Navigating the Matrix: The Struggle Is Real—Effective QA Requires More Than Just Technical Skills
Everyone involved in the SDLC knows quality is important. Absolutely. After all, who wants to push out (let alone use) software that doesn't work well? But, does your organization really embrace QA in all its glory? Do they see QA as more than ‘just’ testing? Do you see QA as more than ‘just’ testing? If your answer is 'No' to any of these questions, then this talk is for you. Yes, we test and log defects, but we also have to be diplomatic champions of quality assurance. We have to work to make sure our organizations see QA as a proactive function that spans the Software Development Life Cycle. We have to navigate the matrix of cross-functional teams, prevent issues by working with everyone involved in the SDLC to develop quality-focused processes throughout, and ensure adherence to logical standards. We have to work with our BAs, our PMs, our Developers, our Business Partners, and our leadership teams to make sure quality is built into the products we develop & deploy. Then…we need to keep collaborating to continue improving. That’s a lot! And that is why QA requires more than just technical skills.
Jennie Burger is a Software Quality Assurance Engineer at Western & Southern Financial Group where she has spent the last 13 years in various testing and QA roles. She kicked off a Software Quality Assurance Community of Practice for her organization and has worked on numerous projects, including the implementation of integrated Requirements Management, Test Management, and Defect Management tools. She has a genuine passion for continuous improvement. Whether it’s optimizing procedures or enhancing efficiency, she’s driven to make a positive impact. She firmly believes that great achievements are seldom solo endeavors—it’s through collaboration with colleagues and leveraging collective intelligence that we will solve complex challenges.