There are many ways to develop software, and the work method is often chosen based on the industry the software is aimed at. A key question is whether the project emphasises the timeframe or quality criteria. As Softability develops software to meet the needs of, for example, healthcare professionals, we do our job thoroughly – and with a big heart.
Quality assurance is an inseparable part of software development. When the software is run in a laboratory to diagnose a medical condition, there is no room for error as the consequences could be critical. Luckily, software developers are not solely responsible for the quality of their code, but they cooperate closely with software testers who ensure the final product is state-of-the-art. The code is screened for any errors through manual testing and test automation.
Meaningful software development requires competence and commitment from the experts of both development and quality assurance. Next, we give the floor to two highly experienced quality assurance professionals who tell about their work at Softability.
Mauri Jokela – Second round as software tester at Softability
Mauri Jokela boasts a long career in quality assurance. He started in the mid-90s as a coder, and in 1998, he switched to quality assurance. Around the turn of the millennium, Jokela’s career path took him across the Atlantic to build an automated testing system for the production of mobile phone network hardware.
“I worked at Nokia where we used the Robot Framework testing automation environment developed by Pekka Klärck in 2005. I’ve used Robot Framework almost since its first steps.”
When it was time to return to Finland in 2011, Jokela attended a recruitment fair where he was first introduced to Softability.
“After the fair, they called me from Softability, and my work here started. I spent a few years at Softability engaged in my first project, after which I transferred to the client full-time.”
In 2020, Jokela received a call from a recruiter looking for a qualified expert for a client company.
“Not long after the conversation with the recruiter, CEO Janne Repo called me to catch up. The circle was complete, and I returned to Softability.”
Test automation to meet the client’s needs
As a consultancy, Softability carries out software testing just the way the client wants and needs. Our testers have the opportunity to choose projects that best match their expertise.
Mauri Jokela has experience in two of Softability’s client projects.
“On the first round, I participated in building a test automation system for Suunto dive computers.”
Currently, Jokela is part of a team that develops test automation for ABB.
“Our team is tasked with developing a test automation system for the quality assurance of a software library.”
Jokela is the only Softability employee in the project team. However, several Softability experts work at ABB in various programming and quality assurance projects.
“In general, projects in our line of work are rather long. Their duration is tied to assuring the product quality for as long as the product is developed and used.”
Jokela is mainly engaged in test automation, but he explains that manual testing, too, plays a role in his work.
“Even though we’re speaking of test automation, the human factor is also required. The system that tests the product automatically needs to be developed on a constant basis. The actual testing is carried out manually at first, after which the automation takes over.”
Problem solving, the best part of the job
Regardless of his long career in quality assurance, Jokela still enjoys it.
“I like my job, because no two days are the same. Every now and then an error in the code makes me scratch my head with both hands, but we always get the issue fixed.”
Jokela is not fond of strictly top-down coordinated workdays and excessive supervision.
“It’s great to be provided with so much freedom after the timeframes have been agreed on together. Being able to work remotely from my summer cabin adds to the job satisfaction. All I need is power and a proper internet connection.”
Rodica Tuuloskoski – “Software testing is my thing”
Rodica Tuuloskoski has worked at Softability for over ten years. Tuuloskoski, who is currently engaged in manual testing, is a former career changer. She completed her first degree in physics but shifted to the IT industry some 15 years ago.
Tuuloskoski started her IT career at Nokia as a software developer, but she soon discovered that testing was more of her thing.
“What could be better than trying to break things and being paid for it?” Tuuloskoski remarks humorously.
The core job of a software tester is to expose the errors in the code to ensure the software serves the end-users flawlessly.
“As I value high-quality products, software testing feels meaningful to me.”
As a software tester, it is important to enjoy the challenges posed by the job.
“I love brainwork and solving issues that require logical thinking. For me, it is a way to relax.”
A software tester’s journey from trainee to Scrum Master
Tuuloskoski started her career at Softability as a trainee.
“It was not easy to find a job back then. Luckily, I was accepted for a traineeship at Softability, and I was very soon involved in a client project. It didn’t take long for me to be hired as a permanent employee.”
The work at Softability has enabled Tuuloskoski to develop her own competence. Along the years, she has had the pleasure to work in various projects and with numerous clients. Her projects have covered many areas such as the economy, medicine and healthcare.
Tuuloskoski’s current schedule is filled with work among a project dealing with Softability’s own product XReach.
“The work is highly challenging but equally rewarding on various levels. The project has only just started, but it’s constantly growing, enabling me to develop my expertise as it progresses.”
Tuuloskoski was recently given increased responsibility in the project.
“In my earlier roles, I was simply a part of the team, but now I took on the more responsible position of Scrum Master. I find it very important that the new job description has provided me with the opportunity to participate in training and develop my skills.”
In the software industry, it is not unusual for people to change jobs every few years. However, Tuuloskoski is highly satisfied with her job at Softability and sees no reason to look elsewhere.
“Many people in this industry switch employers, but I switch projects. It has spiced up my work and allowed me to develop my skills.”
Work community events play a key role
Like in so many workplaces, the transition to remote work is clearly visible at the Softability office. Many employees now work from home, and those consulting client companies work here and there – some at client offices, some at home.
Nevertheless, Softability ensures that common activities are organised on a monthly basis, if possible. Tuuloskoski considers this an important goal, especially for the consults who work at client offices.
“It is important to organise regular events where everyone is welcome, including our consults working elsewhere. Otherwise, you wouldn’t see them at the office very often.”
“In addition to shared events, we have established clubs on various topics. Softability employees have the opportunity to play ball games in the nearby sports centre, and there’s a gym downstairs from the office.”
A software company that cares for its employees
According to Softability’s personnel survey, 94% of employees consider Softability a great place to work.
Jokela and Tuuloskoski commend Softability for the freedom of work, open atmosphere, pleasant work community, good leadership and attention to employees.
“There’s no nit-picking at Softability,” says Jokela.
“We have a pleasant work community and friendly colleagues. The Softability organisation is characterised by a low level of hierarchy and management that pays attention to the employees. Any problems, needs and requests are addressed without delay,” Tuuloskoski adds.
“Softability is a great place to work,” they say in unison.
In addition to our quality assurance experts, we have written an article on our software developers’ work. Read more about the developer employee experience at Softability.
If a job as part of the Softability team piques your interest, read about our vacancies. At Softability, you have the opportunity to engage in meaningful software development.
Keywords:
manual testing quality assurance software development test automation
