Publishing articles and leading educational courses can greatly enhance a resume, opening doors to valuable networking opportunities and speaking engagements at international conferences. QA Manager Ihor Hunko shares his insights and achievements in software testing, highlighting his contributions to educational initiatives and industry growth.
As writes MSN, with over 14 years of experience in IT and 8 years of teaching, Ihor has been educating aspiring testers in “Fundamental Testing Theory and Web Technologies” and has authored several scientific articles.
We asked Ihor to share his experiences and expert opinions on some key topics.
Ihor, can you tell us about your journey in IT?
“When I began my career in 2009 as a Junior QA Engineer, software testing was a new and exciting field for me. Over the years, I delved deeper into it and realized it was the path I wanted to pursue,” Ihor recalls. Since then, he has become an expert and QA team manager, working with companies in North America, Europe, and Asia, primarily in the E-commerce and iGaming sectors. “One memorable moment was writing a scientific article on new trends and challenges in software testing and presenting on methods for testing web applications vulnerable to cyber-attacks at a conference in Poland.”
Can you discuss your success in educational initiatives?
“One of my significant achievements was creating an original course on software testing and web technologies. This course has enabled many of my students to secure important positions in major IT companies. Seeing my students succeed and become leaders is the greatest reward,” Ihor explains. The course has received high ratings and positive reviews, covering all aspects of testing, from fundamentals to modern tools and web technologies. It equips students not only with skills to identify and fix errors but also with project and team management capabilities, making them highly sought-after in the job market.
What led you to explore the scientific path?
Ihor is the author of numerous scientific and specialized articles in the field of software testing, published in respected journals. “Writing articles provides a platform to share knowledge and continually learn about new trends and technologies in testing. Recently, I wrote a paper analyzing new trends and challenges in software testing, as well as an article on using virtual reality to enhance testing methods and tools. Researching these topics was engaging and highlighted the rapid evolution of IT,” Ihor notes. His publications cover a wide range of subjects, including trends, methodologies, testing tools, and best practices, offering valuable resources for other professionals.
Can you share the topics you’ve discussed at international conferences?
Ihor actively participates in international conferences, sharing his knowledge and experiences with colleagues worldwide. “Speaking at conferences allows me to share my work and receive valuable feedback from professionals. Recent conferences like ‘The Science of Tomorrow: Innovative Approaches and Forecasts’ in Poland and ‘Modern Trends in Scientific Research in Contemporary Conditions’ in Italy expanded my professional network and exposed me to the latest methods and tools in testing,” Ihor says. These events provide a platform for discussing current issues and trends, contributing to his ongoing professional growth.
What has been your experience with judging and participating in associations?
Since 2021, Ihor has been a jury member for the “Time of Innovation” award and a member of the International Association of IT Professionals (IAITP), highlighting his recognition in the professional community. “Being part of the jury and associations keeps me at the forefront of innovations and allows for exchanging experiences with top industry experts,” Ihor explains. His judging role involves evaluating projects for their innovation, practical significance, and potential impact on the industry, which keeps him updated on the latest developments and supports new ideas and solutions.
How does improving testing processes impact software quality?
“Enhancing testing processes is crucial for improving software quality. Key to success is close collaboration with the development team and other departments. Understanding the needs and goals of the entire team, not just the testing department, is essential. When everyone works towards a common goal, the software product becomes more stable and better meets user and client needs.”
Implementation of Automation
“Automating testing has allowed my teams to reduce time spent on routine tasks and focus on more complex aspects,” Ihor says. This approach has increased testing accuracy and reduced errors, leading to higher-quality products. “We began using automated tests for regression testing and saw significant improvements,” he adds. Automation enables quick adaptation to changing requirements and timely issue resolution, making the development process more flexible and efficient.
What are your views on innovative methods?
“In my work, I aim to use tools and approaches tailored to the specific project’s needs. While implementing innovative methods requires time and resources, they can be highly effective. For instance, we considered using an AI-based tool to analyze source code and tests automatically, streamlining the process. However, company security policies prevented this integration due to concerns over source code leakage.
“These methods help us identify and address potential issues early in development, reducing risks and enhancing software quality,” Ihor explains.
The Impact of Technology on Industry Development
“Technology is ever-evolving, and staying competitive requires continuous learning and adapting. I always emphasize the importance of staying current with new technologies in testing.”
International Influence
“Working with international partners has enabled us to adopt best practices and implement them in our projects,” Ihor explains. His international collaborations have kept him informed of global trends and helped adapt these practices for the local market, improving product quality and competitiveness. Ihor’s projects span the USA, Canada, and Europe, with international collaboration enhancing testing processes through knowledge sharing and best practices.
Recommendations for Readers
“I strive to demonstrate that improving testing processes and continuous learning can significantly enhance software quality. Contributing to the industry and educational initiatives is my way of inspiring other professionals to excel. I believe the future of software testing lies in automation and innovative approaches. Never stop learning and always aim for improvement. I wish everyone success!”
You can connect with Ihor on LinkedIn for any questions.
