Starting a career in Technology with no prior experience? It's possible with bet365's Software Testing Academy. Sarah Donally explains how.

We are fortunate enough to be recruiting for individuals who are looking to break into a Technology role with no past experience, as we are running the Software Testing Academy for 2024. After the huge success of our first Software Testing Academy, we caught up with Sarah Donally who provided an insight of the scheme and where her career is now.

What is your current role at bet365?

I am currently a Software Tester. This is following joining through the Software Testing Academy. I currently work in the Responsible Gambling Test Team. Any changes a regulator requests to a current Responsible Gambling Measure, or, wants to implement new measures, my team is responsible for ensuring any functionality developed to support these changes, works as expected before being released. We test Responsible Gambling Measures for all countries that can open account with bet365. We also test functionality and processes used in our back office tools, used by our colleagues in Customer Services Teams, and Front End which is to say customer facing functionality which usually relates to the bet365 site and Apps. We are responsible for understanding what is required by the Regulator, designing testing that will ensure we have comprehensively tested the change, and sharing information of what the changes are to our own team and to testers in the wider teams.

You joined through the Academy, what was it like?

The academy has been such a privilege to be part of! From the Assessment day onwards, the 4 people I joined bet365 with as part of the training academy and I, have really supported each other throughout the process. I have found that going through this process with 4 other people to be invaluable. We each had our own ideas, questions, strengths and weaknesses and throughout the 12 months continuously supported and shared ideas, best practice and hints and tips we may have picked up with each other. We started our time on the academy by spending time with each of the test teams, learning the fundamentals of Software testing, in order to continue to build on that framework as we progressed. The academy is really well structured and is a fantastic opportunity. I was working in administration prior to my move to bet365, and without the testing academy would never have had the prospect of a career in Technology. The learning and training does not stop when you finish the academy either! There are still plenty of opportunities to develop and grow professionally beyond the Academy.

What technologies do you work with?

I work with a huge variety of technology. Some examples of the technology we use in our daily role would be: Multiple software programs which are specifically designed to assist with keeping track of our testing such as Test Case Management tools and Defect Management Tools.  More recently I have been using BDD (Behaviour Driven Development) methods to test Services written in GO. We also use different devices such as tablets, desktop PC’s and Mobile phones to ensure appropriate coverage of our products as well as tools such as Screen Readers to support Accessibility testing.

What training did you receive to support you with you role?

The training throughout the academy is fantastic. It is the most comprehensive training I have ever received – bar none. The training is extremely well thought out, and is delivered across a variety of different approaches. This could be: Through interactive workshops, both group and individual work based exercises, adding entries into a learning journal to track areas you may want to focus, regular 1-2-1’s to discuss areas of strength and also those you wish to have more exposure to. That is in no way an exhaustive list but I think shows how varied the training during the academy is, and how it accommodates lots of different learning styles.

What was the most challenging part about the Academy?

I think the most challenging, but most rewarding part of the academy is when I had finished the structured training program and then had to put what I had learnt into practice. At first it was a little daunting to be working autonomously, however the academy really does teach you all you need to know! Using the extensive knowledge I had gained over the 12 month program allowed me to flourish and through working on pieces of work independently, allowed my confidence and skill set to grow even further, to eventually being ready to be signed off to Software Tester.

What is your biggest achievement so far at bet365?

I have 2, it’s too hard to pick between them! The first, successfully completing the Software Testing academy, and the second - obtaining my ISTQB certification, which I did as part of the Testing Academy.

What do you enjoy about your team?

The amount of support that is available. We all work together really well, and all want to achieve the best results.

Also having spent time with each of the test Teams in the business during the academy, that support network extends further than just my specific test team. Still now I know I can reach out to people in different test teams who have more specific knowledge to the products they test, (betting functionality as an example) and although I may not work closely with them on a daily basis, when I reach out they are more than willing to help.

Would you recommend Software Testing?

Absolutely! If you are looking for a job which is fast paced, where there is always new products, services, and skills to learn. You enjoy collaborating, problem solving, and having to think on your feet then Software testing may just be for you!

What tips would you give to somebody applying to the Academy?

Don’t get too focussed on not having had any previous experience of Software Testing. The great thing about the Academy is that what makes the ideal candidates, are people who have transferrable skills. Focus on letting those key skills shine during the recruitment process.

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We’ve linked further information about this great opportunity here, Software Testing Academy (bet365careers.com)