Whether it’s a complete career change or a shift to a different project or position, it always means stepping out of your comfort zone, venturing into the unknown, and sometimes even dealing with nerves. But it’s worth it. We are proud that our Systeum employees take these steps and that we have the tools to support and assist them. We are grateful that Jan trusted us and allowed us to share his story. It may inspire someone who is considering their next career move.
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“It’s not easy, but the resulting sense of achievement is all the stronger.” Jan started at Systeum as a manual tester of mobile applications and currently works as an automation QA engineer. |
Before Jan joined our Systeum team, he tested an application for casino management. The first project that Jan undertook as a Systeum employee was manual end-to-end testing of mobile applications for Generali. He clicked through mobile applications and looked for bugs, which he reported to the developers for fixing. He then retested the fixed parts.
At the same time, in his free time, he started self-learning automated testing, which attracted him and in which he saw the future. After two years of experience as a manual tester, he moved on to the project of automating the ČSOB smart banking mobile application for iOS.
Why did you want this change?
I’ve always been drawn to programming. And automation was the easiest and fastest path between testing and programming. It’s more like scripting in reality, but it already has many programming properties and logic.
How did Systeum help you?
Systeum provided me with the technology I didn’t have and couldn’t afford on my own right from the start. With the educational budget, I was able to enroll in current courses that greatly helped me in self-study and also saved a lot of time. For example, I enrolled in courses on the Basics of Selenium, Cypress, general automation, and mobile application testing on Udemy.
Subsequently, Systeum found me a project based on my requirements, and I must highly appreciate the presence of a “wingman” at the interviews (editor’s note: a wingman is a colleague from Systeum who arranges the interview and helps prepare for it). Having someone there with you definitely boosts confidence and I think it also helps to increase the success rate of the interview.
Overall, I think Systeum certainly made this career shift easier for me. Systeum already has a strong reputation today, which I as an individual definitely cannot compete with. But the combination of my experience and that reputation is a strong weapon.
What would you recommend to your colleagues at Systeum who are also considering a position or career change?
Go for it. If you are honest with yourself and realize that you really want to move forward, no one and nothing can stop you. It’s all in your head and for me, the shift was the ultimate accomplishment. I proved to those around me that I have what it takes and that when I want something, I can achieve it. It’s not easy, but the resulting sense of achievement is all the stronger.
Finally, we asked Jan for recommendations and motivation for everyone considering a career in IT or just starting out in the field.
Jan, what would you say?
IT is and will be the career leader of the future. Today, even a small convenience store outside of Prague has its own website or small e-shop. At the same time, the media is now full of AI and robotics projects, which opens up further opportunities for realization and interesting projects.
It’s no longer true that only a genius with a university degree can do it. On the contrary, hard work and the drive to do it hold more weight. Once you demonstrate that you’re committed, opportunities will pour in.
But the basics are clear, no “I’ll start tomorrow” but start right away. And please, work on your own business license 😀. Although it looks complicated at first and seems like a form of uncertainty, over time you will appreciate that you made this decision. Plus: Systeum will happily help you with everything at the beginning, so things like tax returns and all the bureaucracy will be a breeze.
So definitely “go for it.”
At Systeum, we are glad that we can lend a helping hand and stand by you even when taking steps into the unknown. We are always keen to hear feedback from our Systeum employees, so you can discuss your career advancement path during regular 1-to-1 meetings with your HR consultant. We know that education is important and it is doubly so when changing positions. That’s why every IT specialist at Systeum has an educational budget that they can use for courses, certifications, or conferences.
Are you determined to make a change but still looking for the right opportunity? Whether you are a programmer, developer, tester, analyst, or software architect, contact us and we will find you an IT project tailored to you. Check out the current IT job openings we offer.
We are here for you and rooting for you!
Are you currently looking for a partner for your successful project? Get in touch with us; we look forward to it.
Do you like the option to choose from currently available IT specialists? Take advantage of our pool of free IT experts who are currently looking for a new project and choose the one you need.
🟡 Would you like to start working in IT? Download our ebook Start working in IT: From first steps to dream job in which we guide you step by step with information, courses, and practical experience that are so essential not only for those who want to switch fields, but also for those who want to advance their careers and further their education.
🟡 Do you know how to prepare the ground most simply and effectively for new job beginnings? Check out our Ebook: Get Ready for New Work Adventures - A Guide to Successful Job Change. Your dream job is just around the corner; all you need to do is grasp the handle the right way.
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