Meet Mahvish, Alps’ Tremendous Test Team Lead

For our latest ‘Meet the Team’ blog, we sat down with our tremendous Test Team Lead, Mahvish, to find out about her career background, her biggest achievements at Alps and what advice she would give to aspiring Software Engineering professionals.  

Hello, Mahvish! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your career background?

Hi, I’m Mahvish, and I’ve been the QA Team Lead at Alps since 2018. I started my journey with Alps during a pivotal time when we were transitioning to Agile methodologies. Initially, I joined as a Test Analyst, and over the years, I have been promoted to Team Lead. In my role, I manage a dynamic team of QA professionals. When I first joined, our focus was primarily on manual testing, but since then, we have established a robust automation suite and successfully conducted load testing to ensure our systems are resilient.

So far, what have been your biggest achievements at Alps?

One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is leading the transformation of our QA processes at Alps from the ground up. As the first tester in the company, I had the unique opportunity to establish the entire QA framework from scratch. Initially, this involved introducing manual testing processes to ensure that our products met fundamental quality standards.

As our product and team grew, we transitioned from manual testing to an automated testing strategy and expanded into performance testing as well. In addition, I take great pride in training, mentoring and developing my team members.

What have you learned, or how have you grown in your role since working for Alps?

My journey at Alps has been a continuous learning experience. I’ve deepened my understanding of Agile principles, which have been essential in driving efficient and adaptive testing practices. As a leader, I’ve learned the value of clear communication, empathy, and strategic delegation – skills that are crucial for managing a successful team.

On the technical side, I’ve become proficient in test automation tools and performance testing strategies, which have been instrumental in expanding our QA capabilities.

What is your favourite thing about working at Alps?  

What I love most about working at Alps is the strong sense of community and support. The company fosters a collaborative environment where everyone is dedicated to achieving excellence.

Alps is very family-oriented, and I truly appreciate being part of a team that values both the quality of our work and the well-being of its people.

What advice would you give aspiring Software Engineering professionals?

My advice for aspiring Software Engineering professionals, especially those interested in testing, is to build a strong foundation in both manual and automated testing. Understanding the principles of quality assurance is crucial – it’s not just about finding bugs, but about ensuring the overall reliability and performance of the software.

Additionally, cultivate a mindset of continuous improvement and curiosity. Testing requires attention to detail and a deep understanding of how software works. Developing critical thinking skills and anticipating potential issues before they arise will set you apart.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of communication and collaboration. As a tester, you’ll be working closely with developers, product owners, and other stakeholders. The ability to clearly convey your findings and advocate for quality will make you an invaluable member of any team.

Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?

I recently discovered a passion for gardening. It’s amazing how much satisfaction comes from nurturing plants and seeing them grow. Gardening has also given me a new perspective on patience and attention to detail, which are just as important in QA testing as they are in gardening!