A team to help you get started in a new career – Natalia Timofeeva made the leap from finance to IT

Test Automation Engineer Natalia Timofeeva decided to make a big change in her career and switched from mathematics to software testing. Natalia, who ultimately joined the Testmate team, is pleased with her decision and continues to learn more in her new profession.

From mathematician to test automation expert

After studying finance and insurance mathematics at the University of Helsinki, Natalia found work soon after graduating with a master’s degree at companies such as Säästöpankki Group and Nordea. Natalia has always found mathematics to be relatively easy, yet suitably challenging and interesting. She has always been interested in the practical application of mathematics, and she has also been involved in the work of the Finnish Mathematical Society since 2012.

After several years in the financial sector, Natalia, who believes in continuous learning, decided to make a significant change in her career and switch fields completely.

“I have always been interested in the constantly evolving IT sector, and I wanted to see what it had to offer me. However, I wasn’t interested in studying for years, so luckily I found an intensive training course aimed at people changing careers,” says Natalia.

Natalia started Academic Work’s 12-week test automation training program, where participants were taught a wide range of test automation theory and practices.

“The training was tough, with 8–9 hours of theory and practical learning every day. At times, the amount of new information felt overwhelming, but the teachers were excellent and the program as a whole was very well organized,” Natalia recalls.

In addition to acquiring new skills, it was also important for Natalia to apply her skills in practice in real work projects. She started as a consultant at Academic Work on a Testimate customer project – and when things went well, she soon found herself on Testimate’s payroll.

Learning on the job with team support

At Testimate, Natalia immediately began working with real clients for leading Finnish companies. For a newcomer starting a new career, the support of experienced colleagues was a great help and source of security.

“The Testimate team gave me a good introduction to project work. I didn’t have to navigate the unknown alone; there was always someone there to guide me, help me, and offer peer support and feedback. I think all the Testimate people have been really friendly, patient, and helpful,” Natalia recalls her first experiences.

The customer was also understanding and gave the newcomer time to learn new things.

“The most challenging aspect has been understanding the customer’s industry, such as logistics. Receiving continuous feedback gives me confidence in my work and helps me learn even complex operating environments.”

Natalia was surprised by how much time testers spend on things like reaching agreement on requirements, expectations, and results. In addition to technical expertise, a tester’s toolkit includes many soft skills, one of the most important of which is communication with other team members.

What does the future hold for the industry?

Natalia is happy with her decision to change careers and move into IT. She believes that the field is a good fit for people who want to develop and learn new things. Change brings new opportunities and different kinds of work tasks.

“The IT industry is changing, and the future is uncertain. For example, there are many opportunities related to the use of artificial intelligence. The main reason I wanted to switch to the IT industry is that there is so much to learn – the work will definitely not be boring,” Natalia says.

One factor that will continue to influence job satisfaction is coworkers. Natalia is still happy with the Testimate team.

“We have a great team with a lot of expertise and good team spirit. Testimate offers interesting events and trips, such as trips to Lapland and Tenerife. And it’s still easy to ask others for help – even though we’re working on different projects, it still feels like we’re part of the same team.”