Daniel Ström, the newest addition to QA.tech, is set to make waves as he immerses himself in the code base, contributing to the company’s growth from the ground up. With a background as diverse as his interests, he brings a valuable perspective to the team. In this Q&A, we explore the fascinating intersection of tech, user experience, and personal passions as Daniel navigates his new role at QA.tech.
Can you give us a short intro about yourself?
I’m 34 and live in Västerås with my fiancé and son. Unlike many of my colleagues, my interest in IT first began during my university years. Inspired by tech-savvy friends and the allure of Iron Man’s Jarvis, I pursued a Bachelor’s in IT with the initial aim of creating my own AI sidekick. 😊 However, rather than AI, I completed a Master’s in UX Design. Fast forward ten years of working as a web development consultant, Ville introduced me to QA.tech. We had crossed paths during another project, and after my year of paternal leave, I was ready for a new professional challenge. Outside of work, I really enjoy music, particularly playing the piano, guitar, and singing. Besides that, I’m also an avid snowboarder.
How does your background play into your current role at QA.tech?
My previous experiences influence my current position in two significant ways. Firstly, in my previous functions, I would have been the primary user of our product. This allows me to really understand our customers and provide valuable front-end and UX insights. Secondly, my consulting background exposed me to a diverse set of companies, mentors, and leadership opportunities, providing me with a broad range of experiences and skills.
What inspired you to join the company?
When Ville introduced me to the company, the prospect of building an impactful solution for QA immediately resonated with me. It goes beyond engineering; it’s about enhancing the experience for users as well as developers. Additionally, the potential to lead and inspire others as QA.tech grows was an aspect that attracted me.
What part of your job are you most looking forward to?
I can’t wait to dive into the code base! I’m eager to build elements with an immediate impact on users. I really enjoy front-end development because it combines design, product, and user interaction. I really love the dynamic nature that comes with the role of full-stack web developer. I’m also excited about jumping in at this early stage. I look forward to building this product and witnessing its growth to maturity, it’s like a tech Odyssey.
How do you handle challenges in your role?
I always try to adopt a practical mindset, rather than seeing challenges as obstacles, I prefer to see them as learning opportunities and a chance to be creative. In addition, I think it’s really important to seek help when needed. Involving others not only prevents setbacks that can occur due to isolation, but it’s also way more fun! Learning from experienced colleagues is empowering and sharing knowledge benefits everyone.
What is the team like at QA.tech?
I’ve only just joined the team, but ever since my first interview I’ve had a positive impression. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, with a relaxed yet dedicated mindset. The team boasts a wealth of skills and experience, not just in development and AI but also in launching companies and driving change. This collective experience instills a valuable sense of confidence in the product we’re building.
Are there shared interests or passions with the other team members?
Obviously, we’re all engineers with a deep passion for tech, but many of us also love winter sports and music.
What are your hobbies?
Aside from work, I love making music, snowboarding, hiking, cooking, and hanging out with friends.
What advice would you give people aspiring to work in tech?
For starters, you need to have a genuine passion for tech and a desire to learn new things, because you need to stay at the forefront of trends and developments. Besides that, I would recommend cultivating strong communication skills and being committed to building exceptional products. I always value candidates who are able to see the bigger picture and recognize that all elements need to be integrated seamlessly for a good experience.
Who would you say is your biggest inspiration?
I’m more inspired by ‘ordinary people’, than famous figures. It’s the people around me, like friends, family, and colleagues, that inspire me most, and everyone has something you can learn from.