This Thursday I'm doing a lunchtime presentation on Robot Testers for the Software Association of Oregon. I'm looking forward to it. I like the Portland area and its testers. And they did me a very big favor ten years ago.
In 1997, I was testing UNIX software for HP in Corvallis, Oregon. Every month, I drove the 160 mile round trip up to Beaverton to attend QASIG presentations and chat with other testers. At some point, I volunteered to give a presentation. I think I ended up talking about mistake-proofing techniques. It was my first time giving an external industry presentation. People were supportive and knowledgeable. They asked a lot of great and challenging questions, and it was a lot of fun. I was hooked.
Speaking and writing about software testing has had a big and beneficial effect on my career since 1997. I have encountered people, ideas and opportunities that would not have been possible otherwise. So, I'm looking forward to Thursday for the chance to present, and the opportunity to pay back a bit of what I owe them.
