Here you go! We’re back with another Employee Spotlight! This month, we give you one of our most precious employee - Manisha Thapa.
Based in Kathmandu, Manisha obtained her Bachelor in Software Engineering from the Pokhara University in 2016. An ardent learner, she obtained multiple crash course certifications on various IT and Technology related learning.
She has an eye for details and aesthetics. The passion for building an ethical and correct software drove her to become a Quality Analyst (QA). She started her career with f1soft and eSewa, however, her interest and desire led her to join the experienced team of Searchable Design. Today, she leads various QA processes for software and web product development.
She lives for her life motto, “Live in the Present.”
Here's a fun Q&A session with her.
Why do you like working at Searchable Design?
- Great project and stakeholders to work with.
- I feel respected and valued for what I bring to the firm.
- I have room to grow within the company and I am paid well.
- I work with people who are intelligent, fun, and responsible
What do you like about Searchable Design?
- Very promising and challenging projects.
- No bossy environment! Searchable design has the best team leader in the town.
- Small, transparent and innovative team.
- They pay to learn as well.
What part of your job do you enjoy the most?
The job detail of a QA includes a very challenging and learning experience. I work alongside programmers and designers. Whether converting something to a different element for the faster performance or adding new functionality using newer technology, I am the one who tests it for better results. I do things that give people new skills to do their job better. And this is fun.
Your typical day at the office?
As a QA, it requires the ability to work alongside the development team to get/refine acceptance criteria, write acceptance tests, and perform various forms of testing.
A day is a Sprint for us as we follow Agile-methodology. Usually, it goes something like this:
Day 1: We start with a planning session. The highest priority stories are picked from the product backlog and estimated. High-level questions are asked, and the acceptance criteria are written as part of each story.
Day 2: On the 2nd day of a sprint, I usually have conversations with the Product Owner to define acceptance criteria. Alongside I start writing acceptance tests.
Days 3: Day 3 is where exploratory testing typically begins. Here I use my creativity to discover conditions that no one may have thought of.
Day 4/5: On days 4 and 5, I perform tests that verify combined functionality. And then it is the time to run end-to-end tests that verify real-life scenarios. The goal of these tests is to check that all the new functionality increases the value of the software and it is ready for delivery.
Day 5(Last hour): We demonstrate the stories to the Product Owner and gets his acceptance. We include team review as well.
And the day ends :-)
How has Searchable Design helped you in your career development?
I’ve gained opportunities to enhance my leadership skill and knowledge. I indulge in international projects and get to work with the best team leader (Sangam dai). He motivates us each day.
What does ‘true leadership’ mean to you?
For me, true leadership is making people believe in a common goal and then working on it. Eg. Mahatma Gandhi.
Three words to define Searchable design?
Innovative, Integrity, and Engaging.
How do you define success?
Bill Gates. He is the perfect epitome of success to me.
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
Gardner, Fruits farmer. I would have been selling organic coffee, jam, and bread. This is what I want to do after my 60s.
What advice do you have for the new-comers in your field?
Here’s the advice:
- Keep an Eye on the Bigger Picture
- Adopt a Technical Mindset
- Always Keep Learning
- Also stay Ahead of the Game
What is your academic qualification?
I have a bachelors degree in Software Engineering. I have also acquired a few crash course certifications.
Hobby or fun fact about you?
Movie: Batman, Apocalypto, Queen(Hindi)
Books: Think and Grow rich, Gita, The Alchemist, Siris ko Phool and many more.
Places: Sarlahi(Hometown), Kathmandu
Most interesting experience of your life?
How I started my IT career and of-course Thailand (See me in person and I will explain)
What is something you feel is unique about you?
- I share my thoughts cause I live there that is why I can make people accept me very quickly.
- I’m a very religious girl.
What do you do when you are not working?
I read books, cook, hike, grow herbs, blah blah blah, I do so many things.
Words to live by - what are yours?
Trying to live present moment fully is my desired life. This has been my homework from what I have learned from my parents, gurus, books, and movies
What three traits define you?
Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness also Neuroticism sometimes. Ohh it should be 3 ;-)
If you could be someone for a day (living or dead), who would it be?
Bill Gates. Look at his passion, intensity, and tenacity. He is the most sound and successful person I have seen in this era. Rather than just retire and play with his money, he focuses his time, energy, and resources on making a better world. Damn hot guy!