We caught up with Steve Gray, a test architect, and Marshal Konzvo, a business analyst, both working for Capita Children’s Services to find out a little bit more about their day to day activities.
What exactly is a business analyst and a test architect?
SG: As a test architect my key areas of responsibility are implementing automated regression and performance testing, which involves designing and building automated frameworks and performance tests systems for development and test teams to use. I work for Capita Children’s Services, which includes SIMS (School Information Management System) used by over 22,000 schools so it’s vital that everything works.
MK: My role as a business analyst involves working closely with product managers to improve our solutions as well as understanding requirements from users. I then pass these onto the development and test teams.
What do you enjoy the most about the role?
SG: I enjoy my job because I get to work with some emerging technologies and implement and architect some interesting solutions. Knowing how our systems can be used to help pupils and parents is a great feeling. The role is very new and still evolving.
MK: The thing I enjoy most about my job is being a focal point for all relevant stakeholders and contributing to solutions development.
Is there room for progression within this type of role?
SG: Over the next year I will be identifying other areas of testing within the business and seeing how I can help by implementing new tools, ideas and technologies.
MK: There’s a good career development path into becoming a Lead Business Analyst or Business Architecture Specialist.
What kind of programmes and software do you use on a daily basis?
SG: I am currently working on automated regression testing for the Agora Online payment solution. I am working with .Net 4.5, MS Test, Coded UI, Visual Studio and azure cloud services.
MK: I mainly use Visio to develop process models; I use Team Server Foundation (TFS) & Work Item Manager to manage backlogs; and UI Mocking tools, Outlook and Lync for communication.
What attracted you to working at Capita Children’s Services?
SG: One of the advantages of working for CCS is being involved with small, dedicated agile teams and seeing how the teams feel a great deal of pride in their products.
MK: I joined Capita Children’s Services after a friend who worked in another area of Capita recommended me. I was attracted by Capita being a Microsoft Gold Partner, and I saw it as having great potential to develop a career and work with new technologies.
How about your day-to-day life, what interests you, outside of work?
SG: Outside of work, Test Architects are normal people – honest! To get away from the computer screen, I love being outdoors: surfing, kitesurfing, biking, kayaking…
MK: Outside of work, my day-to-day life involves playing and watching sport (mainly football and basketball) and spending time with my family. I also love getting involved in charity activities and listening to music: old school R&B, hip-hop, dancehall and everything else that sounds good!
If you would like any more information about careers with Capita Children’s Services please contact either asad.beg@capita.co.uk or Rachel.piert@capita.co.uk