You're shy or introverted. How can you connect with software testing professionals?

I believe 'Shy' & 'Introvert' are 2 different aspects. 'Introversion' is more about where individuals get their energy from within where as 'Shyness' is a feeling of discomfort in social situations. I personally believe that being introverted or shy doesn't mean one cannot network effectively. It just means they may approach it differently. However networking in the software testing industry plays a key role in career growth, knowledge sharing, and professional development. I highly encourage introverted individuals to seek support from mentors or peers who can provide guidance and encouragement in navigating networking challenges.

Find your tribe among software testers by exploring niche-focused online communities, forums, blogs, podcasts, and social media groups. Engage in local or regional groups, meetups, or events tailored to your specific interests in automation, performance, security, or usability testing. This targeted approach helps minimize the discomfort of meeting new people and enhances the likelihood of meaningful exchanges and shared interests.

Introverted tester? Here's how to connect: Online: Join testing forums, attend webinars, contribute to discussions and communicate confidently. Share Expertise: Write articles, blogs, showcase projects online to build credibility. Seek Mentors: Find experienced testers online or in your circle or at meetups for guidance. Focus on Quality: Strong skills & contributions will attract connections.

If you're shy or introverted, connecting with software testing professionals can still be achievable by finding your tribe. Seek out online communities, forums, or local meetups dedicated to software testing. These spaces often welcome individuals from all backgrounds, providing a supportive environment to share experiences and learn from others. Engaging in discussions within these communities allows you to connect with like-minded professionals at your own pace. Additionally, attending conferences or workshops focused on software testing can offer valuable networking opportunities in a structured setting.

Every organisation will have reporting manager or pic for every employee. As new joiner you can always rely on your reporting manager to gain access to resources in your organisation. Once you aware of how the organisation works it becomes easier find your way around. Finding your tribe will come in automatically.

In my view, Connecting with software testing professionals, even for introverts, is possible through various means. Platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter offer networking opportunities, while virtual events such as webinars facilitate connections from home. Starting a blog or podcast can spark conversations, and seeking mentorship provides guidance. Local meetups enable in-person networking, and active listening fosters meaningful connections.

Engage online: Participate in discussions: Actively participate in online forums and discussions within the testing community. Share your insights, ask thoughtful questions, and gradually build your online presence. Follow industry leaders: Follow prominent software testing professionals on social media or online platforms. Engage with their content, learn from their experiences, and participate in discussions they spark.

Sharing your work is crucial to connect with software testing professionals and expand your professional network. Some ways to do this include creating an online portfolio highlighting relevant projects and experiences, participating in online communities to contribute insights and learn from other professionals, writing blogs and articles about software testing, volunteering to speak at events and conferences, using social media to share updates and connect with other professionals, and contributing to open-source projects related to software testing. These actions not only increase the visibility of your work but also open doors to collaboration and mutual learning opportunities.

Share your work: Blogging or articles: If comfortable with writing, consider starting a blog or writing articles about software testing topics you're passionate about. This establishes your expertise and allows others to connect with you through your work. Open-source contributions: Contribute to open-source testing tools or projects. This showcases your skills, allows you to collaborate with others remotely, and builds your reputation within the testing community.

Getting help from a mentor is always a great step to overcome the issue of shyness. However, the question arises: how do you find a mentor in the first place? The ones you want as your mentor are often difficult to approach due to your shyness. So, I believe in just being yourself. Being an introvert is not wrong and should not be a stumbling block for your career. Your work should be so amazing that your colleagues will talk about it. After all, our recognition comes from our work, not just our ability to talk or use fancy words.

Se você é tímido ou introvertido, você pode buscar apoio de mentores s?o testadores experientes que podem oferecer conselhos, feedback ou recursos para ajudá-lo a crescer e melhorar suas habilidades de teste. Tem muitas pessoas no linkedin que está disposto a ajudar os outros, inclusive eu estou aberta se você quer inciar nesta carreira, ou precisa de algum auxilio pode me mandar uma mensagem. Hoje tem varias pessoas que s?o abertas e compartilham o conhecimento, mas lembre-se n?o tem porque ter vergonhar de procurar o conhecimento, ou chamar alguem para conversar sobre algum assunto, um n?o você sempre vai ter, antes de chamar uma pessoa e pedir ajuda você já tem um n?o, após dar o primeiro passo você se abre para a possibilidade do Sim

Seek mentors: Online mentoring platforms: Utilize online mentoring platforms that connect aspiring testers with experienced professionals. This can provide valuable guidance and support in your career journey. Reach out to testers you admire: Don't hesitate to reach out to software testing professionals you admire online or at conferences. Briefly express your interest in their work and ask if they'd be open to discussing your career goals.

Speaking from personal experience, as an extreme introvert. Yes, stay true to yourself and remain authentic, but get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Exercise extroverted quality when the need arises, and it will. Being introverted does not mean you cannot demonstrate extroverted qualities, it's just very draining to do so. So if you are required to dig deep for long periods of time, displaying these qualities that don't come natural, then balance it out with extra recharge time.

Be yourself: Focus on quality interactions: Don't feel pressured to be overly outgoing. Aim for quality interactions with a few individuals rather than superficial interactions with a large crowd. Embrace your strengths: Introverts often excel at listening, deep thinking, and written communication. Leverage these strengths to contribute meaningfully in online discussions or written content.

Já passei por muitas experiências no início da carreira por ter um jeito mais introvertido. Como QA, a habilidade da comunica??o é muito utilizada. Saber falar, o que falar, como falar s?o pontos que precisei, de certa forma, aprimorar e, com isso, as coisas foram fluindo. N?o tem mistério, mas é preciso "praticar" e deixar o medo de errar, o medo de falar bobagem, etc. Se necessário for, n?o descarte uma terapia pra ajudar você a conseguir se "destravar". E conte comigo, caso precise de algum apoio nesse sentido. ??

Introverted testers? Here's how to network: Start small with online groups or smaller events. Gradually increase interaction as you feel comfortable. Find a "buddy" for mutual support at events and practice conversations. Utilize online forums and software testing groups – ask questions, connect via messages. Prepare for conversations with questions and discussion topics. Finally, looking for a good Verbal Expression course will help you get to know yourself better and this will also help you express yourself better. Building relationships takes time, be patient and keep trying! You will find your network.

Remember, building a network takes time and effort. By following these strategies and embracing your introverted nature, you can successfully connect with other software testing professionals and grow within your chosen field.