11 Mar 2024
This article is part of a series called "Stories of Women in Software Testing All around the World", launched on the 8th of March in a post with snippets from every interview. In the week from the 11th to the 15th, we will launch the complete interviews of all the women.
My name is Alfonsina Morgavi, co-founder of QActions Group and current Director of the Quality Business Unit. Today I want to share with you my passion for a field that has not only marked my professional career but has also transformed my vision of the technological world: software quality assurance and control.
I would especially like to address all women. The world of technology, and in particular software quality assurance and quality control, is a universe full of opportunities, challenges, and satisfactions. This field is much more than just bug detection; it is about ensuring excellence in the software that powers our daily lives.
In my personal experience, every step along this path has been a fascinating adventure. Yes, it requires curiosity, daring, and constant effort, but I can assure you that each challenge overcome is a reward in itself. This is not just a field of work, but a passion that allows you to leave a lasting imprint on the technology that shapes our world.
My foray into the QA field originated when I was working as a functional analyst. I remember one day when I was on call to attend to customer incidents and I received an urgent call. A customer was reporting a critical software failure that was preventing them from operating normally.
With a "common sense" approach, I set out to find out what the root cause of the problem was. After hours of exhaustive research, I not only identified the cause but also, taking advantage of my "back then" programming knowledge, I solved the problem and thoroughly tested the functionality involved in the problem, as well as the functionalities affected by this bug.
It should be noted that, in the early years of the 1990s, the concept of 'testing' or software testing was practically unheard of. This incident was a turning point for me. It led me to reflect on the existence of structured and efficient methods for detecting and correcting bugs in software. Motivated by this idea, I acquired my first book on the subject: "The Art of Software Testing" by Glenford Myers. Thus began my exciting journey into the world of quality assurance, a field that has continued to evolve and capture my interest ever since.
My initial experience in quality control was so interesting to me that it awakened in me a great eagerness to acquire knowledge. I read every book on the subject that I could get my hands on, eager to delve into every aspect of this fascinating discipline.
My quest for knowledge led me, in 1998, to a crucial milestone: a training offered by the Quality Assurance Institute in Orlando, Florida.
This training was not just a learning opportunity; it was a transformational experience. I found myself at an event that brought together 400 quality assurance professionals from around the world, each with an incredibly diverse background of experience and knowledge. The opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from them was invaluable.
One of the highlights of this trip was the opportunity to train with legendary figures in the field, such as James Bach, William Perry, and Cem Kaner, who are recognized today as great authorities in the field. Their wisdom and innovative approach to quality control were tremendously inspiring. Despite being the only Spanish speaker in the group, I found this diversity an additional stimulus to learn and grow professionally.
Upon my return to Argentina, I found myself highly motivated. With all the ideas and knowledge I had acquired, I realized that the time had come to take quality control to a new level in my country. I was determined to professionalize this activity, not only as a technical practice but as an integral culture within software development. With this clear objective, I set out to be an agent of change, driving better practices and higher standards in the Argentine software industry. My vision was clear: I wanted to establish quality control not only as a necessary stage of the software development process but as an integral philosophy that would guarantee excellence and reliability in every project.
After the enriching training that I had the privilege of experiencing, and armed with a series of valuable and significant accumulated experiences, I decided to take one more step in my professional path: to obtain a certification in quality control. This step was not merely a formal requirement but marked a real turning point in my career.
The certification not only validated my knowledge and skills but also provided me with a more solid structure and a deeper theoretical framework for my testing practices. This accreditation represented not only a personal achievement but also an advancement in my ability to contribute more effectively and with greater authority in the QA arena.
This milestone in my career broadened my horizons, opening doors to more challenging and rewarding opportunities. It allowed me to collaborate with more complex teams and projects, where I was able to apply and share my knowledge, as well as continue learning from the experiences and challenges that each one presented. In short, obtaining this certification was a crucial stepping stone that propelled me to new levels of professionalism and excellence in the fascinating world of software testing.
In this journey of learning and professional growth, I would like to highlight the importance and invaluable value of actively participating in the various Congresses related to our area of interest. These events are not only a platform for updating knowledge and trends but also offer a unique opportunity to interact and learn from experts and colleagues.
A relevant aspect to consider is that many of these Congresses are accessible free of charge, which represents a great opportunity, especially for those who are starting their career. In addition, the remote participation modality eliminates geographical barriers, allowing stakeholders from all over the world to join and enrich their professional experience regardless of their location.
I also recommend exploring and taking advantage of free training courses that are often posted on social media. These courses are not only an effective means of improving technical and theoretical skills but also provide current and relevant insights into the field.
However, I would like to emphasize the importance of networking in our field. Establishing and maintaining contacts with other professionals working in our field is a key pillar for professional development. Networking not only opens doors to opportunities for collaboration and learning, but it is also essential to keep abreast of the latest trends, challenges, and solutions in software quality.
In conclusion, I invite you to actively immerse yourself in these resources, to connect and collaborate with other professionals, and to stay constantly informed and aware of the direction and evolution of software quality. This is a continuous journey of personal and professional learning and development, and every step you take in this direction will be a significant career advancement.
I want to encourage women to explore and train in this enriching field. Our ability to analyze, empathize, and pay attention to detail is crucial in a world where technology must serve all people equally.
However, we are aware that there are still barriers and stereotypes that can discourage women from entering this field. That is why, from my position, I am committed to supporting and opening paths for all those women who decide to join this exciting industry. You are not alone in this journey; there is a growing community of women in technology ready to support each other.
My message to you today is simple: don't limit yourselves. The field of software quality assurance and quality control is broad and ever-evolving. There is a place for each of you here, a place where you can grow, innovate and lead. Don't underestimate the power of your contribution; the world needs your skills, your vision, and your voice.
The interview was done by Brightest to Alfonsina Morgavi, Co-Founder of QActions and representative of Argentina at HASTQB.