A Q&A with Mantis EVN’s very own Sona Babasyan on how passion fuels both her work and life
At Mantis EVN, our greatest asset is our people. Their diverse backgrounds, unique perspectives, and unwavering dedication are what make our company thrive. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on one of these exceptional individuals who contributes to making Mantis EVN what it is. Join us as we get to know Sona Babasyan a little better through this Q&A session.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in QA/testing, and what’s your favorite thing about it?
A: My journey into QA was quite unexpected. It all started with a spontaneous interview with Gor Nagdalyan (the founder of Mantis EVN) which opened my eyes to a world I knew nothing about. Initially, the technical aspects seemed like a foreign language to me. The more I learned, the more I realized QA fit my natural tendencies – it felt close to my heart.
What I love most about QA is how it aligns with my detail-oriented nature and love for exploration. The role demands critical thinking, root cause analysis, and the ability to view products from various perspectives. It’s incredibly satisfying to identify issues and contribute to improving product quality before it reaches users. Plus, the continuous learning opportunities keep me engaged and growing professionally.
Q: Any favorite movie, book, food you’d like to highlight?
A: When it comes to TV shows, Friends is my ultimate comfort watch. It’s my go-to whether I’m feeling down or just want to relax. As for food, pasta wins hands down. It’s delicious, versatile, and perfect for any occasion when I’m unsure what to eat.
Q: What’s your favorite place you’ve visited, and why?
A: The Mediterranean cruises I’ve been on hold a special place in my heart. One recent trip with my husband and our friends was particularly memorable. These cruises are like floating cities, offering a perfect blend of luxury and adventure.
What makes them unique is the ever-changing scenery – you wake up in a new country each day, ready to explore a different culture. Yet, you have the comfort of returning to your ‘floating home’ each night. The mix of onboard entertainment, quiet moments on the balcony overlooking the endless sea, and daily adventures in new ports creates an unparalleled travel experience.
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies/activities?
A: I’m passionate about traveling, which ties into my love for cruises. When I’m home, I enjoy challenging myself with Lego sets or intricate wooden puzzles from Ugears. Swimming is my go-to for physical activity and relaxation. And to stay connected with my roots, I love participating in Armenian national dances – it’s a beautiful way to express culture through movement.
Q: If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
A: I’d love to step into the shoes of one of our developers for a day. It would be fascinating to experience how they receive and process the bugs or failed tickets we report. Understanding their perspective and seeing firsthand how issues are identified in the code, fixed, and resolved would give me valuable insights to enhance our QA processes.
Q: What’s your go-to productivity hack?
A: My productivity secret is all about laser focus. While I’m adept at multitasking for smaller tasks, when it comes to complex work, I completely “switch off” from my surroundings. I eliminate all distractions and immerse myself fully in the task at hand. This deep-focus approach allows me to tackle challenging problems more efficiently and effectively.
Q: How do you unwind after a busy day?
A: Unwinding is crucial for maintaining a work-life balance. I love spending quality time with family and friends – connecting with loved ones recharges my batteries. Depending on my mood, I might lose myself in a good movie or TV show, work on a new Lego project, or take a refreshing walk. The key is to find activities that help me disconnect from work and relax my mind.
Sona’s journey from QA novice to passionate professional, coupled with her love for travel, problem-solving, and continuous learning, makes her an invaluable member of the Mantis EVN team. Her unique perspective and approach to work and life contribute to the diverse and dynamic environment that defines our company culture.
