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We’re excited to continue our mentor series with a new conversation. This time, we’re talking to Monty Bagati, a QA professional with over 16 years of experience spanning the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Monty’s diverse background in quality assurance, gained through his work with various clients across numerous sectors, offers valuable insights into the evolving field of software testing.

In this conversation Monty shares his journey, approaches to problem-solving, and perspectives on emerging technologies like AI in quality engineering.

You started your career at IBM as a Manual Tester. What sparked your interest in testing, and how did this shape your career?

My career began during my third year of engineering in India. Although I was studying mechanical engineering, IBM recruited me through campus placements. They placed me in testing projects, so while I didn’t choose testing initially, it chose me. 

I’ve had the privilege of working in numerous domains due to my role in a service company, which differs from product companies. In a product company, like a bank, you typically focus on developing specific products within that industry, shaping your career around that niche.

However, in a service company, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse range of clients across different sectors like telecommunications, logistics, finance, banking, media and entertainment. I gained diverse experience, especially in quality testing, and that’s how my journey in testing evolved.

You transitioned from mechanical engineering to testing. What resources helped you navigate this change?

Back in 2008, resources and mentorship weren’t as accessible as they are today. I had to rely on company-provided training and guidance from experienced colleagues. Unlike now, where there are abundant online resources, I learned by doing—making mistakes and ensuring I didn’t repeat them. It was a hands-on learning experience that gradually built my expertise in testing.

As someone who’s now a manager and mentor, how do you guide juniors who want to requalify or advance in their careers?

When someone approaches me, I first ask what they want to achieve. I tailor my guidance based on their goals, whether they’re complete beginners or have some experience. For example, I’m currently mentoring three people who wanted to learn quality assurance from scratch.

I created a structured plan that not only teaches them the basics but also prepares them for potential job interviews. My approach is to break down complex topics into manageable goals, ensuring they have a solid understanding by the end of the mentorship.

Problem-solving is key in any field. How do you approach it, and can you share an example from your career?

My approach to problem-solving is straightforward: clearly identify the problem, create a well-defined problem statement, and ensure it’s understandable to everyone involved. Once the problem is clear, we analyze it, identify the challenges, and then apply the appropriate solutions. The key is to make sure everyone is on the same page before moving forward with implementation.

The tech field evolves quickly. How do you stay updated, and do you have any recommendations?

I stay active on LinkedIn, following groups related to testing and keeping up with the latest trends. Mentoring also forces me to stay updated since I need to be prepared to answer any questions my mentees might have. Additionally, I participate in conferences, webinars, and serve as a beta tester for automation tools, which keeps me on my toes. These activities help me stay connected with the latest developments in the tech stack.

Are there any emerging trends in quality engineering and automation that excite you?

Yes, the integration of AI into quality engineering is really exciting. Many companies are incorporating AI features into their automation tools, allowing for test cases to be created without writing code. This AI integration is something I’m passionate about and follow closely. It’s evolving rapidly and has the potential to significantly change how we approach quality assurance.

AI tools are helpful, especially for beginners. But do you think there are risks involved? Can AI be trusted in quality assurance?

AI can definitely be trusted for tasks like writing simple code or debugging. It’s efficient and pulls information from online resources, similar to how we used to search on Google. However, we should be mindful of its limitations, especially when handling sensitive material. AI is a powerful tool that reduces time on routine tasks, but it’s important to use it wisely. Whether AI will fully replace human roles is uncertain, and we’ll have to wait and see its full impact in the coming years.

You’re currently a mentor with Women Go Tech and have been involved in other mentoring programs in the past. What qualities make an effective mentor, and how do you ensure you’re providing the best help to your mentees?

The most important quality for both mentors and mentees is intent—the intent to teach and the intent to learn. If you have the willingness, everything else falls into place. For me, I have a clear intent to teach, and I’m determined to make it work. For example, I dedicate 30 minutes, three times a week, to mentoring.

Even when conflicting meetings arise, we coordinate and reschedule if needed. Effective mentoring requires active engagement, understanding your mentees’ needs, and making time for them.

Mentorship involves helping mentees navigate challenges. What recurring challenges do you see, and how do you help them overcome these obstacles?

Aside from willingness and intent, the biggest challenge is discipline. Many mentees start with enthusiasm but tend to drop out when they face difficulties or lose interest. Education and learning require consistent effort, and without discipline, it’s easy to give up. My role as a mentor is to help them recognize this and encourage them to stay disciplined and persistent in their learning journey.

As a busy professional, how do you balance mentorship with your other responsibilities? Any tips for aspiring mentors?

Everyone has their own routine, but if you want to give back to the community, learn, and network, I’d recommend applying for mentorship programs, hosting meetups, or doing webinars. Mentoring isn’t just about teaching, it’s also about learning. Before you can effectively teach others, you need to be well-prepared yourself. While it might seem challenging to juggle both, the rewards of mentoring – in terms of personal growth and networking – make it well worth the effort.

Find more mentor stories here.