Meet Cristina Constantin, QUALITANCE Software Testing & Quality Assurance Consultant.
She is a key player in creating automated tests using Rational tools for IBM. She likes working with IBM so much, she spends much of her day working remote from the IBM offices. She received a Bachelor’s degree in computer science from the Polytechnic University of Bucharest and brought her talent to QUALITANCE through an internship in 2011. Whether it’s in the office or in exploring the historic streets of Rome, Cristina utilizes her curiosity in both work and play to feed her ever-growing desire to learn more about the world. A quick learner and crucial team player, Cristina can be found soaking up the sun near a window and juggling multiple projects with her team. Discover how she works.
How did you begin working at QUALITANCE?
I started working at QUALITANCE in the summer of 2011. After an internship where Ioan introduced us to testing, I chose to go to IBM in the shadowing phase. After seeing how the QUALITANCE team worked together with their clients, I was impressed by their professionalism and decided to continue with the same team. Now, you will find me splitting my time with both IBM and QUALITANCE.
What is your preferred work style?
Usually, I work best in quiet spaces. When there is too much noise around me I put some chill music on my MP3, pop in my earplugs and concentrate on what I have to do. I do my best work before noon, at an office near the window. I’m like a plant — I need sunlight to function!
What 5 things are always on your desk? Why do you need each one?
- My phone because I work with multiple teams and need to be available.
- MP3 player and earplugs so I can concentrate with some chill music in the background.
- My stuffed animal rats, Megan and Gru.
- Agenda and a pen where I take notes during meetings and put down my thoughts.
- A plant (but most of the time they’re dead even though I’m always trying to resuscitate them!)
How do you stay up-to-date on new technology?
I read tech news websites like mashable.com, techradar.com and stickyminds.com every day. And 90% of the people around me are people interested in technology so we discuss the latest trends together. If there is something that sounds exciting that I’ve never heard of, I’ll Google it.
What software testing practices have changed since you started?
When I started, Agile software methodology was still a new trend but now most of the projects are Agile and using DevOps. In testing, behaviour driven development or test driven development approaches are the most wanted. Regarding the automation testing frameworks, they changed together with the development ones. But I would say that the focus is more on the business than on the technologies.
What is your approach to working with a team daily?
The most important thing when working in a team is to try to understand each individual. Listen first, then offer immediate and ongoing feedback and support. Communication is the most important asset you have.
What handy tip would you give to someone with the desire to work in your field?
Keep yourself curious and up-to-date with the latest technology trends, development approaches and frameworks. Try to have a broader view on the business you are working in and remember that quality is not an act, it’s a habit.
What are you currently reading?
I just started “Life Is a Series of Presentations: Eight Ways to Inspire, Inform, and Influence Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime”. I agree that every time you speak you are presenting something and that the ability to connect with other people and communicate is one of the most important success factor in one’s life.
Where would you like to travel and why?
I would travel everywhere. I think every place has something good to offer and each experience is unique. I’m an active tourist — I need to see everything, feel the pulse of the city and meet the locals. That’s why I would need 48-hour days (at least) during vacations. Next on my list is Rome this autumn. I’ll go there to “Do what the Romans do.” I’ll visit their beautiful sights, experience their lifestyle and of course, eat the best ice cream in the world.
What’s the best life advice you’ve ever been given?
“Do everything with passion,” is the advice my physics teacher gave me and she wasn’t wrong. Being passionate about your work means you will have unlimited energy to do anything.
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