bake sales for cancer research or well-being awareness. We are also allowed to attend conferences and courses outside of the organisations to allow us to grow as a person and in the industry we are in.

Yes

Booking.com is a great place to work, they are very people focused putting employees first. They are very transparent allowing us to ask the question we want and need to and be provided the answer without having to fight for it. They celebrate peoples success often and make them the forefront of the business. As a mum they are flexible allowing that work life balance

Just be yourself! Have an interest/passion in the subject you want a career in and let that shine. Its ok not to know everything; please do not be afraid to admit that you don't have the answer to something and explain what you think is meant by what is being asked. Bring your questions, be prepared if there is something you want to know, just ask.