Publishing articles and leading educational courses can be valuable assets on a resume, providing access to networking opportunities and speaking engagements at international conferences. QA Manager Ihor Hunko shares his experiences and accomplishments in software testing, highlighting his contributions to educational initiatives and industry advancement. With over 14 years in IT and 8 years of teaching experience, Ihor has been instructing aspiring testers in “Fundamental Testing Theory and Web Technologies.” He is also the author of several scientific articles.
As MSN says, we asked Ihor to share some insights into his journey and his expert opinions on key topics.
Ihor, can you tell us about your journey in IT?
“When I started my career in 2009 as a Junior QA Engineer, software testing was new and exciting to me. Over the years, I delved deeper into the field and realized it was where I wanted to grow,” Ihor recalls. Since then, he has become an expert in the field and a QA team manager. His experience spans companies in North America, Europe, and Asia, mainly within the E-commerce and iGaming sectors. “A standout 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 achievements in educational initiatives?
“Creating an original course on software testing and web technologies has been one of my major achievements. It has helped many of my students secure significant roles in major IT companies. Seeing my students succeed and become leaders in their fields is the greatest reward,” Ihor explains. The course, highly rated by participants, covers all aspects of testing, from fundamentals to modern tools and web technologies. It equips students with skills in error identification, project management, and team leadership, making them valuable assets in the job market.
What led you to explore scientific research?
Ihor has authored numerous scientific and specialized articles in software testing, published in reputable journals. “Writing articles is a way to share my knowledge and continuously learn about new trends and technologies. Recently, I wrote a paper on new trends and challenges in software testing and another on the role of virtual reality in enhancing testing methods and tools. Researching these topics was engaging and highlighted how quickly the world and IT technologies evolve,” Ihor notes. His publications cover a wide range of topics, including testing trends, methodologies, tools, and best practices, serving as valuable resources for other industry professionals.
Can you share the topics you’ve discussed at international conferences?
Ihor regularly participates in international conferences, sharing his expertise with colleagues worldwide. “Presenting at conferences allows me to share my work and receive valuable feedback from other 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 broadened my professional network and exposed me to the latest testing methods and tools,” Ihor says. These events provide platforms for discussing current issues and trends, contributing to his continuous professional growth.
What is 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), demonstrating his recognition in the professional community. “Being part of the jury and professional associations keeps me at the forefront of innovations and allows me to exchange experiences with leading industry experts,” Ihor explains. His judging role involves evaluating projects for innovation, practical significance, and industry impact, keeping him updated on the latest developments and supporting new ideas and solutions.
How does improving testing processes affect software quality?
“Enhancing testing processes is crucial for improving software quality. Success depends on close collaboration with the development team and other departments. It’s essential to understand the needs and goals of the entire team, not just the testing department. When everyone works together towards a common goal, the software product becomes more stable and better aligns with user and client needs.”
Implementation of Automation
“Automation has always enabled my teams to reduce time spent on routine tasks and focus on more complex aspects,” Ihor says. This approach has improved testing accuracy and reduced errors, resulting in higher-quality products. “We started using automated tests for regression testing and saw significant improvements,” he adds. Automation allows 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 strive to use tools and approaches tailored to the specific project’s needs. While implementing innovative methods can require time and resources, they can be highly effective. For example, we considered using an AI-based tool to automatically analyze source code and tests, saving time on building a coverage matrix and quickly identifying uncovered functionality. 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 overall software quality,” Ihor explains.
The Impact of Technology on Industry Development
“Technology is ever-changing, and staying competitive requires continuous learning and adaptation. I always emphasize the importance of staying current with new technologies in testing.”
International Influence
“Collaborating with international partners has allowed us to adopt best practices and implement them in our projects,” Ihor explains. His international projects keep him informed of global trends and help adapt these practices to local markets, improving product quality and competitiveness. Ihor’s work spans countries like the USA, Canada, and various European nations, with international collaboration enhancing testing processes through knowledge sharing and best practices.
Recommendations for Readers
“Through my example, I strive to show how 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. It’s important not to rest on your laurels and always strive for improvement. I wish everyone success!”
You can reach out to Ihor with any questions on LinkedIn.
