Govind Kulkarni
Founder
GoodTest Technologies
Govind Kulkarni is a member of:
The Journey: Early days to How I got here
Started as a customer support executive in Statistical Process Control
area and then worked in ISO 9000 implementation for several years. In
the year 1996 I switched to software testing space and since then I am
in testing field. Working in ISO 9000 implementation, Software
Engineering Process Group and Development really helped me appreciate
importance of testing and move up in the ladder.
Decisions that mattered
Several decisions are taken like moving from ISO 9000 implementation
to SEPG then to Testing, even in Testing I have moved to several areas
like Automation, Performance and Data Warehousing. Luckily, all my
decisions resulted in positive results. My last decision was to leave a
stable job and to start an independent software testing company GoodTest
Technologies. Not sure, whether it was right decision or wrong one
given the current market conditions. I feel todays times are really
challenging. I see lot of youngsters sticking to job and that is a good
sign.
Work and Role: Then and now
In the current company where am working, I am working in ITSM area this
is something new to me. I consider myself promoted, I mean, till now I
used to be in testing and now one step next that is in Support. I am
building expertise in ITSM area and like to get educated in ITIL.
Two years down the line
Still lot of work is left to be done, I wish to lead a bigger team,
winning new deals, mentoring youngsters in testing is what I plan to do.
What I learnt along the way
Poverty at young age has taught me couple of lessons, first is be happy
with what you have than what you do not have, and secondly, Never Give
up. It takes time for certain dreams to come true. Look at our Cricket
team, we were trying from several years since 1983 world cup to win
second title, it took 28 years to win the cup again. We should not be
losing hopes, only time can tell. I stay positive even in worst times
and that is what takes me a long way.
Changing Days: Lessons Learnt
During initial phases of career, we did not have search engines, no
mobiles no telephone, and TV in only rich homes. This unavailability had
a profound change in the way we used to do study, we used to go Library
, search for reference books , make notes, discuss with peer, superiors
etc. Today we live in technologically advanced time; just put a key
word and you get lot and lot to read. The reason I am saying all this is
because, our profession has changed a lot, and testing has come a long
way. When I started testing career, we did not have Tools, everything
was manual, now we have every type of tool is available that has made
testing life easier.
Trends to Watch Out For
I am watching in several areas like Storage, Mobility and BI/DW. I
think, these areas will have much higher edge in terms of revenue
generation and generating careers. India has big shortage of skills in
these areas. I myself attached to all the areas I talked and am
sharpening skills in these emerging areas.
My Advice If You are Starting Out
I think, we need lot of good resources in emerging testing areas. If
anybody wants to work in this area I shall be happy to extend any
helping hand.
Must Focus Areas For the Future
I think Automation, Performance and Security - these are the areas one
need to move on and build expertise. Manual Testing is still needed but
one need to hone skills in new areas then only we can say that they are
sold to customers.
Do We Need Certifications?
Yes, whatever certification I did till now, I did not do that to pass
exam and get certificate. For instance, I did PMP in 2004 and I took
good 1 year to prepare for it from all angles. I use the subject and
these certifications have helped me to up skill my knowledge.
Books/ Websites I Recommend
There are several books but I suggest reading Boris Beizers book first,
there are several websites one can use, I like Vietnamese software
testing board very much. I also have a testing website, www.enjoytesting.com and I see lot of people using it as well.
Last But Not Least
My message to youngsters who wish to get in to this career is that "Be a
good professional", "Be sincere", "Be Honest", and good shall surely
return one day
