Parveen’s Path in Quality Engineering and Public Speaking

Meet Parveen Khan , an inspiring leader in Quality Engineering and a passionate advocate for diversity. As a Global Ambassador at WomenTech Network and the Rising Star Finalist at EuroSTAR 2023, Parveen's journey from a tester to a global Keynote Speaker is a testament to her resilience and dedication. 

Her story is one of continuous learning, overcoming challenges, and inspiring others to see themselves represented in the tech community.

In this interview, Parveen shares her experiences, achievements, and the driving forces behind her successful software quality engineering career. 

Liliya: What kind of work do you do in tech? What is your role?

Parveen: I am currently a Quality Practice Lead at CFC , I collaborate across teams to develop quality engineering practices and strategies, providing guidance to our development teams and driving continuous improvements. 

Before CFC I was a QA consultant at Thoughtworks working across various clients.

I have played various roles all related to testing. I work across all the teams building quality engineering practices.

Liliya: Who did you want to be when you grew up?

Parveen: I initially aspired to become a doctor and began my studies in that field. I soon realized that I wasn't enjoying the learning process. My father, who had always wanted me to explore the field of technology, then encouraged me to shift my focus. 

I went on to earn my bachelor's and master's degrees in computer science, initially aiming to become a developer as I wasn't aware of the role of a tester at the time. 

During this journey, I discovered my passion for testing and have since dedicated my career to testing.

Liliya: Can you share your journey into the tech industry? What or who inspired you to pursue a career in technology?

Parveen: My journey into the tech industry has been greatly influenced by my father, who has been my inspiration and guiding force. 

From a young age, my father encouraged me to pursue a career in technology, enrolling me in various courses during the summer holidays while I was in school and college. 

He also motivated me to teach others what I learned, believing that teaching is the best way to deepen one’s understanding. Following his advice, I taught C and C++ at university and in computer training institutes. 

His support was instrumental in guiding me towards a tech career. 

Later, when I moved to the UK, my father continued his support, encouraging and motivating me to start my professional journey in technology. 

His encouragement and belief in me have been crucial in shaping my career in the tech industry. Like many others, I fell into testing and since then I have been enjoying being a tester.

Liliya: What are some of the accomplishments you're most proud of in your career?

Parveen: My career in the tech industry has been marked by several milestones that I am particularly proud of achieving. 

These accomplishments represent significant moments of growth and recognition throughout my journey:

• Joining Thoughtworks and becoming a ThoughtWorker
• Global Ambassador for the WomenTech Network
• Delivering my first international presentation at AgileTD USA in 2019
• Being invited as a guest on the o11ycast podcast hosted by Shelby Spees and Charity Majors
• Being one of the Rising Star finalists for EuroSTAR 2023
• Being included in 100 Women in Tech to Follow & Learn From
• In 2023, being invited for my first Keynote at AgileTD Germany and dedicated this Keynote to my father
• Being interviewed by Joe Colantonio on the TestGuild Automation podcast
• Joining ship 30 for 30 and writing consistently for 30 days. Here is the blog of 30 days writing challenge: https://typeshare.co/parveenkhan

Liliya: What or who inspired you to become a public speaker? 

Parveen: I got inspired by Angie Jones when I watched her talk for the first time. Her presence and expertise on stage were truly motivating and so inspiring. 

As I started watching more conference talks, I realized that there were very few speakers who looked like me or represented my background. This could be because I wasn’t looking hard enough, or perhaps there were just a few. 

I felt a strong desire to represent and show diversity in the tech community. Even though I initially didn't know how conference speaking works and did not have enough courage for public speaking, I decided to take the plunge. 

I wanted to inspire others who looked like me to see themselves represented on stage. 

As I continued with public speaking, I also realized the importance of creating my visibility in the community as part of brand building. 

Since then, I have become a speaker, an international speaker, and even a keynote speaker. My journey in public speaking has been incredibly rewarding in many ways.

Liliya: How do you balance the demands of a high-pressure tech job with your personal life?

Parveen:  Balancing the demands of a high-pressure tech job with being a mother of two does require a lot of planning, most of the time. 

I try my best to follow a routine where possible, understanding that it's important to take breaks from routines occasionally to recharge and prioritize time with my family. 

Outside of work and family responsibilities, I usually try to go for walks regularly. I also set aside time to learn and spend time on the things that interest me and contribute to my professional and personal growth.

Liliya: What challenges have you faced as a woman in tech, and how have you overcome them?

Parveen:  I have had both good and bad experiences as a woman in tech. Some of the challenges have involved continuously having to prove my technical skills and fighting for a seat at the table, both as a tester and as a woman. 

These challenges have sometimes been frustrating and disheartening, but they have also made me more resilient and determined.

On the positive side, I have received a lot of support and motivation from colleagues, as well as from people from the communities and network.

Liliya: What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the tech industry?

Parveen: 

• Believe in yourself and keep learning. 
• Embrace challenges and don't hesitate to ask for help. 
• Speak up for yourself and your work to ensure your contributions are recognized. 
• Create visibility for yourself and advocate for your achievements.

Liliya: How can men in the tech industry be allies to women and underrepresented groups?

Parveen: Men in tech can be strong allies to women and underrepresented groups by fostering an inclusive environment and actively supporting diversity. They should advocate for them and ensure their voices are heard in meetings and decision-making processes. 

Promoting diversity, being vocal about its importance, and demonstrating support through their actions.

Liliya: What emerging technologies or trends are you most excited about and why?

Parveen: I'm excited about the advancements in AI and its potential applications, especially in software testing. 

I was a part of the Panel Discussion organized by LambdaTest : The Future of Testing - Impact of AI in Quality Assurance and Beyond.

A question from Pricilla Bilavendran who was recognized in Women in Tech prior. You can read her journey here.

Pricilla: How do you deal with negative people and critics around you?

Parveen: Dealing with negative people and critics can be challenging, but I try to approach it with a positive mindset. I listen to their feedback carefully as I'm always very open to feedback and see if there's any constructive criticism that I can use to improve myself. 

For purely negative or unhelpful comments, I try not to take them personally and focus on my own goals and values.

I believe in surrounding myself with supportive and like-minded individuals who uplift and motivate me. 

Liliya: What else would you like the readers to know about you?

Parveen: I am a mom of two children who look up to me as their role model.

I am always eager to connect with others in the community, share experiences, and learn from one another. I am also a mentor on various platforms like adplist.org , Mentoring Club, and MentorCruise.

Conclusion

Parveen Khan 's journey in software quality engineering is a powerful example of how determination, support, and a commitment to diversity can lead to remarkable achievements. 

From her father’s encouragement to pursue a career in technology to becoming a global Keynote Speaker and dedicating her speech to her father, Parveen has continually pushed boundaries and inspired others to do the same. 

Her advice to young women and her insights on the importance of allyship and emerging technologies highlight her vision for a more inclusive and innovative tech industry. 

As Parveen continues to mentor, speak, and lead, she remains a pillar of inspiration for the next generation of tech professionals.