How to move from industrial engineering to software testing—interview with Tamara Ridi
Tags: testing, interview
Published: 2023-06-21 06:35:30

Today’s guest is [Tamara Ridi](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-ridi/), an industrial engineer who recently successfully transitioned to software testing. Her experience can be especially relevant for other people with an engineering background who are looking to get their start in a tech career.

## What is your background and how did it help you get started in testing? 


I am an industrial engineer; I had previous jobs related to quality assurance (but always in industrial environments). This knowledge was helpful during the interview process, as I already have a quality mindset thanks to my previous experience.


How was your learning process and what resources did you use? 


I had 6 interviews before getting the position. The company provided me with a list of topics to read about for each interview. Then they asked questions related to them and made me analyze some cases. I used a lot of Youtube videos, Microsoft Learn, websites and blogs. I did not learn about testing itself but content related to the topics that they asked me to read: mainly networking and Windows Server. For that, I found [Eli the computer guy](https://www.youtube.com/@elithecomputerguy) very helpful. He explains concepts related to Windows Servers. 


## What do you wish you had done differently? 


I wish I had studied in a more structured way instead of jumping from one topic to another.


## For someone still only considering this career, what would be the best topics to start with? 


There are books specifically related to software tester positions, but I haven't read or need them; I am sure they have many important concepts about the role. In my case, I am reading a Windows Server 2012 book (because the service that my company offers interacts with it). Also, I think it would be useful to know about virtual environments, domain controllers, DHCP, TCP/IP, and other concepts about creating a lab. 


## How was the recruitment process at your current job? 


I applied through a job platform on LinkedIn, then I had a group interview. On this occasion, they gave us a form to fill out with questions related to logic, math, network knowledge, and quality. 


## How does your normal day at work look? 


I work on a project and my team leader gives me the tasks. I take a few hours a day to read some information, write my test plans, and discuss results, test cases, and different approaches with my leader. Some tasks may take days and others weeks.  


## What do you like the most?


I like working remotely very much. Also working for a specific task (or feature) is good and useful for me to focus.


## What is the most challenging?


I think not having a background related to IT is very challenging for me. Also, communication in a remote environment is less personal and frequent.


## What surprised you the most about this job?


It is a lot about finding your way to get to the root cause of an issue, which I found frustrating at the beginning, but now it pushes me to investigate, search, and learn every day.


## Would you recommend this role and to whom? 


I would recommend this job to people who are self-taught, focused on details, creative, curious, and of course interested in IT topics.


## What long-term goals this job is helping you to achieve? 


I would say working remotely. 


## Some final recommendations for people thinking about testing as a career? 


Technical knowledge depends on what you are going to test, so I am going to say that to be curious: ask why and until you find the root cause, do not be afraid to apply for a position in a field in which you have no experience. Companies are most likely ready to teach you (or guide your learning) what you need to know.

## Other QA-related articles:

* [Software testing and how you can use it as a tech entry job](https://how-to.dev/software-testing-and-how-you-can-use-it-as-a-tech-entry-job) 
* [What is manual testing?](https://how-to.dev/what-is-manual-testing) 
* [Who is a good match for testing? — An interview with Michał Błaszak](https://how-to.dev/who-is-a-good-match-for-testing-an-interview-with-michal-blaszak) 
* [What is a good tester?—Interview with Alexander van der Berg](https://how-to.dev/what-is-a-good-testerinterview-with-alexander-van-der-berg)