Social media handle(s): LinkedIn & @AguguoJoy
A few words about me:
In my current role, I am a proficient ISTQB-certified bilingual Software Test Engineer/Consultant, fluent in both English and Italian. I specialise in both manual and automation testing and possess a deep understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC). I effectively engage with both technical and non-technical colleagues and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and thorough understanding across all levels of the organisation.
Drawing from a diverse background encompassing software development, public speaking, test consultancy, and health advocacy, I am dedicated to achieving excellence across all facets of my career. As an experienced software test engineer & the CEO of Dekel IT Solution and Joy Chinwe LTD, I am deeply passionate about ensuring that businesses deliver exceptional applications that exceed customer expectations. Beyond my technical expertise, I thrive as a dynamic speaker, captivating audiences with insightful discussions on software testing and development, and personal stories for inspiration.
Furthermore, I am a fervent writer and author, utilising my storytelling prowess to craft impactful narratives. Driven by my commitment to health advocacy, I established Joy in Health, a ground-breaking initiative focused on promoting well-being within communities. Serving as the CEO of Joy in Health, I am wholeheartedly devoted to advancing health awareness and education, particularly among underserved populations.
As a seasoned speaker, I have graced numerous stages, sharing my insights on a diverse array of topics, including strategies for engaging with people and tools to ensure applications meet business requirements optimally, the transformative impact of DevOps on software testing, advocating for greater inclusion of women in the tech industry, and shedding light on mental health issues within the black community. Through my speaking engagements, I aim to spark meaningful conversations, provoke thought, and inspire positive change on a global scale.
Are there any professional experiences you've had that are quite unexpected compared to what you do nowadays?
Previously, I have worked as a health care assistant at Medacs HealthCare, where my responsibilities were diverse and critical to patient care. Here are some aspects of the role that might seem unusual or unexpected compared to my current profession:
Direct Patient Care:
I provided direct, hands-on care to patients, including assisting with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and mobility. This involved working closely with patients to ensure their comfort and well-being, which required strong interpersonal skills and empathy.
Medical Support Tasks:
My duties included supporting medical procedures and monitoring patients' vital signs. I assisted nurses and doctors with tasks like administering medication, and documenting patient progress, which demanded a keen attention to detail and adherence to medical protocols.
Emotional and Psychological Support:
Part of my role involved offering emotional and psychological support to patients and their families, addressing concerns, and providing reassurance. This aspect of the job honed my communication skills and ability to handle sensitive situations with compassion.
Adaptability in a Fast-Paced Environment:
Working in a healthcare setting often required quick thinking and adaptability due to the unpredictable nature of patient needs and emergencies. This experience taught me how to stay calm under pressure and respond effectively to changing circumstances.
Team Collaboration:
I collaborated closely with a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, to provide comprehensive patient care. This experience emphasised the importance of teamwork and clear communication in achieving positive outcomes.
While my current role in tech is quite different, the skills and experiences I gained as a Health Care Assistant, such as attention to detail, empathy, and the ability to work under pressure, have proven to be valuable in my current profession. The experience of working directly with people in a healthcare setting has provided me with a unique perspective and skill set that continues to influence and enrich my professional journey.
Is your background more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or non-STEM related?
My background is non-STEM related. My first degree was Marketing and second degree was Human Resources.
Where did your professional journey start?
My professional career began after spending thirteen years in Italy. We relocated to the United Kingdom in pursuit of better educational opportunities for our children, especially when my eldest daughter started secondary school. The move to the UK was considerably easier due to the lack of language barriers.
While working briefly in residential homes, I was admitted into a Master's program and subsequently earned a Master's degree in Human Resource Management. I later specialised and achieved the professional distinction of becoming a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in the United Kingdom.
It was during my role as an HR professional that I discovered the field of software testing. I am currently navigating the ever-evolving landscape of Information Technology, finding myself at the intersection of human ingenuity and technological advancement.
How did you get into tech and what motivated you?
Many factors inspired me to pursue a career in tech and develop my skills in software testing. Two of the most significant factors were curiosity and passion.
When I was working in HR, I frequently interacted with various HR systems. At the time, I was unaware of software testing and was fascinated by the behaviour of these systems. For example, when enrolling new employees into the system, I would perform certain actions and see the system throw error messages. This intrigued me, and I became curious about the underlying mechanisms driving this behaviour.
One day, while discussing my interest with a friend who is a Software Test Analyst, he introduced me to the fields of Software Testing and Business Analysis. Intrigued, I researched both areas and found myself increasingly passionate about testing. I enrolled in a testing academy and took several online courses, which provided me with a solid foundation and helped shape my skills in the testing field.
Driven by this newfound passion, I immediately took the ISTQB exam and achieved an excellent mark. This journey of curiosity and learning has made me the skilled software test engineer I am today.
Have you experienced any 'career in tech' challenges / stereotypes?
This is an interesting question.
When I started my career in testing, the field wasn't as competitive as it is now. Initially, my work focused primarily on manual testing. Over time, the industry became more competitive as many people saw testing as an accessible entry point into the IT domain. Recently, the demand for automation has surged, making the field even more competitive.
Learning automation posed a significant challenge for me. To overcome this, I proactively enrolled in online courses on platforms like Udemy and YouTube to develop my skills further. This dedication has helped me stand out among my peers and competitors.
"The field is vast and evolving, so embrace every learning opportunity and be open to new experiences."
What you wish you knew before getting started in tech...
I wish I had known how rapidly the industry evolves and the value of continuous learning. I expected some level of change, but I didn't fully appreciate the pace at which new technologies, tools, and methodologies emerged. Understanding this earlier would have better prepared me to adapt quickly and continuously update my skills.
What has been your biggest 'wow!' moment related to working in tech so far?
I have been working as a contractor since the beginning of my career in testing. As a contractor, I have had the opportunity to work on various projects across different organisations, each with its unique approach. This diversity has been both interesting and challenging, providing me with valuable learning experiences. I have worked in several sectors, including healthcare, insurance, and marketplaces.
Throughout my career, I have also mentored individuals seeking to enter the testing field. My bilingual proficiency in Italian and English enabled me to secure a key testing role on an Italian project, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and I would say was one of my biggest "wow"! moment. It was incredibly satisfying to be regularly consulted by stakeholders and directors for my opinions, which were always taken into consideration. My efforts were recognised when I received a gift from the board for locating an Italian clinic that could provide a crucial update for our application, which the business had struggled to find.
This role was also challenging, as my decisions were pivotal. I worked diligently to ensure the best approaches were taken, and my engagement with Italian customers and translations ensured we developed a fit-for-purpose application. We successfully delivered the project, and I had a great time with the team. I truly miss my product owner, team lead, and colleagues (both testers and developers), who remain my top collaborators.
What do you like / not like about working in tech?
What I Like About Working in Tech:
Constant Learning and Innovation:
The tech field is ever-evolving, there is always something new to learn. Whether it's new programming languages, testing methodologies, or emerging technologies, there is a continuous opportunity for professional growth and development.
Problem-Solving:
I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of tech. Every project presents unique challenges, and finding solutions to complex problems is incredibly satisfying.
Impactful Work:
Technology has a profound impact on the world. Being part of a field that drives innovation and improves lives is very fulfilling. It's rewarding to see how the applications and systems we test and develop can make a difference.
Collaboration:
Working in tech often involves collaborating with talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. This fosters a rich environment for knowledge sharing and creativity.
Flexibility and Remote Work:
Many tech roles offer flexible working conditions, including the ability to work remotely. This flexibility helps me achieve a better work-life balance.
What I Dislike About Working in Tech:
Rapid Pace of Change:
While the constant evolution of technology is exciting, it can also be overwhelming. Keeping up with the latest trends, tools, and best practices requires significant effort and can sometimes feel relentless.
High Pressure and Stress:
The tech industry can be highly demanding, with tight deadlines and high expectations. The pressure to deliver quality products quickly can lead to stress and burnout.
Gender and Diversity Issues:
Despite progress, the tech industry still faces challenges with gender diversity and inclusivity. Navigating these issues can be frustrating, especially when encountering biases or a lack of representation.
Impostor Syndrome:
The competitive and fast-paced nature of the tech industry can sometimes lead to feelings of inadequacy or imposter syndrome, particularly when comparing oneself to peers who seem to have more advanced skills or knowledge.
"My advice to anyone interested in a career in tech, especially in software testing, is simple: just do it! Software testing is a fantastic entry point into the tech industry, offering a great opportunity to learn and grow."
What's been your favourite / most memorable / funniest 'career in tech' moment so far?
One of my most memorable moments in my tech career occurred during a particularly challenging software deployment. We were launching a major update for a mobile application, and it was a high-stakes situation because it was a critical product for a major client.
The memorable moment came during my regression testing. After weeks of tireless work, the atmosphere was a mix of excitement and nervous energy. Just as I was about to sign off for the release, I discovered a Priority 1 (P1) bug. This bug was significant enough to potentially impact the application's core functionality.
What made this moment particularly memorable was not just finding the bug, but the ensuing discussions. When I brought it up with a developer, he initially dismissed it as a non-critical issue, suggesting it wouldn't prevent us from going live. However, I felt strongly that this issue needed to be addressed, and I refused to sign off on the release without further review. I insisted on scheduling a demo with the stakeholders, with the support of my test manager and scrum master.
During the demo, the stakeholders agreed with my assessment and confirmed that the bug was indeed a P1 issue. They decided that the launch would be postponed until the bug was resolved. The entire team rallied together with a shared sense of urgency and purpose. The junior developer, initially concerned about the potential delay, was relieved as the senior engineers and project managers quickly mobilised to fix the bug.
The team's response was nothing short of inspiring. Instead of panic or frustration, there was a unified effort to solve the problem. We worked collaboratively, and the issue was swiftly addressed. After retesting, the bug was confirmed to be fixed, and we successfully prepared for the release.
This experience highlighted the importance of thorough testing, clear communication, and the courage to stand by one's professional judgment. It also underscored the incredible teamwork and camaraderie that can arise in challenging situations, making it a truly unforgettable moment in my career.
And to wrap up, is there any advice you'd like to give to others interested in a career in tech?
My advice to anyone interested in a career in tech, especially in software testing, is simple: just do it! Software testing is a fantastic entry point into the tech industry, offering a great opportunity to learn and grow.
I recommend starting by gaining foundational knowledge through self-study and taking the ISTQB qualification. However, don't limit yourself to this path alone. Continuously seek to develop your skills, explore different tech careers, and stay curious.
The field is vast and evolving, so embrace every learning opportunity and be open to new experiences.
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