KONGO Grâce
Work as Tester in the public sector
Tell us about your career path.
Why did you choose a STEM profession?
Was your interest in STEM encouraged?

I think STEM Profession is a dynamic and interesting domain. I like particularly the fact that this sector allows continuous learning and branding. This environment makes me meet different people from different countries and background. In my opinion, diversity is a key in the STEM profession.

How was your educational/university experience? Do you have any memorable experiences to share?

I did my engineer diploma by apprenticeship half time in school half time in ArcelorMittal research centre. It was a first step into the professional world and the main positive point in my university experience. I had many memorable experiences like my first interview with my unit director. He had only a few availabilities so our meeting was planned only 2 hours before. I had only 30 minutes to convince him that I was the right apprentice to work on innovating topic he have chosen. The other experience I want to share is that I spent 2 month abroad : 1 month in Vancouver in Canada 1 month in Darmsdat in Germany. Being in those countries allowed me to discover other cultures and ways of working… In Vancouver I was in the EF center to improve my English but what I really learnt is to be able to understand people of other cultures age. I met some great person, especially in Canada with whom I am currently still in contact with thanks to social media. In Germany, I was a trainee for Zygolot company. As passionate about the optics topic I learnt a lot. These two traineeship allowed me to improve my English.

Where do you work?
What would you do during a typical day at work? What do you enjoy most about your job?

I work in the Luxembourgish public sector as Tester. We are currently working on digital transformation. We used the agile method to implement some applications. My day mostly starts with a short meeting with the project team. We exchange on our past and current tasks, what is the progress and if we are facing some impediments. The key in the agile framework is that we work as a team. If someone need help, the team is there to support and find some solutions. After this daily meeting, I do some common testing tasks. The most enjoyable part of my job is to understand the business and try to use the system as it will do. Interactions with others team members are also very motivating.

What are your plans and aspirations for the future?

Before the Covid19 situation, I was very focused on the future and the next challenge I could tackle. Now I am more focused on every day, just enjoying to live them one after the other.

What do you like to do outside of work? What are your passions and hobbies?

Outside work, I am a passionate artist. I am part of the amazing dance school Dancershow57! I started with this school almost 10 years ago. At that moment it was an association and then the association grew and became a professional dance school performing some shows in Lorraine region (France). I really like dancing as it allows me to relax and work on my artistic side.

What advice would you give to other young girls and women who plan to pursue a STEM career?

I would like to promote my job in IT. We are all testers, and especially now with the Covid crisis. We use our smartphone to do everything (order food, order decoration or gift…). My wish is to make testing more attractive and fun.
I would advise young girls pursuing a STEM career not to be afraid to fail sometimes. Failure is a way of learning and progressing. You need to be focused on your goal and the way to achieve them.