QA Software Tester | BSc Hons Computing | Making Software Behave… Mostly | Dev vs Prod Survivor

Personal summary

Honestly, I could offer the usual pitch about being the perfect fit, but let’s not insult either of our intelligences. With the right training and a bit of graft, I’m confident I’d make a genuinely strong addition to your team. My route into tech hasn’t been textbook – more winding footpath than motorway – but it’s been driven by a quiet determination to build a career I actually care about. And, unlike in Portal, I’m not chasing a cake that turns out to be a lie; what I aim for is real progress and meaningful contribution. Though I admit, I wouldn’t mind the occasional real cake. My time at Hawkley was brief but eye-opening, giving me hands-on experience and a few good stories. Before that, I spent four years in the QA team at CDS, stress-testing software and occasionally coaxing stubborn third-party devices into working. I was involved in an API automation project, which, alarmingly at first, meant dusting off my JavaScript skills. Though programming is relatively recent for me, what I lack in years I make up for in grit. I’ve become quite persistent – possibly a side effect of convincing temperamental software to behave. It’s like negotiating with a cat, only slightly more predictable. At least cats don’t complain in Jira. Once my youngest toddled off to nursery, I returned to college, earning an HND in Computing and Systems Development, followed by a BSc Hons in Computing (a respectable 2:1). Growing up, I was repeatedly reminded that computing was "not really for girls," which, looking back, was both incorrect and deeply irritating. Eventually, I ignored that noise entirely. I’m now planning to start a Master’s in Cyber Security at UCLan this January—a way to sharpen my skills and bring even more to the table. Think of it as upgrading my toolkit, not adding extra baggage. No cheat codes required. Not long after, CDS called on me for time-sensitive projects. Most recently, I ensured API compatibility with our software—a role demanding precision, patience, and a fair bit of Postman wizardry. I documented everything meticulously, leaving nothing to chance. My manager was delighted with my notes (and backup copies, because trust issues are just good practice). Jira proved a surprisingly loyal ally, keeping everything neatly connected and suspiciously organised. Honestly, I sometimes suspect it’s plotting world domination in its spare time. Then there was Hawkley. A teacher spotted a charming image of Hitler on a student iPad (not part of the curriculum). After some digital detective work, I traced it to students bypassing filters via Airdrop. I handled it calmly, followed procedures, and resolved it quickly—exactly what you want when unexpected historical figures start appearing in classrooms. I prefer puzzles over surprises, but this was an exception. I enjoy a challenge and, perhaps more importantly, I ask questions—occasionally a lot of them. Some seem tangential at first, but they usually untangle the bigger picture. More than once, those oddball questions led to someone saying, "Oh! I hadn’t thought of that." I’m a meticulous note—taker because human memory is fallible and tech gremlins are real. I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve always learned from them. My manager once asked me to create a standard test script template based on my own—clearer and polished enough to share with clients; Presentation matters. At this stage, I’m ready to find a role I can truly commit to—long-term, meaningful, and where I can continue learning. I’m used to juggling work, study, and family, which has made me adept at time management and staying calm when things get, shall we say, “lively.” I may not have decades under my belt, but I bring genuine enthusiasm, a curious mind, and a relentless work ethic. If I don’t know something, I’ll learn it—even if it means rekindling a programming language I thought I’d politely said goodbye to. I’m still that slightly stubborn, inquisitive person who enjoys finding clever ways around problems. And yes, I occasionally indulge in harmless “tech mischief” — strictly for testing purposes, of course. I’d be thrilled to bring that energy—and a good supply of Post-its — to your team. And if you ever need a beta tester for life’s little experiments, I’m available—Ex solo ad solem.

Skills

Java3 JavaScript3 SQL2 HTML54 CSS (Cascading Style Sheet)4 PHP3 Organisation10 FMECA (Failure Mode and Effects and Criticality Analysis)3 Research and development10 Communication10 Team building5 Work preparation5 Blender3 Microsoft Access2 Microsoft Azure2 Microsoft Office 36515 Release management3 Testing (IT)4 Technical testing4 Test design (IT)4