Meet our people: Izi

You’ve been at Zoonou since 2019 - what first brought you here, and what’s kept you here?

Funnily enough I used to make Nick (our MD) his morning coffee when I was a barista at his regular coffee spot. When I decided it was time to move on from hospitality, I applied for Zoonou because I realised software testing was something I could learn to do and that Zoonou seemed to hire for the person and their potential rather than just their list of qualifications on paper.

I think what’s kept me here is a combination of the people and the style of working. Everyone in the team is so friendly and supportive, and I’ve found some really great friendships (and a soon-to-be husband!) here. That paired with the freshness of working on a roster of different projects with different clients makes for a varied day-to-day that continues to challenge and engage me, but with the support and familiarity of good friends and colleagues.

Your main focus is on QA, but you’re also skilled in accessibility and usability testing, often working with clients on long-term projects - what do you enjoy most about your role?

I like seeing the results of our work. Starting with a website or app in the early stages of development, and then seeing it again once any bugs we found have been fixed and the experience is much smoother for the end user is super satisfying.

It’s also rewarding working closely and building a good rapport with client teams on long-term projects, where it feels like I can see the impact my suggestions and input have on the end product.

You recently represented Zoonou at the Big Futures Show - what was that experience like?

It was great to speak to some young people about what we do and what my day-to-day is like working in software testing. Going in, it was a little bit out of my comfort zone, but it was lovely to get such a positive response from some of the kids who had a genuine interest in this sort of career path. It felt nice to be able to provide them with a bit more context for what that journey could look like for them, especially as someone with no prior qualifications for a role like this.

You’re part of our art club! Can you tell us what you enjoy about it?

I’ve always been very creatively inclined, but rarely make the time to sit down and create things for fun, often also lacking the inspiration or ideas to know what to draw or paint. It’s lovely having a regular time in the calendar to spend some time drawing, painting or getting crafty, and sharing that time with people I otherwise wouldn’t get to share that hobby with.

And finally, what’s your favourite way to unwind after a busy week?

Often something food-related! Either cooking or baking something fun at home, or going out to enjoy good food at nice local pubs and eateries. Baking bagels for the first time or making marmalade for the umpteenth, followed by a walk surrounded by nature or reading under a blanket on the sofa is likely how you’d find me most weekends!

About Zoonou

Zoonou is a UK-based software testing company. We’re a B Corp and 100% employee owned. Combining technical delivery and advisory services, we collaborate with the private, public and third sectors to create better software, services and products.