Introducing Our Team – Sara Batista

Say hello to Sara Batista, our QA Engineer who has been rocking it on our team for a while now! Get ready to dive into her role and learn about all the cool stuff she loves doing outside of work in this interview.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

When I’m not working, you can usually spot me at the gym, hanging out with friends and family at a cafe or restaurant, or getting lost in a good book or watching a movie or series.

Can you share a bit about your background and previous experiences that have prepared you for this position?

I started working as a SQL developer at Glintt, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I do being a QA today. My experience at Glintt ended up being brief, and an opportunity arose to start as a QA at Celfocus, which is how I became a QA in 2018. At the beginning, I felt like a “baby-QA,” constantly feeling a little lost and unsure of what to validate or test, and struggling to organize myself. I didn’t fully grasp the weak points of an application and how to make them even weaker. It wasn’t easy figuring out how to navigate work methods, meet deadlines, and handle the associated pressure. Of course, I learned and improved over time, but having the right people by our side is crucial. I feel like I’ve learned and grown as a QA thanks to the amazing individuals who have been a part of my journey.

Could you walk us through a typical workday for you at Exaud? What tasks and activities do you usually engage in?

Making life hell for developers is definitely not my priority, hehehe, just kidding! According to my father, a typical workday for me involves sitting in a chair in front of a computer, but let me tell you, it’s much more than that. A typical workday for me includes testing tickets, identifying bugs during exploratory or regression tests, and creating new tickets to address those bugs. To ensure the overall quality of a product, it is essential to regularly conduct both exploratory and regression tests. These tests help verify that the product continues to meet the minimum requirements. Additionally, performing these tests requires a thorough analysis of the acceptance criteria beforehand. This analysis enables the careful preparation of test designs, including considerations for preconditions, steps, and expected results.

Whenever I run my tests, I compare the expected results and report the outcome. In addition to that, I also conduct further exploratory tests. Throughout the process, I make it a point to keep the developers and the entire team informed about the test results. So, dad, no, my workday is not just spent staring at a computer screen. There’s much more to it!

Are there any specific strategies or techniques you use to stay focused and motivated throughout the day?

As soon as I start working, I typically organize my day by creating a list of tasks, priorities, and goals to accomplish. It’s like a bucket list that I gradually “cross off” throughout the day as I complete each task. This approach helps me stay focused and provides a clear sense of what needs to be done. I find that motivation comes naturally when we enjoy our work and have fun while doing it. This strategy for motivation is easily achievable.

Are there any rituals or habits you’ve developed to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance? Or What’s your go-to way to de-stress or have fun during a busy workday?

I’m actually pretty good at disconnecting after work. Once I shut down my computer, I try not to think about it anymore. My workday ends there, and I can go hang out with my family or friends, doing all sorts of different things. It could be something as simple as sitting on the sofa and enjoying a TV show like “Inspector Max,” reading a book, or even preparing dinner. The idea is to create a clear separation between work and personal time.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done, or would like to do?
I was a scout and had many adventures there, from camping and night walks to moments like losing my contact lenses, rendering me sightless, or enduring swollen eyes from wearing lenses for 24 hours. In a different context, I still yearn for more adventures, like interrailing across Europe, trekking “Os Caminhos de Santiago” on foot, skydiving, and maybe more adventures to come!

Interested in knowing more about our team? You can explore additional interviews with our team members right here.