Aramayis Hovhannisyan

Aramayis is standing for election to the AST board 2024.

 

Hello! I’m Aramayis Hovhannisyan, also known as Fob in the software testing community. With over 14 years of experience in software testing, I have dedicated my career to advancing the field and fostering a vibrant community of testing professionals.

My journey in software testing has been both my profession and my passion. I co-organized the inaugural software testing conference in Armenia, a milestone event that brought together over 540 attendees to share knowledge and collaborate. This conference has since become a cornerstone of the Armenian software testing community.

In addition to organizing large-scale conferences, I founded a software testing company, which has allowed me to further contribute to the industry by providing high-quality testing services and promoting best practices. My entrepreneurial spirit drives me to constantly explore new tools, techniques, and methodologies to improve software quality.

As the Chief of Chapters at AST, I have been instrumental in building and nurturing local and international testing communities. I have organized numerous meetups and webinars, providing platforms for testers to connect, learn, and grow. My efforts have extended beyond Armenia, as I have collaborated with global companies like Adobe, ServiceTitan, and QT-Lab to host events featuring renowned speakers such as Michael Bolton, Alexei Vinogradov, and Ilari Henrik Aegerter.

My commitment to AST is evident in my continuous efforts to promote the organization’s mission. I actively engage with the community through social media, sharing insights and updates about AST’s activities. My goal is to ensure that testers around the world recognize the value of AST and benefit from its resources.

Living and breathing software testing, I am always on the lookout for innovative approaches and emerging trends. I believe in the power of community and collaboration, and I strive to create environments where testers can thrive.

1. Please share your vision for the future of the AST, and how would you help to accomplish this vision in case you were part of the AST Board of Directors?

The software testing profession has evolved significantly, requiring testing engineers to continuously update their knowledge and skills to meet new challenges. To stay at the forefront of this transformation, the Association for Software Testing (AST) should focus on three key areas: Innovation in Software Testing, Strong Industry Collaboration, and Influence and Advocacy.

Innovation in Software Testing

AST should lead the way in bringing the latest innovations in software testing to its members. This includes promoting advanced techniques and technologies, ensuring they are updated and used effectively. By fostering an environment of continuous learning and adaptation, AST can help testing professionals stay ahead of industry trends.

Strong Industry Collaboration

To enhance the sense of community and facilitate knowledge sharing, AST should organize both online and offline meetups with the support of partner companies. Offline meetups, in particular, provide invaluable opportunities for testers to connect, discuss new technologies, and deepen their understanding of the field. These gatherings can help build a robust network of professionals linked through AST.

Influence and Advocacy

The AST Board should actively engage with industry influencers to promote AST, the Conference of the Association for Software Testing (CAST), and the importance of testing. Appointing ambassadors or promoters who can write articles and create short videos will help increase visibility and engagement. Additionally, AST should run monthly online interviews with community leaders to keep members informed and inspired.

Personal Contributions

I have taken several initiatives to promote AST and foster a strong testing community. I have organized a series of webinars in Armenia to highlight the value of AST. Furthermore, I have arranged offline meetups in collaboration with companies like Adobe, ServiceTitan, and QT-Lab. These events featured prominent speakers such as Michael Bolton, Alexei Vinogradov, and Ilari Henrik Aegerter, providing attendees with valuable insights and networking opportunities.

2. Is there an area where you feel AST is lacking in its role as a professional organization? If so, what would you suggest doing to begin to change that and increase the value to AST members and the testing community at large?

While AST is doing an excellent job connecting passionate testers and enthusiasts, there are areas where it can further enhance its role as a professional organization. One key area is the promotion of testing, particularly context-driven testing, on a broader scale. To achieve this, I suggest the following initiatives:

  1. Increased Conference Presence: AST should aim to have a presence at major software testing conferences worldwide. This will help raise awareness about the organization and its mission, while also promoting the principles of context-driven testing.
  2. Enhanced Online Engagement: The Slack channel, LinkedIn, and Facebook pages need to be more active. Regular posts, updates, and interactive content will keep members engaged and attract new ones. This can include sharing insights from recent conferences, member achievements, and upcoming events.
  3. Virtual and Real-World Activities: We should increase our activity both online and offline. Virtual meetups, webinars, and interviews with industry leaders can complement in-person events, making it easier for members to participate regardless of their location.

By implementing these suggestions, AST can increase its value to members and the broader testing community, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the software testing profession.

3. In what ways have you supported the mission of AST?

I have actively supported the mission of AST by building a vibrant community in Armenia and beyond. My contributions include:

  1. Community Building in Armenia: I organized webinars and meetups in Armenia to foster a local network of software testing professionals. Additionally, I co-organized the Yerevan Testing Days conference, which attracted over 540 attendees, providing a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
  2. Promoting AST: I have consistently promoted AST during meetups, gatherings, and through my posts on LinkedIn and Facebook. By talking about AST’s mission and values, I have helped raise awareness and attract new members.
  3. Industry Collaboration: I collaborated with companies like Adobe, ServiceTitan, and QT-Lab to emphasize the importance of software testing. These partnerships have facilitated the organization of events featuring prominent speakers, further enriching the community.
  4. Sharing Knowledge: I have investigated new tools and techniques in the software testing field and shared my findings with the community. This effort has helped keep our members informed about the latest advancements and best practices in software testing.

Through these initiatives, I have contributed to advancing AST’s mission and strengthening the software testing community.