Next up from Programme Chair Kristoffer Nordström’s recommendation on which talks you should attend based on your role in testing – sessions for new testers! Check out the first blog here.
EuroSTAR 2023 is a large conference, and the program committee is proud of the diverse set of speakers from different backgrounds, topics, and experiences that we have assembled. While I’m highlighting some talks, it’s important to note that it doesn’t mean that the other sessions are subpar; these are just the ones that may be particularly relevant to the roles I’m writing for.
If you are new to testing and just starting out in your career, attending EuroSTAR 2023 conference could be a great way to accelerate your learning and gain insights from some of the leading experts in the industry. There are many sessions and tutorials to choose from, but in this blog post, I will highlight six that could be particularly useful for newcomers to the field.
Social Software Testing Approaches
Maaret Pyhäjärvi’s tutorial on social software testing approaches would be a great starting point for anyone looking to learn more about testing in a collaborative environment. Maaret has been preaching and teaching mob testing for many years. In this tutorial, attendees will learn about how to use various social software testing techniques to improve collaboration, communication, and knowledge sharing among testers, developers, and other stakeholders. There are many different specialists in an agile team; here, you’ll learn how to cultivate collaboration through examples like testing-ensemble testing and ensemble programming-bug bashes.
Critical Thinking Skills for Testers
I can guarantee you that you’ll never walk away disappointed after a session with the legendary Michael Bolton. Critical thinking is a fundamental skill for testers, and Michael Bolton’s tutorial on the topic could be an excellent opportunity to learn how to develop this skill. In this tutorial, attendees will learn about the different types of critical thinking and how to apply them to testing problems. After all, it’s not just about innate talent and intelligence; this is a skill that you can learn.
The Lost Art of Taking Good Notes
For some of us, it took an embarrassing amount of years before we realized the power of something as mundane as note-taking. Taking good notes is an essential part of any testing process, but it’s often an overlooked or undervalued skill. Nicole van der Hoeven’s session on ‘The Lost Art of Taking Good Notes‘ will be an excellent way to learn how to take better notes and use them effectively in your testing work. It should prove to be a good investment in yourself for years to come.
Why Testers Are the True Rock Stars of IT
Have you ever wondered why you started in testing, how you can become a better testing, and if there is more to this gig than what you’re doing now? In his session, ‘Why Testers Are the True Rock Stars of IT‘, Bryan Jones will make the case for why testing is a crucial part of any successful software project. He will demonstrate all the ways testers bring so much more than “just testing” to an organization and teams. This session could be an inspiring and motivational experience for newcomers to the field, helping them understand the important role they play in ensuring the quality and success of software products.
Testing with Purpose: How Stories, Values, and Kindness Make Testing Better
During her keynote speech, Kristel Kruustük will discuss how stories, values, and kindness can make testing more effective and meaningful. This keynote will be an excellent way for newcomers to gain a broader perspective on the importance of testing in the software development process. Kristel is a passionate tester from our test community who founded and built her own testing company years ago. You definitely do not want to miss out on this keynote.
Hope Is Not a Plan
In his session, ‘Hope Is Not a Plan‘, Fredrik Håård will discuss how to move beyond hoping that a software project will be successful and instead create a plan for ensuring success. This session could be particularly useful for newcomers who are still figuring out how to approach testing and ensure that their work and findings are communicated effectively and efficiently. This talk is about speaking truth to power, not sticking our heads in the sand, and how to avoid being labeled a naysayer and doomsday prophet within our organizations. Fredrik uses examples from his decades-long experience as a consultant on at least three continents, all given with a touch of humor and mirth.
In conclusion, attending the EuroSTAR 2023 conference and participating in the sessions and tutorials highlighted above could be an excellent opportunity for newcomers to the testing field. By learning from leading experts and gaining new insights and perspectives, attendees can accelerate their learning and set themselves up for success in their testing careers.
Right now, you save 10% on EuroSTAR tickets with our Early Bird offer – and over 35% if you bring a team. Secure your tickets, and we’ll see you in Antwerp in June!