Friday 10 January 2014

Exciting times ahead

Many of the peeps whose blogs I follow have written about New Year Resolutions, changes they are going to make in 2014, what they have achieved in 2013 etc. Hats off to all of you who have done this including those who may not have written a blog but have these stored in their minds.

I personally find it difficult to write such resolutions or make lists of things that I would like to achieve. Maybe it has something to with my fear of failure. I have instead decided that 2014 is going to be an amazing year and that I will do some wonderful stuff! I will write blogs each time I think that I have done something to make the year amazing.

To get things started, I have submitted a proposal for CAST2014. I hope to submit another one tonight before the deadline. There a few more conferences which I would just love to attend let alone talk at! I have never spoken at a peer conference before and by the end of this year, hope to have done so at-least once. Keeping my fingers crossed! (so tight that I hope it doesn't stop circulation).

Another initiative that I am very much honoured to be a part of is the STEP program from Per Scholas.

This is what they say about the program:

The global software testing market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 21.15 percent over the period 2012 – 2016. The STEP curriculum is tailored to prepare students to compete for these entry-level software testing roles that are in high demand. The intensive course is lab-based, instructor-led training supported by exercises, field studies, industry experts, and exposure to leading edge software testing tools.
By the end Per Scholas participants will have acquired industry leading testing skills and techniques, be given access to real life projects, and participate in field studies to learn alongside working professionals and be given the opportunity to interview for jobs for openings with our corporate partners. Get started by applying now!

Now, who wouldn't want to be a part of that! At the risk of repeating myself, I am thankful to have been given the opportunity to give something back to the community. Software testing is not just a career for me, it is my passion. If I can share this passion and hopefully inspire others out there, what more can I want? Its a win win. The kick off meetings start next week and I simply cannot wait to get started!

Thats all I have to say for now folks. Hope to write many more such posts during the year :)



Thursday 9 January 2014

My current situation

"So, you want to speak at a peer conference?"

"Yes yes yes I do! Very much so!"

"Have you ever spoken at a peer conference before?"

"No, I haven't. I would like to start soon though."

"Thats very good. All you have to do is submit proposals for upcoming conferences. Easy Peasy."

"But..."

"You have just keep on trying and your proposals will eventually get accepted."

"Urm..."

"It is a learning process, if your proposals get rejected you will learn how to write proposals which will be accepted."

"Yeah.....but......"

"There is nothing to fear. We have all gone through it. You will do it!"

"Thanks, thats very kind of you to say. However...."

"There are a lot of people who can help you with your proposals. Come and ask me whenever you need help."

"Thats great.....only one problem though, I have no (insert profanity if you wish) idea what to talk about!!!!!"