Alexander Penzin, Middle Software Tester
Meet Alexander Penzin, Middle Software Tester at Exactpro as he shares his journey filled with challenges, personal growth, and unexpected discoveries. In reflecting on his experiences, he reveals what has played a crucial role in shaping his approach and deepening his passion for technology.
— It’s been over three years since I joined Exactpro during my final year of studying for my IT degree. My first project was in the DLT Division where I worked on testing a DLT platform. I had no prior experience in testing, so this phase came with its fair share of challenges, but it helped me build my skills. I gained a lot of experience and learned the basics of both manual and automation testing.
Later, I transitioned to the Global Exchanges division where I was introduced to Model Based Testing (MBT) which I quickly grew to love. In that role, I was responsible for reconciliation testing, focusing on hunting for bugs in the System Under Test (SUT) by analysing the traffic of each system stream. This period marked the beginning of my ongoing journey into data analysis 🧐
Currently, I’m working on another trading platform as a “reporting” specialist. I develop and maintain tools that generate various kinds of reports and statistics. I analyse and interpret data, providing my team with insights on an automated regression library we deliver to clients. One of my primary goals is to maximise the value of the output datasets, aiming to minimise gaps on our side and help uncover more bugs on the client’s side over time.
What I enjoy about my job is being part of and contributing to the evolution of testing at Exactpro. Over the past few years, I’ve seen our approach shift from a pure automation approach to integrating MBT into our processes, to now integrating AI methods... While all of this is a real challenge, I’m incredibly grateful to the people I work with — their support and our brainstorming sessions make a huge difference. As J.K. Rowling wrote in Harry Potter, “help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it,” and I’ve found this to be true at Exactpro as well.
Outside of work, I find balance through a mix of my favourite pastimes. Whether I’m getting lost in a good book or immersing myself in the world of computer games, these activities help me unwind. Spending time with my friends and partner is another way I stay connected and refreshed.
I believe in the importance of prioritising well-being, and one piece of advice I follow is: “Do your stupid little walk for your stupid mental health.” It’s a lighthearted reminder that even small actions can have a positive impact on how we feel.