Transitioning from a non-tech role to a career in technology is often seen as a daunting task, but it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences. In this blog, I share my personal journey from working in a non-technical job to becoming a Software QA Tester at Nipuna Prabidhik Sewa. Through perseverance, passion, and the right opportunities, I navigated the challenges of breaking into the tech industry, ultimately finding my calling in Quality Assurance. This is my story of growth, risk-taking, and the pursuit of a fulfilling career in the world of software testing.

From Non-Tech to Tech: My Journey into Software QA at Nipuna Prabidhik Sewa

I’m Kushal Mudel, a dedicated Software QA Tester with over a year of experience in the field. My academic journey includes a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Information Technology from Prithvi Narayan Campus, Pokhara, Nepal. While my path to a tech career wasn’t straightforward, it has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

The Early Days: A Non-Tech Start

During my undergraduate years, I was an average student and like many others, faced the challenge of balancing academics with real-life responsibilities. For the first three years of college, I found myself working in a non-tech role due to personal circumstances. This duration was both challenging and introspective, as I struggled with the decision of whether to switch to a tech career, a move that seemed challenging but necessary for a stable future in IT.

Discovering a Passion for QA

As I approached the final semester of my degree, the need to secure an internship became pressing. Despite having no formal experience in the tech industry, I was determined to find a path that aligned with interest and passion. My exploration led me to the field of Software Quality Assurance, it felt like a natural fit. My previous job in a survey company had involved tasks such as document verification and handling client queries, responsibilities that closely aligned with QC processes like verification, validation, and collaboration with team members and clients.

The Turning Point: An Internship Opportunity

In my search for an internship, I connected with the CTO of Nipuna Prabidhik Sewa Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Navraj Sharma, whom I had met during my previous job. During our conversation, I expressed my interest in transitioning to the tech field. Mr. Sharma, recognizing my potential, encouraged me to pursue this path and offered me an internship opportunity at Nipuna Prabidhik Sewa. After careful consideration, I made the difficult decision to leave my paid job for this internship. It was a significant risk, but one I believed was crucial for achieving my long-term career goals.

Gaining Experience: The Internship

I began my internship at Nipuna Prabidhik Sewa in April 2023, stepping into the role of a QAT intern. Over the duration of three months, I engaged myself in real-world projects, working under the mentorship of QAT Lead, Er. Sanzay Bhandari, and alongside a team of skilled colleagues. This experience allowed me to build a strong foundation in Test Planning, drafting Test Case, Creating Checklists, Encoding the Proofs and Records and write Automation Scripts of the Test Cases. Additionally, I developed valuable soft skills, including effective team communication, attention to detail, and the ability to learn quickly.

Transitioning to a Full-Time Role

By the end of the internship, I had demonstrated my dedication and passion for QA, which led to a full-time job offer from Nipuna Prabidhik Sewa Pvt. Ltd. This achievement was particularly meaningful to me, as it marked the successful transition from a non-tech role to a tech career a journey that took just three months. In my full-time role, I have taken on greater responsibilities, overseeing QAT tasks and ensuring the delivery of high-quality software products. I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Navraj Sharma, Er. Sanzay Bhandari, and the entire Nipuna team for their support and for providing me with the opportunity to grow as a QAT professional. My time at Nipuna Prabidhik Sewa has given me a deep understanding of professional workflows, effective team communication, and QA and QC best practices.

Looking Ahead

I am proud to be part of such a fantastic team and am excited about what the future holds. I wish the Nipuna team continued success and look forward to contributing to our collective growth. Thank you for reading my journey from a non-tech background to becoming a Software QA professional. I hope it serves as encouragement for those who may feel uncertain or hesitant about making a similar transition, showing that with determination and the right opportunities, such a shift can lead to rewarding outcomes.