Meet Colin: Test Analyst

When did you start at Dolphin and in what role?

I started at Dolphin in March 2010 as a Marketing Administrator while undertaking a Level 3 NVQ in Business Administration. I soon thereafter realised my calling was in product testing so within 6 months of starting I moved into the Quality & Design department, which is now Product Customisation and Testing  where I still reside to this day.

 

What qualifications or experience did you have?

Various levels of Business and IT Qualifications including a foundation degree in IT Management. I also brought a wealth of experience in Computer Magnification and Screen Reading as a long term user of Dolphin products. Just before starting at Dolphin I worked as an Office Administrator in a DSA Access Centre which funded equipment and software for disabled students in higher education.

 

What made you choose Dolphin?

As a visually impaired person studying and living in Worcester and with many years of Dolphin product knowledge I wanted to help the team further improve the user experience, continuing to give people their independence that I gained as a Dolphin user. This was partly prompted by previously witnessing first-hand many people being given the wrong equipment or software for their needs when working in other roles.

 

What are the biggest challenges you have faced?

Some of my biggest challenges has been in making my own adjustments to my daily life and the roles I undertake at Dolphin as someone who has deteriorating sight loss while juggling my responsibilities as a proud dad to my young son.

 

What sort of development have you received in your time at Dolphin?

My personal development at Dolphin continues to be a journey with ever more to learn within the many roles and responsibilities I’m tasked with. My main developments have included internal training  days, external Testing summits, Online Digital Accessibility courses and the ISTQB Software Testing Certification. Most of what I have learnt about Assistive Technology and Software Testing can be contributed to my time at Dolphin, experience within a role like this has been invaluable to my desire to increase my knowledge of the market and has meant that I get to meet and work with interesting people.

 

How has your role developed?

From a marketing administrator to Product Tester to Product Test Analyst, my role, experience and responsibilities have gone from strength to strength. I have been involved in many projects and been a part of many integral teams. As time has gone on I’ve put all of this experience towards driving product design and testing forwards. While in my testing role I discovered a desire to teach and assist others in using products and became involved in product accredited training in house but also get to travel within the UK to train trainers.

 

What do you rate in Dolphin as an employer?

Dolphin is a small, friendly, relaxed and flexible environment to work within while staying very focused and committed to the independence of others. I have had many opportunities to get involved in different projects and each day while with its challenges are very diverse and interesting. Being involved in Dolphin after work charity events and social activities are fun and a plus too.