#Employee Spotlight Interview: 

Pha Nguyen - A team-oriented girl embarks on a software testing career journey.




December 21, 2023 by STYL Solutions

In our ongoing commitment to recognizing outstanding individuals who embody our core values, we are delighted to shine a spotlight on Pha for her incredible dedication to teamwork. She exemplifies the spirit of collaboration, dedication, and mutual support that lies at the heart of our commitment to teamwork.

 Let's celebrate Pha's outstanding achievements and her contribution to our team! 

Could you give a quick intro and tell me your role at STYL?

Hey, nice to meet you. I'm Chau Pha, and whenever I introduce myself, people often associate me with the song "Nỗi Buồn Châu Pha" (The Sorrow of Chau Pha). I think it's something that leaves a lasting impression and makes my name more memorable.

I recently graduated from the University of Information Technology, Ho Chi Minh City, with a major in Information System. People often describe me as honest, approachable, and with a good team spirit. I enjoy cooking, and I find that this activity helps me relax and relieve stress.

I've been working as a Software Tester at STYL, starting from an intern to a full-time staff member. My main responsibility is to plan and execute software and hardware quality tests before they are released to the market. Currently, I am focused on the Smart Buddy project, which involves implementing Fintech and IoT solutions in schools.

Why did you pick STYL to start your career, and how did you progress to becoming a full-time employee there?

One day, while scrolling through my school's forum, I saw a post about a company looking for a QA Intern. I misread "STYL" as "STYLE" and thought, "Why would a company have that name?" Curious, I looked it up and found out it was STYL Solutions. This mix-up led me to explore more about the company, and I thought it was a good fit for me. So, I applied and luckily got the internship in the Quality Assurance department.

At first, I was worried about how to do well in my tasks and fit in with my colleagues because I didn't have much experience. But during my six months as an intern, I got involved in two important projects, SmartBuddy and Farmbox. The QA team and project members, especially my mentor Jessy, were very supportive and guided me. This helped me overcome challenges, excel in my tasks, and learn a lot. My communication skills also improved, making it easier to work with my team to solve problems.

After that, I got an offer to join as a full-time QA employee. I'm thankful for this opportunity, and it's been the most memorable journey for me. I'll keep working hard and contributing my best. I hope my career will bring even more interesting experiences and growth in the future.

How do you perceive teamwork in the QC Engineer role?

Teamwork skills are pivotal across roles, especially for QA engineers like me. These skills are essential for understanding project requirements and interacting with the entire team, making tasks easier to achieve. They not only boost professional expertise but also facilitate knowledge sharing. Effective communication among QA engineers brings diverse perspectives to problem-solving and speeds up error resolution. 

Ultimately, strong teamwork fosters a positive work environment, influencing team spirit and commitment to enhancing product quality.

How do you manage personal time and prioritize tasks to ensure the effectiveness of the team?

To ensure the team's efficiency, I consistently manage my time and prioritize tasks through:

Prioritizing Tasks: Before starting the workday, I identify the tasks that need to be accomplished and prioritize them. This helps me focus on the most crucial tasks for the team.

Creating a Work Schedule: I establish a work schedule that aligns with the available time and resources. This ensures that everyone on the team has the necessary time and information to carry out their tasks.

Task Focus: When working on a task, I concentrate entirely on it and avoid distractions such as mobile phones or social media.

Learning to Decline: If a task falls outside the scope of my time or capabilities, I learn to decline tactfully to avoid disrupting the team's plan.

Adjusting the Schedule: When issues arise, causing delays in tasks compared to the initial plan, I flexibly adjust my work schedule to maintain the team's overall productivity.

Self-Rewards and Breaks: To maintain a balance between work and personal life, I often reward myself, such as with a cup of coffee during work hours. After work, I take time to rest and rejuvenate, often through engaging in sports or physical exercise.

Certainly! Can you share a personal experience where teamwork helped you understand yourself better and develop professional skills?

To think about it, teamwork has been very beneficial for me in my current job. For instance, when I joined the Smart Buddy project, it provided me with valuable experiences. I learned how to listen to and respect others' perspectives when facing different viewpoints from team members. Moreover, through discussions, I learned how to integrate various opinions to come up with the best solution for the project. Additionally, input and suggestions from different team members offered new perspectives, assisting me in developing my ideas. In a positive environment, team members also helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses, prompting me to recognize areas for improvement and growth. Ultimately, working in a team has taught me a valuable lesson: to embrace feedback positively and turn it into motivation for personal development.

Is there anything Pha would like to share with young individuals who are just starting their career journeys like yourself? 


I just want to convey to you, as you embark on a new journey, to thoroughly understand the environment and the job you're entering, as well as to be self-aware of what you need and why you chose it. Another crucial aspect is to be proactive, foster an open mindset, and be willing to connect with others. When people have an open mindset and are ready to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas for the best outcomes for their team, that's when you can improve your teamwork skills and learn more. I believe that's very important.

We can do it. I wish you success on your career path! 💗

👋 Hey there! Keep going, and you'll discover what other folks in the company think of Pha. Exciting stuff ahead! 😊 

KIEU NGUYEN

Quality Assurance Lead

December 10, 2023

"She is friendly, kind, and sociable. Her commitment to the team is unmistakable, showcased through her in-depth comprehension of the features undergoing testing and her proactive initiatives in identifying and rectifying bugs. Pha actively engages with her colleagues to address issues efficiently, consistently embodying a robust team spirit that resonates not only within the QA team but throughout the entire project. Her dedication to collective success is a testament to her valuable contribution to fostering a collaborative and productive work environment. "

QUYEN PHAN

Frontend Software Engineer

December 10, 2023

"Pha is a lively, adorable, and sociable girl. She is always ready to lend support when there's an issue to be checked and works efficiently with the team. Pha takes initiative and maintains a positive attitude in all her tasks. In the Smart Buddy project, she consistently demonstrates the most positive spirit."