Let’s welcome another one of our Katalon Academy instructors, Raghav Pal (@Raghav)! Raghav is an educator and teaches various topics related to Automation, Testing, CI/CD, and Devops. He was an Automation Test Architect and has led multiple test automation projects.
He has been teaching Katalon Studio since 2017. He is also a corporate trainer who has been involved in helping and working with corporations select and implement the right automation tools.
1. How did you become a tester/What motivated you to become a tester and what keeps you passionate about it today?
My journey into testing began purely by chance. After completing my initial training at the organization where I started my career, I was assigned to a testing project due to business needs. That was my first encounter with testing. When I later transitioned to Automation Testing, I was amazed by how we could leverage code and tools to automate the testing process, eliminating the need to manually execute each step. Over time, my interest in the field grew, and I gained valuable experience.
Years later, I joined a startup where I was tasked with setting up an entire automation testing process from scratch. This also involved training and mentoring a new team. The challenge was invigorating, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. That passion for teaching and training continues to drive me today.
2. Can you share with us one of your memorable experiences throughout your testing journey that has motivated you to give back to the community?
Yes, so in nearly every Test Automation project I have been a part of, there were moments when we needed assistance with code, functionality, or process. I often turned to online resources where others had generously shared their knowledge, experiences, and solutions.
These resources were invaluable to my growth. As I gained more experience, I realized that I could contribute as well. This realization motivated me to start giving back and helping others in the community, just as others had helped me before.
3. As a Katalon Academy Instructor yourself, how do you see your role in contributing to the growth and success of the testing community?
I view Katalon Academy as a greatl learning platform, and as an instructor, my role is crucial in empowering learners to acquire in-demand skills, helping to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and building my learners’ confidence through hands-on experience. My goal is to ensure that learners are well-equipped to succeed in the testing field.
4. What advice would you give to testers who are just starting out in Automation Testing, or those who aspire to advance their careers in this field?
Automation Testing is an incredible field, and with the right mindset and a genuine desire to learn, it can be transformative. Start by mastering the basics and building a solid foundation. Choose the right tools and commit to practicing consistently.
You should also strive to understand the ‘why’ behind automation, remain patient, and stay persistent. And most importantly, never stop learning!
Thank you Raghav for your sharing. Our team and all the Katalon users & Academy learners out there greatly appreciate what you have done for the Academy!
You can learn more about Raghav, and check out his courses here: Meet Our Instructor | Raghav Pal