Velichka Zhezheva on contributing to the development of Resolute Software

Tell us more about yourself, Vili. What is your education?

I graduated in Informatics from the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski.” I continued my development with various courses and qualified for several certificates related to my work:

• ISTQB Foundation Level,
• ISTQB Advance Level - Test Analyst,
• ITQB Advance Level - Technical Test Analyst,
• ISTQB Advance Level - Test Manager,
• Professional Scrum Master I,
• SAFe 4 Agilist Exam

My last training was in London on Product Leadership skills.

How did you choose the IT field? Is there anyone who has contributed to your choice, and what arguments won you over?

My computer science teacher at school was a student at the AUBG. He ignited my interest in me and made the lessons exciting and fun. Also, math was one of my favorite subjects at school, and I wanted to continue my education using it. One of the most promising majors in mathematics was Computer Science at Sofia University, and I decided that was what I wanted to apply for.

How did you start your career in the IT field? What was your first position?

I started in the IT field right after finishing university, and I had to decide whether I wanted to stay in Bulgaria or go abroad and develop there. At this time, I had returned to my hometown (Sandanski), and my sister told me about a job advertisement she had seen. It was about Quality Assurance Specialist in an American company in Sofia. She thought it was an excellent opportunity and motivated me to try. I looked at the job offer, applied, and started at Quality Assurance. The nature of my work was quite enjoyable, I liked the products I worked on a lot, and the team members were genuinely kind and always ready to help.

What is your current role at Resolute Software? How would you explain in a few sentences to a person outside your field what your job is?

I am currently the Director of Software Testing at Resolute Software. I am responsible for building the QA division in the company, ensuring the quality of the products we work on, and using the latest and most modern testing technologies. My work is quite exciting and dynamic. In-depth knowledge of both the technology itself and purely human relationships is required.

For you personally, what is the most motivating and exciting aspect of your work?

Seeing the meaning in what I do and knowing that our team efforts pay off - knowing that we have managed to help our customers upgrade their applications will make them more successful and desirable. The most exciting things in my work are the dynamics, constant development, and innovative technologies we use to solve various problems. Every day I learn something new that helps me develop and improve.

What are your role models, the people you learn from?

I admire and learn from people who have a vision of things and know how to achieve their goals without being at someone else’s expense. Despite their successes and achievements, people who have remained down-to-earth and humane treat everyone with respect. People are ready to step out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves. Those who are not afraid to fail are ready to try, learn their lesson, and try again.

What is the biggest challenge of being a woman in an IT company?

The challenges in the IT sector are the same for both women and men. The dynamics in this area are significant, and it is vital to adapt quickly, learn new things, have logical thinking, and be creative.

How do you feel among your colleagues?

For most of my career, I have been part of teams with more men than women, and I would say I felt pretty good. I have never been underestimated or neglected because I am a woman. We have always worked together as a team, and gender did not matter. We have heard each other, and each opinion has been considered regardless of gender or title. This cliché is obsolete, and if a person has qualities and skills, he is valued no matter what gender he is. I can even say that in Resolute Software, the ratio between men and women is 50 to 50, proving that The IT industry is not just for men.

If you could turn to the girls who are now deciding where to develop their careers, what would you tell them - why choose IT?

I would tell the girls now choosing their profession to look for what makes them happy, and they will undoubtedly work with pleasure. They will like something that will motivate them and make them wake up with a smile every morning. I believe that work should give you joy, and you should do it willingly. When you like what you do, the quality is outstanding. The IT field is where you can be creative, share your ideas, develop technological solutions that make other people’s work more accessible and learn and develop all the time.