Ewelina Wisińska
Software tester open to new challenges (Mazowieckie province)
What is IT for me? A new career path, but also an endless opportunity for growth. Before I entered this world, I spent almost a decade taking care of quality in the public sector. I was already thinking about changing industries before the pandemic, but life thwarted my plans. When “that moment” finally came. Software testing seemed a natural choice for me. Meticulousness, attention to detail and a passion for quality – these are qualities that have always defined me. Today, I actively develop my competencies by attending workshops, courses and mentoring. After hours? I have three dogs and a cat, so it’s never boring in my house. I love sports – especially soccer and tennis. When I want to stimulate creativity, I reach for ceramics, macramé or create my own candles and soaps. Close contact with nature gives me peace and balance.
You started the process of changing the industry – what are you doing today?
I made the decision to change my career path some time ago. I decided to go into the IT industry and software testing – this is the direction in which I am developing. At the beginning I completed a course in manual testing, and now I am gaining experience in writing automated tests in Cypress. Ultimately, I would like to work as a software tester – either manual or automation. I am also interested in a position related to cyber security. Maybe a pentester? We’ll see, I’m open to possibilities.
What led you to participate in the Girls Code Fun Foundation projects?
Expanded knowledge of the IT industry and developed skills, but under the guidance of female specialists. In the case of the JavaScript workshop, I was keen to master a language that is also useful for writing automated tests. As for Bubble.io, participation stemmed from the desire to create my first website. As a curiosity, I will add that the person in charge here was of no small importance. I met her through another program and her story inspired me a lot. The passion with which she talked about the tool made me know that I wanted to learn it. When the opportunity came – I took it. I had already thought about participating in mentoring. I even sent an application to another program, but I was not accepted. I wanted the support of a more experienced person to help me identify areas for improvement and development. I didn’t give up and when the opportunity to mentor with Googlers within the Power Her TECH project came up – I took action. There was no doubt in my mind that it was worth a try and despite my misgivings I sent in an application. This time I was chosen 🙂 I took part in these projects because I like to learn new things and develop my skills. Currently, the IT job market is difficult for juniors, so I am looking for different opportunities to increase competitiveness and stand out from other candidates.
“I don’t regret trying it – I would have regretted it if I had never given myself that chance,” he said.
What skills or knowledge have you gained from our projects?
During a JavaScript workshop, I learned the basics, which helped me write my first automated tests. I also learned about digital accessibility and have been actively exploring the topic of inclusive solutions ever since.
The workshop with Bubble.io further sparked my interest in low-code/no-code tools. I realized the importance of web design and started working on my own website, which I hope to create.
Mentoring was crucial for me – it helped me look at rebranding from a new perspective and improve my portfolio. The mentor’s valuable feedback gave me directions for further development.
All the projects took place in the hot summer. For me it was also hot because of the intensity of the activities – technical and personal.
What were your motivators for learning vs. challenges, difficulties?
I am by nature a responsible person. I made a commitment to participate in the workshop, so I aimed to complete it. In addition, I was motivated by the thought that I was the one chosen to participate after all – you saw the potential in me. I would feel uncomfortable taking the place of someone who could make the most of this opportunity and I am wasting it…. It goes against my values.
The biggest challenge? The fact that all the projects took place in the summer – I had to look for options for focus and concentration. The JavaScript workshops were held on Saturdays, so it took one day of the weekend for the workshop itself, let alone the repetitions between meetings? That’s also time I was investing. The Bubble.io workshop, on the other hand, coincided with my other projects. There were times when I would finish one workshop and start another. I had to manage my time well to complete all my responsibilities.
On the other hand, the biggest motivation for me was the fact that the projects were a huge springboard for development and knowledge acquisition. They allowed me to go even deeper into the industry, which was and is a priority for me.
There is something else – you do so much good for women free of charge. This is invaluable.
How has our support affected your career goals and opportunities?
Rekindled curiosity about IT. The JavaScript workshop was a breakthrough – I realized that programming is not as difficult as I thought, and the key to success is systematic and practice. These experiences reinforced my belief that IT is an industry full of opportunities and endless learning.
You mentioned that mentoring also built you up strongly – do you want to say more about the process?
Mentoring was an extremely valuable experience for me. I remember it like it was yesterday. When I received an email about qualifying for the program asking if I was still interested I had a mixture of feelings. On the one hand, I was very happy. On the other, surprised. On the third, a little terrified at the thought of “what have I ‘gotten myself into!” I did not expect that someone would choose my application, would want to work with me. Let alone a Google employee!
At the first meeting I told mentor Rafal: “I hope I won’t waste your time.” 🙂 My fears turned out to be misplaced. Rafal turned out to be an extremely friendly and open person. He shared his experiences and difficulties, which was motivating. When I shared my thoughts, I received accurate comments – relevant to the situation and really helpful. It’s amazing how a person I’ve known for a short time builds constructive feedback. Rafal motivated me to create a portfolio, and his support went well beyond the duration of the project. I appreciate that we still maintain these virtual relationships.
The slogan “Persistence breaks resistance” stays behind me, which I stick to in difficult moments. And also Rafal’s words, which have long stayed in my memory: “There will be a company that will say: ‘Yes, Ms. Ewelina – we want to work with you’.” This gives me great motivation for further work and development.
What do you consider your greatest success? How does working with us as the Girls Code Fun Foundation affect you?
The very participation and cooperation with you is a success. I don’t sugarcoat it. I got knowledge and wind in my sails. I also met a community of women who were at a similar point to me. It’s a refreshing experience. The passion heard from the presenters is something I can’t describe in words. Thanks to you, I opened myself up to a variety of educational and networking initiatives.
What changes do you notice in yourself in retrospect?
I can feel immense satisfaction and pride in myself for having taken on the challenge. These experiences have strengthened me as a person – they have taught me to persevere, to overcome difficulties and to cope with difficult moments, such as lack of time or fatigue. This builds my resilience and me as a person.
We are glad to have our contribution to the fact that you persist in the technological world and go despite moments of doubt.
And rightly so. As a graduate student, I also went beyond just software testing. I became enamored, if you will, with the topic of digital accessibility, test automation. I’m also currently exploring AI and cybersecurity.
I qualified for Google’s “Skills of Tomorrow” program on artificial intelligence. AI is a key topic not only in the IT industry, but in the context of our daily lives. It has great potential to help us. Motivated by your support, I participate in programs, workshops, courses, webinars. I get involved in freelance projects for testers. The more widely we develop professionally not only within our position – also in other areas – the more we become valuable employees and people. Each such experience enriches me as a person and motivates me to continue growing.
Last question – do you have tips for girls and women who are afraid to take the first step for digital skills?
If, like me, you are struggling with imposter syndrome and thinking “I’m too stupid for this,” I reassure you – you are not alone in this. I feel it too, even though I have attended many workshops, programs and projects. I’ve learned to act in spite of fear and anxiety, to give myself a chance.
Each development initiative was an opportunity for me not only to gain knowledge and skills. I also met wonderful and valuable people who were willing to share their knowledge and experience. And often more than the topic of the workshop assumed. I looked at them and felt motivated, felt supported.
I encourage you to look at yourself with a benign eye and take advantage of the opportunities created for you at least by the Girls Code Fun Foundation. apply to participate – I only discovered Girls Code Fun in the middle of last year and was sad that I missed so many amazing initiatives. My only advice – give yourself a chance! Think whether you’d rather regret that you tried or regret that you didn’t take that one small step, after which life would have had a chance to turn out differently. Maybe more to your liking.
