Work and Role: Then and Now
At E&Y, I am heading the Quality Group - setting up the Quality group across the business, setting what process initiatives should be implemented, how to continuously improve etc.
My previous job at MindTree was similar, except that I was heading process implementation for a Business Unit only.
Two Years Down the Line
I see myself as a Change Management Agent - helping organizations manage the change and adapt to the changes.
What I Learnt Along the Way
1 - Have a set of professional values and adhere to them always
2 - Have role models and mentors - learn from them
3 - be passionate in what you do
4 - Laugh always. Life is not that serious
Changing Days: Lessons Learnt
1 - Usage of IT has trebled - I still remember, in my automobile company, I was privileged to have a desktop and all senior executives were frowning that they did not get it
2 - Availability of information - nowadays, information is literally available on hand. In a matter of seconds, you can know what is happening across the world
3 - More maturity in profession - as the years goes on, more learning is happening on IT and hence more maturity
Trends to Watch Out
Agile is a trend that is becoming important. Frequent releases and handling changes are the main concepts of Agile. From a Quality point of view, bringing out right and practical process for projects using Agile is a challenge.
My Advice If You are Starting Out
For someone to get into Quality area, you need to be passionate about this. This is not like IT development field where the results of project are immediate. Quality is about change management - changing thinking of people, attitude of people and would require time.
Must Focus Areas For the Future
Orientation into Statistical Techniques
Agile Scrum Master
Do We Need Certifications?
Certification, in my view would help only after 4-6 yrs of experience. I would recommend the following certifications:
CSQA
PMP
CSM
Lead Auditor
Books/ Websites I Recommend
Roger Pressman - Software Engineering
Change Agent Handbook - David Hutton
Agile Manifesto
Last But Not Least
One advice I would like to give - Mistakes are the stepping stones in the learning process. The shame is never in having failed - the shame is in not having tried.