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EuroSTAR Conference

Europe's Largest Software Testing Conference.

Track Talk, T13

Standing Tall in Quality: What Can We Actually Do About It

Gary Shannon

14:15 - 15:00 CEST, Tuesday 16th June

The testing and quality engineering profession is facing one of its most challenging periods in recent memory.

With market uncertainty, shifting hiring trends, and the rapid rise of AI, many testers are asking the same question: what can we actually do about it?

This talk is designed to cut through the noise and provide clarity. Drawing on real market data, community insights, and my own experience working closely with testers, hiring managers, and global organisations, I’ll share a grounded view of what’s really happening in the trenches of the QA job market.

We’ll explore the current challenges testers face in securing roles, from increased competition to evolving skill expectations, and I’ll provide practical, actionable strategies to help individuals stand out.

This includes how to build a personal brand that resonates, how to position your skills effectively, and how to adapt to the growing influence of AI in testing without being left behind.

Importantly, this isn’t just theory. I’ll share examples from the community, highlight success stories, and offer concrete steps that attendees can take immediately to improve their career prospects. Whether it’s refining your CV, leveraging LinkedIn more effectively, or learning how to collaborate with AI tools rather than compete against them, the focus is on real, usable takeaways.

My aim is to empower testers to feel confident, resilient, and proactive in navigating today’s tough job market. By the end of the session, attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the landscape, a toolkit of strategies to secure their dream role, and the motivation to stand tall in testing – no matter how uncertain the future may seem.

What you will learn

  1. Gain a clear understanding of what’s happening in the testing job market, with insights adapted to global, EU, or UK figures depending on the audience
  2. Learn how to adopt AI into your testing practices and collaborate with it as a partner, rather than seeing it as a threat or competitor
  3. Discover how to stand out in a crowded job market by building a strong personal brand that highlights your unique value and makes you memorable to employers

Session Details

  • Intermediate
  • 45mins
  • Includes 15min Q&A
  • Implementing/integrating AI tools
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Check out this video from Gary Shannon to hear more about his talk on Standing Tall In Quality: What Can We Actually Do About It?

We look forward to welcoming you to EuroSTAR 2026.

Session Speakers

Gary Shannon

Optimal, UK

I am an active member of the software testing community and have delivered talks at the National Software Testing Conference and BCS SIGiST. Following the impact of my contributions, I was invited to join the BCS committee, where I continue to support the profession and community initiatives.

I organise monthly meetups for the testing community and also host my own podcast show, giving people in the industry a voice.

I will be hosting TestBash, and I have delivered three different talks across industry events. I’m passionate about sharing insights, building inclusive communities, and helping others grow through knowledge exchange and collaboration.

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