Emma Norfolk: Metaswitch Networks graduate
Employer: Metaswitch Networks
University: University of Durham
Subject: MSc natural sciences (maths and physics)
I knew I wanted a technical career but had no idea what. I fell into a job as a systems test engineer for a logistics company, which I did for six months, before a recruitment agency suggested an interview with my current employer. I wasn’t convinced that I wanted to stay in IT but went along anyway. I was very impressed by the interviewers’ openness and technical capability, which completely changed my view.
My job: planning the best tests for our software and hardware
My employer develops telecoms technology, including the hardware that phone networks run on and software for applications that manage communications.
I test the software that our developers write and sometimes our hardware. This entails writing plans of what testing is required (for example how that system will interoperate with others) and setting up hardware and software to conduct automated tests.
I sometimes adapt the relevant testing software first, and occasionally do some user testing. The systems I test include telephone switches that run phone networks and applications that run on desk phones or smartphones. For example, I might test an element of a phone system by running the maximum number of phone calls through it that it is designed to handle.
Skills and training needed to do the job
I need an analytical mind, attention to detail and an ability to pick things up quickly – I never work on the same project for more than three weeks.
All my training has been on the job: there are lots of experts to turn to and everyone is very supportive about answering questions. The most important thing I’ve learned is not to think that everything has to be perfect straightaway. For example, I used to be scared of breaking the hardware or software I was testing, even though that’s my job. I now know that it’s very hard to damage products so much that they can’t be recovered!
Working with other testers and developers
I work individually but interact with colleagues in similar roles and with developers. Occasionally I liaise with translators (some of our products are used abroad) or with suppliers or partner organisations (on interoperability matters). I’m usually in the office but have also visited our Edinburgh base.
Every 18 months the company organises a short break for teams from the different UK offices and the US to get together: I’ve recently spent four days in Portugal.
Making time for interests outside my job
I normally work 9.30 am to 6.30 pm, though I sometimes stay longer to meet deadlines. I socialise a lot with colleagues but also have time for my own interests. I’m a keen ice-skater and there’s a rink not far away so every couple of weeks I take a long lunch break to skate.
My colleagues: the best aspect of my job
The best aspect of my job is the people – everyone is keen to get things right. It’s also satisfying when a product comes to me with flaws and I identify them and arrange for them to be corrected.