Anna Bochkova started her career in IT four years ago when she got into the EPAM training center. Today, she is a senior software testing engineer. In this article, Anna recalls taking a course in EPAM, finding time for both the university and the training center, and building her career after finishing her studies at the company.
Why did you decide to get into the EPAM training center?
I studied applied informatics in economics. Back then, I had no idea what I would do after my graduation. Luckily, one of my teachers recommended me to a headhunter from EPAM. She called me and offered studying at the company’s training center. I was a third-year student overloaded with studies, so I refused. But later, as a less-pressured fourth-year student, I decided to go for an interview myself. I chose software testing because it was the most suitable choice, given my knowledge and the specialty. And I couldn’t be less wrong!
What was it like to study at the training center?
I would call it an internship because we got real production experience. Everyone had their workspace in an office. We solved almost the same tasks that project teams solve, used internal training systems of EPAM, and could ask our senior colleagues or mentors any question anytime.
The studies took two months. There were five people in my team. Our teachers gave lectures and tasks and answered our questions. The studying consisted of several modules: operating system administration, the Git basics, software testing, two small modules on business correspondence, the Agile methodology, and Jira. We received tasks and lecture schedule every week. Of course, some lectures were organized online, but we had offline meetups too. All classes were held in the daytime.
I saw the studies as actual work and not some kind of workshops. All tasks had deadlines and it was important to do them on time. These could be tasks on administering an operating system or creating tests and searching for bugs.
When I finished the studies, I had an interview with EPAM experts who evaluated my progress. I got a certificate of successful graduation and was offered a job in the company.
How did you manage to find time for both the university and the training center?
I wouldn’t say it was easy. In the morning, I studied at EPAM and then attended my university classes. I learned to plan my time in advance. I used a calendar to mark whether I had to go to the university or EPAM. That’s how I distributed time to do homework. I agreed with my groupmate that we would share materials on common lectures with each other. At the beginning of my studies, I planned only a week ahead, but halfway through, one week became one month. Almost all lectures at the training center were finished by 12:00 PM that allowed me to make such a long-term schedule.
What was the most difficult part of your studies and how did you deal with it?
I guess it was adapting to the new environment and the necessity to come up with answers to difficult and puzzling tasks. I don’t remember what made me focus, but I had a clear goal which was a job at EPAM. My week plan made me feel more secure. I knew when I had to do something, and I did it. I also got a lot of support from all those incredible people I studied with. We helped each other deal with some complex matters. Everyone had their strengths. For example, I helped others with English. My groupmates and I are still in touch and give each other professional advice.
Do you still participate in the training center activities?
Last year, I participated in many events of the training center. Currently, I supervise some testing teams together with the colleague who studied with me at EPAM. I give lectures on business correspondence and testing. I like to organize offline classes where I can share my experience with students. I want them to be interested in their studies.
How did you career develop after the training center?
I was very happy to become a part of my project. I felt like the most important person in the world, though I still think that it was my proficiency in English that contributed the most to my assignment. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been studying the language. Software testers should have a decent level of mastery of English since they read technical literature and work on international projects. Study English! That’s my advice. 😊
It’s four years that I’ve been working on the project that I was assigned to right after the training center.
We develop software for one American customer. I adore the project and don’t want to leave it. This is the engagement where I’ve grown from a junior to a senior. Also, I lead a testing team. The company and the project gave me all opportunities for professional growth.
What do you like the most about your job?
I like that I can grow without limitations. For example, I can continue developing my testing skills, start studying programming, or focus on my management skills. It can be anything.
There are many great people at EPAM. They all want to move on, and the environment never feels static. I see that my colleagues are fond of their work. There’s always someone who knows more than you do. It’s inspiring!
