Including published articles and educational courses on a resume can significantly enhance professional profiles, leading to valuable networking opportunities and speaking engagements at international conferences.
According to MSN, QA Manager Ihor Hunko discusses his journey and achievements in software testing, emphasizing his contributions to educational initiatives and industry growth. With over 14 years of experience in IT and 8 years of teaching, Ihor has educated aspiring testers in “Fundamental Testing Theory and Web Technologies” and authored several scientific articles.
We asked Ihor to share his experiences and insights on key topics.
Ihor, can you tell us about your journey in IT?
“I began my career as a Junior QA Engineer in 2009, when software testing was an exciting new field for me. Over the years, I became increasingly passionate about it and knew this was my path,” recalls Ihor. Since then, he has grown into an expert and QA team manager, collaborating with companies across North America, Europe, and Asia, particularly in the E-commerce and iGaming sectors. “One of the highlights of my career was writing a scientific article on emerging 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 share your successes in educational initiatives?
“One of my proudest achievements was creating an original course on software testing and web technologies. This course has helped many students land prominent positions in major IT companies. Seeing my students succeed and become leaders is the greatest reward,” says Ihor. His course has received high ratings and positive feedback, covering everything from fundamental testing principles 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 valuable in the job market.
How did you decide to pursue the scientific path?
Ihor has authored numerous scientific and specialized articles in software testing, published in respected journals. “Writing articles allows me to share knowledge and continuously learn about new trends and technologies in testing. Recently, I wrote a paper analyzing new trends and challenges in software testing and another on using virtual reality to enhance testing methods. Researching these topics was engaging and highlighted the rapid evolution of IT,” notes Ihor. His publications cover a wide range of subjects, including trends and challenges, development methodologies, and best practices, providing valuable resources for other professionals.
Can you talk about the topics you’ve covered at international conferences?
Ihor actively participates in international conferences, sharing his expertise with global colleagues. “Speaking at conferences enables me to share my work and receive valuable feedback. Recent conferences like ‘The Science of Tomorrow: Innovative Approaches and Forecasts’ in Poland and ‘Modern Trends in Scientific Research in Contemporary Conditions’ in Italy have expanded my professional network and exposed me to the latest methods and tools in testing,” says Ihor. These events also allow him to discuss current issues and trends, contributing to his continuous professional growth.
Tell us about your experience 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), underscoring his recognition in the professional community. “Being part of the jury and associations helps me stay at the forefront of innovations and exchange experiences with top industry experts,” says Ihor. His judging role involves evaluating projects for their innovation, practical significance, and potential 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. Close collaboration with the development team and other departments is essential. Understanding the needs and goals of the entire team, not just the testing department, is key. When everyone works towards a common goal, the software product becomes more stable and better aligned with user and client needs.”
Implementation of Automation
“Test automation has allowed my teams to significantly reduce time spent on routine tasks and focus on more complex issues,” says Ihor. This has led to greater accuracy and fewer errors, resulting in a higher quality product. “We started using automated tests for regression testing and saw substantial improvements in our processes,” he adds. Automation enables quick adaptation to changing requirements and timely issue resolution, making the development process more flexible and efficient.
Innovative Methods and Your View on Them?
“I always aim to use tools and approaches tailored to the specific project and software product. While implementing innovative methods requires time and resources, as well as company approval, they can be highly effective. For instance, we considered using an AI-based tool to automatically analyze source code and tests, which would have streamlined the process. However, company security policies prevented this integration due to concerns over source code leakage.
“These methods help us identify and mitigate potential issues early in development, reducing risks and enhancing software quality,” explains Ihor.
The Impact of Technology on Industry Development
“Technology is constantly evolving, and we must be prepared to adapt. Continuous learning and staying current with the latest advancements are crucial for staying competitive.”
International Influence
“Collaborating with international partners has helped us adopt best practices and apply them to our projects,” explains Ihor. His international experience has kept him informed of global trends and enabled him to 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
“Improving testing processes and continuous learning can significantly enhance software quality. I strive to contribute to the industry and educational initiatives, inspiring other professionals to excel. The future of software testing lies in automation and innovative approaches. Never settle and always strive for improvement. Wishing everyone success!”
Feel free to connect with Ihor on LinkedIn for any questions.