 Interview with Jason Buksh
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Did you choose IT or did IT choose you?
I choose IT but it was definitely a natural selection. I like knowing how things work and IT is unique in that it allows you to quickly put your thoughts and ideas into practice through programming. I think I like it so much because perhaps unlike other professions, the only tools you need are a computer and your own knowledge. No other industry allows you to put abstract thought into practice with such ease - your imagination is the only limit.
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What is your favourite thing about your job?
Being a consultant, I enjoy the ability to be with different Clients all the time. Each site has its own set of ‘common issues’ but the part that I like more is the unique and challenging circumstances that inevitably come from time-to-time. The exciting varied and taxing work of course comes with its own peaks and troughs, but I must say my favourite part is introducing change and watching the recommended process and tools become an essential part of the Systems Development Life Cycle.
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What is the best piece of advice you could give someone considering a career in IT? Or more specifically, someone who wants to end up in a similar role to you?
My best piece of advice would be to do what I did, and partake in something you are passionate about. If you don’t truly love and understand the field you are in, then you will be unable to deliver in a manner by which the Company should expect. Each time I deal with a new Client I have to learn something new whether it be the technology, the processes or the basic company structures/relationships. I am always being stretched and I definitely enjoy the trials - I believe it would be a lot harder to endure if you aren’t passionate about your field.
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What is your best memory throughout your IT Career?
As I expect most other people do, I have loads of good memories, however I would have to say that coding a Virtual Reality Simulator and setting up the demo for its use in Madame Tussauds would be a specific high point. As well as the ‘techie’ side; Sir Patrick Moore was presenting the Stone Henge demo and I remember talking to him whilst standing next to his waxwork double. Surreal yet fantastic!
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What personal characteristics do you think you need to be in your job?
You have to have strong interpersonal skills in this line of work. Dealing with developers, systems administrators, project/programme managers and business analysts all in the same day will teach you to have patience, be concise and ascertain clear communications skills. I have recently written an article on my blog site, Performance Testing Professional, on the desired attributes of a good performance tester.
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How do you think we could encourage more Graduates into IT?
At the moment I think we are in a culture where graduates are simply learning how to use the current technology - they don’t know how to create new technologies for the future. The most successful companies are built by technology innovators (Microsoft, Apple, Oracle, Facebook etc). I think we need to raise the profile of engineers that have been successful and make science a more attractive choice for people completing their A-Levels. Dyson as a company and James Dyson as an innovator are personal favourites of mine - they are constantly striving for greatness which is the only way to compete on the world stage. I think the UK has some of the brightest minds in the world - the government needs to nurture and harness that creatively.
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Who would play you in a movie? No-one specifically, but if I could take a part it would be as one of the presenters in Top Gear. That isn't a job - its just massive fun.
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Testing Circle would like to thank Jason Buksh for allowing us to conduct this interview. Interviewed by Ashleigh Ace, Testing Circle Marketing Manager.
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