Team Spotlight: Kumar Abhishek

How do you describe SDET? What is this role?

• SDET means software development engineer in test  – you do the same thing as a software developer, but your focus is testing using code instead of building.
• Developers build applications and I make sure they run well all the time.  I make sure that everything stays working smoothly for our end users when we have any upcoming changes to UI, feature adds, etc

How did you get started in SDET?

• From my POV, the role is fascinating – it’s a bit different than normal developers. In my role it’s more like magic – I can actually see my code running the automated tests and making sure everything is functional. 
• It’s more visual and that’s what I like a lot
• My role specifically is very diverse. I don’t specifically work on just front end, back end, or mobile – I work on most of those using different languages and frameworks which also gives me the opportunity to work with different teams
• There are a lot of opportunities to learn and grow – there’s always something to figure out and learn.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

• Well, I wanted to be a pilot – but in my family most people are engineers and doctors – so those are the paths that I was encouraged towards. I didn’t want to be a doctor so the choice to be an engineer was simple. 

You’ve been with PickTrace nearly 3 years now – What’s a favorite memory from your time here?

• The Engineering Vacathon in Palm Springs last year.  It was the first time we were all in the same home together for 4 days. We were working together, having fun, cooking, swimming, coding, and spending a lot of time and creating personal connections. Sometimes when you’re remote, you can feel hesitant to reach out to someone, but with that personal relationship it’s easier to collaborate. 
• Also, this year’s WA trip with Crew 2 (Onboarding). It was really fun – we were going to the field at 4am and out all day and spending our time together having fun even apart from the work.

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work? 

• Going to the gym regularly. I try to go 5 times a week and it’s become a hobby and habit and  if I don’t go, I feel like I’m missing something. It’s motivating. My wife is my gym partner.
• We also like cooking different cuisines every weekend. Sometimes trying to make a Chipotle bowl at home, or Halal Guys bowl, or testing different recipes. We like looking on youtube and trying to make our recipes as close as to the original possible. I will easily spend 3 hours cooking a meal
• My top cooking tip is patience. Following from step to step can be very difficult and it might feel like it’s not what you’re used to when the instructions say to use lots of spices or different ingredients.  

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received – or do you have a mantra you live by?

• Whenever I’m on the edge of giving up – I think “Remember why you started”.  It’s really helpful when I’m not as motivated for the gym or anything really.

If you were a fruit or vegetable what would you be and why?

• One fruit I regularly eat more than any other fruit is the banana. I like it because I feel like it’s very versatile – it goes with pancakes, waffles, chips. It can be used in so many ways. I’m also very adaptable and flexible in my lifestyle and my work.