Interview with Nuno Matos: Inside Porto Testers Meetup

Get an inside look at the Porto Testers Meetup with Nuno Matos, Head of QA at Exaud and co-founder of this initiative. Since 2016, these free events have brought Porto’s QA professionals together for talks and networking. Nuno and his team, backed by companies like Exaud, highlight how the community supports QA growth.

How did Porto Testers Meetup start and what is its main goal?

Porto used to have occasional meetups for QA professionals where content was repetitive and attendees had to pay. In 2016, four QA enthusiasts, including myself, began organizing free events to bring together anyone interested in testing topics. We volunteer our time because we enjoy building community and sharing knowledge. Companies like Exaud support us by letting us participate and leave work early for events.

What does Porto Testers Meetup aim to achieve for the QA testing community?

Our goal is to strengthen the QA testing community by providing valuable learning and collaboration opportunities. Each meetup features informative talks and interactive Q&A sessions. Held at different companies, these events encourage networking over coffee breaks. We’ve expanded to include workshops, Lean Coffee sessions, and Agile games to offer diverse learning experiences for IT professionals.

What impact do you think Porto Testers Meetup will have on the QA testing community in Porto?

Since 2016, our community has grown close to 1,000 members. Meetup attendance varies from 15 to 50 people depending on the time of year, topics, and schedules. Our aim is to foster happiness, unity, and the sharing of experiences—the reasons behind starting Porto Testers Meetup and continuing for 8 years.

What kinds of activities and events does Porto Testers Meetup organize to support the professional growth of QA testers in Porto?

Porto Testers Meetup organizes various activities:

– Talks and Q&A: Informative sessions followed by interactive discussions.
– Workshops: Hands-on sessions to practice and develop new skills.
– Lean Coffee: Casual discussions on topics chosen by participants.
– Agile Games: Interactive activities to learn and apply agile methods.
– Networking: Coffee breaks to facilitate idea exchange and professional connections.

How would you characterize the current landscape for QA testers in Portugal?

The QA testing landscape in Portugal is dynamic and expanding, driven by a growing number of tech companies and startups. There’s a strong demand for skilled QA professionals, with active communities like Porto Testers Meetup offering abundant learning and networking opportunities. QA testers are continually evolving to meet industry demands, including challenges posed by AI and security.

What advice do you have for individuals starting a career in QA testing or software testing?

If you’re detail-oriented and tech-savvy, you’re suited for a career in QA testing or software testing. Start by mastering the basics, such as different testing types and techniques. Gain practical experience by testing real software through internships, personal projects, or volunteer opportunities. Engage with the community by attending meetups like Porto Testers Meetup to connect with other QA professionals and learn from their insights. Keep yourself updated on the latest tools and trends in QA testing by following blogs, taking courses, and reading relevant books. Foster curiosity to understand how things work, which is crucial for identifying issues and enhancing software quality.

If you’re curious about these events, explore more about Porto Testers Meetup here. You can also check some pictures from previous events.