Srinivas is passionate about digital transformation and has led several initiatives in this space. Having supported the same client for over 5 years, he understands the importance of addressing his client’s concerns in a timely manner. “I find fulfillment in designing personalized solutions and delivering high-quality products to enhance the banking experience for my client’s customers,” he says.
Srinivas’s core strength lies in the realm of Management Consulting, with a particular focus on Strategy and Operations. Moreover, he is well-versed in spearheading Digital Transformation initiatives and guiding organizations through the complex process of change. On the technical front, he is a seasoned practitioner of Test Management and Test Process Governance, ensuring the quality and efficiency of software testing endeavors.
As Srinivas approached his graduation from Purdue University in 2011 with a degree in Information Systems, he was eager to kickstart his career. He sought to join like-minded individuals in architecting high-quality software systems. During his senior year, he happened to meet representatives from Olenick’s recruiting department at a collegiate career fair. Intrigued by their Talent Academy program, he applied for a position and thus began his career in Quality Assurance (QA) as a Test Engineer.
With an academic background in Systems Analysis and Design, Enterprise Application Architecture, and Enterprise Data Management, Srinivas found himself drawn to the world of Quality Assurance. His initial days in the training program remain vivid in his memory. “I connected with Technology Professionals from diverse backgrounds, who coached me on industry best practices, and gave me opportunities to improve my interpersonal skills.”
Srinivas benefited from the guidance and mentorship of a Consultant Advocate and a Senior Manager. He attributes his achievements to the Talent Academy program and recommends it to anyone aspiring to kickstart their career with Qualitest.
Srinivas began his career at Olenick in 2012 as a Consultant and steadily climbed the ranks. Things took an interesting turn in April 2021 when Olenick was acquired by Qualitest, and Srinivas’s Associate role evolved into a Senior Manager position. Just a few months into his new role, he reached another milestone by becoming a Director.
Srinivas serves as one of several mentors in Qualitest’s Mentorship Program. When asked about his role as a mentor, he says, “For me, mentoring is a means of giving back. My passion for mentoring stems from my belief that empowering individuals gives them the confidence to unlock their full potential.”
Srinivas breaks down the Mentorship Program for us. “This program’s process is quite straightforward; it involves an initial agreement on confidentiality and meeting schedules. When it comes to the program’s objectives and scope, it must be defined collaboratively with the mentee. This should be followed by the identification of growth areas and the establishment of SMART goals. Together, the mentor and mentee create a customized action plan, equipping the mentee with the necessary tools to achieve their goals. The program also emphasizes ongoing dynamic feedback to ensure continuous improvement to enhance its effectiveness for future mentees.”
Srinivas has worked closely with his mentees to establish clear goals and action plans. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Learning session: The initial interaction aimed to understand the mentee’s motivations and aspirations within the mentorship program. Srinivas suggests asking thought-provoking questions at this stage to prompt the mentee to self-reflect on their experiences and goals.
Establishing trust: In the second session, Srinivas recommends having open discussions about personal and professional vulnerabilities and sharing experiences.
Identifying growth areas: Prior to this meeting, Srinivas advises asking the mentee to compile a list of 3 – 5 areas they wish to work on.
Goal setting: At this stage, Srinivas recommends crafting an action plan and outlining feasible timeframes for attaining these objectives.
Next steps: Here, Srinivas suggests summarizing the progress made throughout the sessions, providing a celebratory touchpoint.
“The feedback you receive will help enhance your mentoring approach and enable you to make improvements for future mentees,” says Srinivas, emphasizing the importance of being open to feedback from the mentee.
Many of Srinivas’s mentees have expressed that his encouragement, positive attitude, and feedback provided them with much-needed confidence boosts. Notably, one of his mentees attributed their growth as a more proficient and well-rounded leader to Srinivas’s valuable feedback and assistance.
“Trust forms the foundation for open and honest communication between mentor and mentee, allowing for discussions on personal and professional vulnerabilities,” shares Srinivas. He built trust with his mentees through active listening, respect, confidentiality, transparency, and vulnerability. He actively sought feedback, adapted to the session’s context, and collaborated with his mentees to create a supportive mentorship environment.
Srinivas views mentorship as a long-term commitment that extends beyond the confines of formal sessions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining connections with mentees even after these interactions conclude. “It is immensely satisfying to witness a mentee’s growth and success. I find it deeply rewarding to contribute to their development within their respective areas of focus.”
Moreover, guiding mentees through challenges and collaboratively devising solutions has enhanced Srinivas’s own problem-solving skills. “Mentorship is a two-way street,” says Srinivas, “where mentees often provide diverse perspectives, innovative problem-solving techniques, and insights into emerging technologies. To enrich one’s own professional knowledge, it is important to stay open to feedback.”
Srinivas revels in exploring new destinations alongside his spouse, with their perennial top-choice getaway being Inverness, Scotland. He finds immense pleasure in dabbling in amateur nature photography and nurtures aspirations to delve into the captivating realm of astrophotography. Srinivas is also an avid fan of the American TV series, “The Office”.
At Qualitest, we believe in providing our employees with ample opportunities to enhance their skills, learn new technologies, and take on challenging projects that push their boundaries. #BeMoreAtQualitest and unlock your full potential. Interested in working with us? Join a team of world-class experts in quality engineering right here at Qualitest.
