about

If you haven't guessed it already, my name is Qas. I'm a recent Computer Science graduate (BSc Computer Science with Industrial Experience) from the University of Manchester's School of Computer Science (@csmcr).

Education

After growing up in Warrington and attending primary school there, we moved to Manchester in the summer holidays before I started secondary school. I went to Altrincham Grammar School for Boys (AGSB) where I spent a total of seven years while I studied for my GCSEs and A levels. I have always been curious about computers from an early age, introduced to them by my dad who used to build computers for friends and family at the time; something that I took over the reigns on quite a few years back (and am now the families technical support for anything and everything computer related), I was lucky enough to get a taster of programming while at AGSB where I took Computing at A level. I really enjoyed the small overview we had of Computing at A level but always felt there was more to explore and learn, therefore it was not unexpected when I chose to study Computer Science at University.

Searching for where to study wasn't something I had given much thought, I knew Manchester was well known and respected as a University in general and it was also where the first stored program computer (the Baby was built so maybe it was natural that Manchester was my first choice. I did visit other Universities but did not find them as impressive as Manchester and looking back I'm glad I chose University of Manchester to study Computer Science, the School of Computer Science is very well regarded amongst other universities and perhaps more importantly, with employers; as well as the fact that in my opinion (may be a little biased) the course itself is excellent and prepared me well for a career in this field.

Work

I'm currently a Test Engineer working at AppSense working in the mobile division. Our UK QA team are focussed on DataNow, we perform manual regression tests where necessary (we have an offshore team that do most of the heavy lifting here) but most of our time is spent writing new test cases, maintaining our existing test suites, investigating new features and verifying defects.

I first came across AppSense during my placement year between my second and third year while studying for my degree. At the time I was in London working in Enterprise Infrastructure within the Technology division at Morgan Stanley, I had come back to Manchester for a few days and attended a Quiz Night that the University put on where I met Abdul Hummaida. We got talking and after a couple of interviews I was offered a summer placement before I went back to uni that September. Following a successful nine week placement before I left I was offered a Graduate role which I gratefully accepted and haven't look back since - recently been promoted to a Test Engineer position.

Hobbies and Interests

I'm an avid Formula 1 fan and have followed it closely for the past four or five years, rarely missing a race (although haven't been to one - yet!). I particularly enjoy the technical aspect of the teams interpret the regulations and also the competitive nature. Throughout school, I played cricket on a regular basis for both the school team and my local club, I haven't played on a regular basis since my A levels but I still enjoy watching it on the TV, especially the World Cup or the IPL.

At work I don't get to do much software development (out of choice, I didn't want to be developing software day in day out) however I do like to dabble in a little bit here and there. I spend what time I can spare on projects such as Chula (software running this blog) to scratch the developer itch I get from time to time.

If I do get any time for it, I enjoy DIY. Throughout the years I have always helped my dad and taken an interest in any DIY work he's carried out at home, I guess it has rubbed off on me. I often help my dad on weekends with his work, he's a school caretaker during the week but in the evenings and weekends he works for himself as a handyman. I love the different types of jobs I can help him with, whether it's being a locksmith, electrician, plumber, joiner or anything in between there's always a new challenge and always something new to learn.