Happy New Year from UKSTAR! With March just around the corner, the race is on to UKSTAR 2019. We’re kicking off the new year with the Meet the Speaker Series, presenting Peet Michielsen!
Peet is a seasoned software tester with almost 20 years of experience. He specialises in test automation, test management and continuous integration. He started his career in The Netherlands and later moved to Scotland. On both sides of the North Sea, he has worked on numerous projects in a wide range of industries. He currently works as a senior verification engineer at Optos in Dunfermline, Scotland.
In his work he wants to be challenged and is always on the lookout for the next problem to solve. And when not working, he likes to explore the Scottish countryside and enjoys a good ale or whisky. Here’s what Peet has to say..
What inspired you to develop this topic as a talk
Inspiration for this talk came when I changed jobs after working for the same employer for 12 years. Coming from a situation where you know all the ins and outs of the systems and technologies used, moving to a place where you have to get familiar with “their stuff”. And then having to start making changes to the existing release pipelines and test automation.
I wanted to share this experience as there might be something in it for other people in a similar situation
One tip for anyone starting out in software testing
Be curious; in both senses. Firstly, be eager to know and learn. About, the product / system your testing. About the technologies / methodologies you use. About the people you work with.
Secondly, dare to be strange, unusual. This is a characteristic which makes a great tester. Looking at things from a different perspective, trying the not so obvious.
If you were on a deserted island and could only bring one item with you, which would it be and why?
That will be my Swiss army knife. Just for pure practicality. I’ve had it for many years and it still serves me well in different situations. Although I almost had it confiscated when I had it with me for a picnic in Edinburgh and then decided to visit the Scottish Parliament buildings. Almost made the headlines being a terrorist planning an attack on the Scottish government.
What is the future of software testing
Maybe an obvious one and been said by others already, but it has to be automation in testing; not necessarily test automation. Using automation to your advantage frees up your time and mental capacity to concentrate on the non-technical aspects of software testing. And that is where we can add value. So there is room, and there always will be room for both technical and non-technical people in the software testing game. Whichever way you want to look at it, the future is bright.
Would you like to see Peet talk live? Check out our ticket options for UKSTAR 2019.
Early Bird offer ends 21st January!