Getting to know Mohamed Ameen - From Banker to Test Manager

Interview with Mohamed Ameen, Test Manager at QESTIT

What was your original career path, and what made you consider a change?

I started out in the banking world. It was a solid career, but deep down, I was always drawn to tech. I used to get really interested in the systems we used, how they worked behind the scenes and what made them function smoothly.

That curiosity kept growing over time. While working in banking, I got involved in system changes and user testing, and I realized I genuinely enjoyed that part of the work spotting issues, thinking through different scenarios, and seeing how the systems worked. That’s when it clicked for me. I thought, "Why not turn this into a career?"

How did you prepare for the switch? Did you study, take courses, or learn on the job?

Making the switch from banking to software testing was a significant step, and I approached it with a clear plan. I started by researching the field extensively to understand where my domain knowledge could be an asset. Then I enrolled in relevant training particularly ISTQB Foundation Level certification to build a strong theoretical base in software testing.

In parallel, I took online courses that focused on test case design, defect lifecycle, Agile methodologies, and tools like JIRA and Selenium. But the real learning happened on the job. I was fortunate to join a company where I could apply what I learned in real testing projects, under the guidance of experienced mentors. Over time, I combined my financial domain knowledge with practical testing experience, which helped accelerate my growth in the field.

What challenges did you face along the way, and what made them particularly tough?

One of the toughest challenges I faced was early in my transition from banking to software testing. I joined a project where I was responsible for testing a newly implemented core banking module. The system had complex business rules, multiple integrations, and limited documentation, which made it difficult to understand the full picture especially as someone new to formal testing practices.

To overcome this, I took a proactive approach. I spent extra hours testing fundamentals, familiarizing myself with the system through hands-on exploration, and reached out to both business users and technical team members to fill in knowledge gaps. I also created visual workflow diagrams to map the system logic, which helped me and later, the team better understand the end-to-end process.

As a result, I was able to design thorough test scenarios, catch several high-impact defects early in the cycle, and contribute to improving test coverage and documentation. My efforts were appreciated by the QA lead and project manager, and it was a key moment that boosted my confidence in navigating complex systems even without a technical background.

Now that you’re a test manager, what skills from your previous career have helped you in unexpected ways? 

Coming from a banking background, I brought a deep understanding of financial processes and customer expectations, which helped me quickly grasp business requirements in testing. What surprised me, though, was how much my attention to detail, risk awareness, and communication skills transferred over. In banking, small errors can have big consequences, and that mindset really sharpened my ability to spot issues and think critically in testing scenarios. Also, being able to communicate clearly with both technical teams and business users turned out to be a huge asset.

What key strategies or actions were most critical in achieving your success?

Staying curious and open to learning was key for me. I didn’t come from a technical background, so I made it a point to keep learning through courses, hands-on practice, and asking questions. I also made sure to use my banking knowledge wherever I could, which helped me add value even when I was still new to testing. And most importantly, I didn’t give up when things got hard, I kept pushing forward, step by step.

What key results or accomplishments have come from your efforts so far?

I’ve grown from a junior tester to a Test Manager within 5 years. I’ve led teams, delivered major testing projects. I contributed by acting as a bridge between business and technical teams. Coming from a banking background, I understood the business workflows and customer impact, which helped me validate that the new system met real-world needs. I was involved in reviewing requirements, designing test scenarios, and executing end-to-end tests across key modules like accounts, payments, and customer onboarding.

I also helped identify critical gaps early by thinking through edge cases based on my experience. Clear communication, attention to detail, and a strong focus on quality were key in ensuring the system was stable before go-live. It felt great to be part of a transformation that impacted the entire bank and its customers.

How has this success impacted your life?

It gave me a new sense of purpose. I feel more fulfilled doing work that excites me and allows me to grow. Plus, I get to work with great teams and face new challenges all the time. 

What is your most proud accomplishment?

When I became a test manager I led my first end-to-end testing project for a core banking transformation. Seeing it goes live successfully and knowing I played a big role—that was a proud moment. 

What key lessons have you learned from this experience?

Change is scary but often necessary. If you’re not satisfied where you are, don’t be afraid to try something new. Also, never stop learning the tech world evolves fast, and so should we. 

If you could go back and do something differently, what would it be?

Honestly, I would’ve made the switch earlier. But every step taught me something, so I have no regrets.

Where do you see yourself going next in your new career?

My next goal is to grow into a Delivery Manager role. After gaining solid experience in testing and leading teams, I’m ready to take on broader responsibilities managing end-to-end delivery, aligning with business goals, and driving quality across the project lifecycle. I enjoy working with cross-functional teams and keeping things on track, so stepping into delivery management feels like a natural next step in my career