From Diverse Roles to QA Mastery: The Unconventional Journey to Test Lead at N Brown

Ever wondered how a career that started with a diverse job history, ranging from Wine Representative to Lettings Agent to Personal Assistant, led to a role as a QA professional? In this blog, we dive into the unconventional path of a QA Test Lead who is now thriving as part of N Brown’s QA team. 

Curious about the experiences and skills that have shaped their journey? We explore career milestones, the role of a Test Lead, and what it takes to succeed in this dynamic field.

Let’s get started!

1. From Wine Representative to Test Lead: How did your unique career journey lead you to a role in Quality Assurance at N Brown?

My journey into a career in IT happened naturally, even though the industry was much smaller when I first started out. Before discovering the world of tech —specifically QA—I had quite a diverse job history, working as a Wine Representative, Lettings Agent, and even a Personal Assistant.

While those roles might seem unrelated to what I do now, they equipped me with valuable skills that I use daily in my current job. I’ve learned that no experience is ever wasted if you’re willing to adapt and learn new things. A career change into technology is always possible, no matter your background.

One of the aspects I love about working in QA at N Brown is being part of the most inclusive and diverse team in IT, with an almost 50/50 split between male and female QA engineers. This is a cause I’m passionate about, especially as a finalist in the Women in Tech Excellence Awards 2024. I take pride in contributing to a culture that attracts and retains women in IT and building teams where they can truly thrive. N Brown is genuinely focused on its people-first culture, offering numerous opportunities to get involved in community groups and technical chapters.

2. What is the true role of QA/Testing, and how does it go beyond common misconceptions? 

Contrary to popular belief, testing is far more than simply "breaking things." It's about ensuring that software works as expected and meets a defined set of criteria.
In simple terms, QA is about critically evaluating software to guarantee it functions properly and up to standard. If you’re interested in a career in technology, I highly recommend exploring the world of testing. It’s more than just tech—it’s about understanding people, solving puzzles, and constantly improving processes.

3. What are the essential skills and personality traits to succeed as a QA Engineer? 

Be Curious: A great QA engineer always asks questions and is naturally curious about how things work.

Excel at Communication: We act as translators, bridging gaps between technical teams, stakeholders, and customers.

Love Puzzles: Problem-solving is a big part of QA. Much of our work is about working out where all the jigsaw pieces are and how we can get the responses we want.

Frustrated Actor: To test effectively, we put ourselves in the users' shoes, imagining how they’ll interact with the product—even in unexpected ways.

Be a Magpie: Great QA engineers are always looking for new, better ways to do things, whether through automation or improved processes.

4. What does the role of a Test Lead at N Brown involve? 

As a Test Lead, my role is a blend of leadership, technical expertise, and communication. Here’s an overview of what I do:

👉 Leadership and Team Management: I supervise a team of testers, offering mentorship and ensuring resources are effectively managed.

👉 Test Strategy and Planning: I’m responsible for defining test strategies, developing detailed test plans, and constantly improving our approach.

👉 Coordination and Communication: I work closely with developers, project managers, and stakeholders to ensure smooth communication and successful project outcomes.

👉 Quality Assurance and Risk Management: It’s essential to identify risks and ensure that software meets the highest quality standards before it goes live.

👉 Hands-On Testing: Despite my leadership role, I often participate in testing, especially in critical areas, to stay connected with the process.

5. What are the key skills required to be an effective Test Lead? 

To succeed as a Test Lead, a blend of technical skills and leadership qualities is essential. Strong leadership abilities are required to motivate and manage a team effectively, while excellent communication skills are crucial for liaising with stakeholders and conveying complex information clearly. Technical expertise in testing methodologies and tools is a must, alongside the ability to resolve issues quickly through efficient problem-solving. Additionally, attention to detail is critical to ensure that no aspect of the software’s performance is overlooked.

6. What’s a day in the life of a Test Lead at N Brown like? 5. What are the key skills required to be an effective Test Lead?

Working at N Brown is never boring. As part of our agile “ways of working,” I’m aligned with a tribe, collaborating with other leads and engineers across a wide range of functions and technologies. I’m also aligned with the QA Chapter, helping to drive the QA function forward.

On any given day, I could be managing resources, conducting hands-on testing, creating and implementing strategies, or coaching testers. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities, making the role dynamic and fulfilling.

Want to join N Brown? 

If you’d like to join the team at N Brown, then create a profile on the hackajob platform or log in to your profile here. 

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