Q&A with Senior QA Test Analyst Siviwe Henda

What motivated you to join Wonga, and how has the company culture contributed to your professional development?

What motivated me to join Wonga was the remarkable opportunity it offered. Coming from my previous position in health informatics, where the client base was relatively small, I was drawn to Wonga because of its extensive client reach. This represented not only a chance to work in a different domain but also the promise of substantial career growth and exposure. In my previous role in health informatics, while I gained valuable experience, I felt constrained by the limited client base, hindering the scope of my professional development. Wonga, on the other hand, offered a refreshing change, where I could immerse myself in a more dynamic environment, serving a broader and more diverse range of clients.

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In your five years at Wonga, can you share some key milestones or projects that have shaped your career?

During my five years at Wonga, these key milestones and projects have significantly influenced my career.

One pivotal moment was our shift away from relying on UK integrations and developing our own platforms. This transition was marked by high-pressure scenarios and the need to ensure a seamless changeover while keeping costs in check. This move towards independence was a defining moment for me, as it tested my ability to manage complex transitions without disrupting operations.

Implementing of Cloud 9, a project that has demanded considerable time and effort. Integrating this new technology into Wonga's infrastructure required adapting to new platforms and systems. The learning curve was steep, but the experience has enriched my skill set and expanded my knowledge and continues to do so.

Transitioning from FICO to GDS for decision-making has also been essential as we onboard new customers and manage loan approvals, forming the backbone of our decision-making framework. It's an exciting journey that underscores the dynamic nature of the industry and challenges me to adapt and excel in evolving circumstances.

You began as an intermediate-level tester at Wonga. How did you progress to your current senior role, and what advice do you have for others aspiring to grow within the company?

Wonga's culture played a significant role in my progression. Right from the beginning, I was fortunate to be part of a supportive team. Wonga encourages and nurtures professional growth, providing opportunities for employees to expand their skills and take on new challenges. I must extend special thanks to our QA team lead, Uma, who entrusted me with projects that allowed me to build my confidence and knowledge. It was through these experiences that I earned the opportunity to step into a senior role at Wonga.

My advice to those looking to advance within the company is this: don't hesitate to ask questions. Learning from your mistakes is a valuable part of the process, and Wonga provides a supportive space for you to do so. This advice doesn't apply only to the QA team but extends across all divisions within Wonga. The company is committed to fostering your growth, and it's up to you to seize the opportunities presented.

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How has Wonga supported your skill development and career advancement in the field of Quality Assurance?

Wonga has been an incredible catalyst for my personal and professional growth journey. The company not only encourages but also celebrates individual growth, fostering an environment where your potential is unleashed and your creativity is nurtured. At Wonga, your ideas are not only valued; they are wholeheartedly welcomed. The company thrives on the innovative spirit of its team members and continuously seeks fresh, groundbreaking concepts. Whether you're brainstorming with colleagues, collaborating with development experts in my division like Andre- (Wonga’s Solutions Architect), or working within your department, Wonga's culture is all about pushing the boundaries of what's possible. One outstanding aspect of Wonga's commitment to personal development is its provision of Udemy, a treasure trove of online courses that allow you to invest in your own growth. Whether you want to expand your skill set, delve into new subjects, or deepen your expertise in your specific field, Wonga ensures you have the tools and resources at your disposal to flourish.

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Can you discuss some of the challenges you have faced during your time at Wonga and how you overcame them to achieve your career goals?

When I initially joined Wonga as an intermediate team member, I found myself grappling with self-doubt and a lack of confidence in my own abilities. I wasn't as vocal or assertive as I could have been. Wonga played a pivotal role in helping me overcome these challenges, providing the support and environment I needed to flourish. One of the most notable aspects of Wonga's culture and value is its commitment to maintaining a level playing field for all employees. Wonga is never biased based on experience or background, and this inclusivity fosters an atmosphere where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. They truly value the contributions of each team member. Their commitment to recognising and nurturing talent is commendable. I personally found that Wonga doesn't just focus on professional growth; it also extends its support to help you develop on a personal level.

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Wonga is known for its data driven quality insights. How has your role as a Senior QA Test Analyst contributed to maintaining and enhancing the quality of Wonga's products and services?

In the realm of data and my role as a senior QA test analyst, I am the last line of defence before customers interact with our offerings. Given the constant evolution of our products, it is critical that any changes implemented work exactly as intended. Whether it's changes to existing features or entirely new developments, our top priority is to ensure that every change has no negative impact on our valued customers. It is critical to maintain a continuous link between our changes and the clients' experiences. Quality is a continuous and never-ending process that goes beyond the introduction of new products or features. This process is continuous and never-ending in terms of quality assurance.

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As someone who has been with Wonga for a significant period, how have you seen the company evolve, and what excites you about its future?

Wonga has undergone significant changes. Our initial partnership with Wonga UK presented us with a number of challenges, including the separation of our online platforms and?operations from the UK and the seamless integration of our personnel and customers into the South African branch. This transition had a significant impact on our systems, necessitating a significant amount of effort. However, we have not only survived but also thrived in recent years, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Wonga has slowly expanded its portfolio of financial products, and our unwavering commitment has been channelled into the evolution of better online platforms. This unwavering dedication has driven our position as a market leader in the loan finance industry, and it's been a joy to watch our progress over the years.

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What are your future career aspirations within Wonga, and how do you plan to continue making a positive impact on the organisation?

I aspire to transition into a more technically oriented role within QA, where I can leverage my expertise to contribute significantly. My goal is to ascend to a senior technical engineer position, though I'm also contemplating the path of a product owner. My heart lies in the technical facets of the field, and time will eventually reveal the direction I choose. However, I'm confident that I can make a substantial positive impact, regardless of the path I pursue.

As a Senior QA analyst, I am currently finding immense satisfaction and numerous opportunities for professional growth. I consider myself fortunate to be a part of Wonga and to be working with such a talented team. One aspect that particularly resonates with me in a positive way is the team's youth and deep knowledge in various QA domains. For example, Marco (our graduate engineer) and Dieter (our intermediate software engineer) have grown within Wonga and the talent they bring, and it's truly motivating to witness the collective growth and development of every individual in the organisation under the guidance of seasoned mentors.