What skills have been most valuable in your transition from QA to software architecture at Nokia?

Hello Jeet P.

Thanks for the question. Transitioning from QA to software architecture requires a shift in mindset and skillset, but there are valuable skills that I have found to be particularly helpful in this transition. Allow me to share the top three skills I consider valuable:

1. Understanding of Software Development Life Cycle:

- Knowledge of different phases of the SDLC helps in designing robust architectures that cater to all stages of development and maintenance. This understanding ensures that the software is scalable, maintainable, and adaptable to changes throughout the software development process.

2. End-to-End System Understanding:

- Having a comprehensive understanding of the entire system, including the role of each component and how they interact with each other. It also enables me to identify potential bottlenecks, dependencies, and areas for improvement in the system.

3. Operator's Point of View:

- Understanding the perspective of the end-users/operators who will interact with the system is essential. This skill ensures that the architecture meets user needs according to the requirements while making the software robust, reliable, and scalable.

In conclusion, transitioning from QA to software architecture requires a combination of technical knowledge, system understanding, and user perspective. By developing these skills, I have been able to design architectures that are robust and efficient, ultimately contributing to the success of software projects.

I hope my experiences and skills inspire you to develop them and assist you in your career.

Best regards,

Casey

Thank you for your response! How do you stay updated with evolving telecom standards like 3GPP and O-RAN, and how do they influence your architectural decisions?

Hello Jeet P.,

Staying updated with evolving telecom standards like 3GPP and O-RAN is crucial in the telecom industry. Although my main role as a software architect does not directly connect to these standards, I keep myself up to date by reading articles and standard updates. In addition, I also work as one of the delegates for Nokia to represent O-RAN. I understand the importance of staying informed about these standards to ensure that my architectural decisions align with industry best practices and future trends.

By the way, thank you for the follow-up question. I hope this inspires you in your career.

Best regards,

Casey

Thank you, Casey! I appreciate your insights and the effort you put into staying updated. Your efforts is truly inspiring!