Upani Karunarathne, QA Engineer
What inspired Upani Karunarathne, QA Engineer at Exactpro, to transition from her academic career into the dynamic world of software testing and QA? What drives her success? How does she find joy and creativity in her work, while balancing the complex challenges she faces daily? Read Upani’s story to find out.
— I joined Exactpro in 2022, and it marked the start of an exciting new chapter in my career. Before that, I completed an internship as a software engineer and worked as academic staff at the Faculty of ICT, University of Colombo. My journey into QA began with curiosity about the critical role of technology in the modern world, and it grew into a genuine passion.
What initially attracted me to Exactpro was its motto, 'We Build Software to Test Software,' which perfectly encapsulates the company's strong focus on software testing, especially in the Capital Markets/Post-trade domain. When I started Exactpro’s training and testing courses, I wasn't sure what to expect. But, as I worked through the theory and exercises, I realised how crucial testing is for system functionality. By the end, I knew QA was the right path for me – it's not just about finding bugs but dealing with a system holistically, keeping in mind the ever-changing balance of the interconnected elements, in their entirety aimed at serving the end-users seamlessly.
I was assigned to the Post-Trade division, and since then, my journey has been both challenging and rewarding. In simple terms, my current role as a QA Engineer involves helping to make sure that Post-Trade systems operate seamlessly, even under the most challenging scenarios. It involves designing test scenarios, automating repetitive tasks, and collaborating with my team to identify and fix potential issues.
What I enjoy most about my work is the blend of logic and creativity it demands. Every task, from debugging to designing test cases, feels like solving a complex puzzle. I particularly take pride in my journey of learning the Post-Trade domain – a field I had little knowledge of initially but now feel confident navigating.
Balancing work and personal life is essential to me. My favourite way to recharge is by spending time with my husband and our dog. Whether it’s enjoying a good movie or reading a book, these activities bring joy and creativity into my daily routine. They provide the perfect balance to the analytical challenges of my work.
Joining Exactpro has been a transformative experience, and I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
I hope my journey inspires others to embrace their passions and explore the dynamic world of software testing and QA!