Junior resource to QA lead: An 11-year journey at blueBriX

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Nifina Shajahan

QA Lead

When I joined blueBriX, I was one of four people selected from a mass interview. I remember the mix of gratitude and uncertainty that came with being chosen; grateful for the opportunity, yet unsure if I could truly deliver. As a junior resource in a growing company, I had no idea that this role would become far more than a job. It would become a journey of transformation, both professionally and personally.

The early days were filled with learning and growth. The company kept evolving my roles, pushing me toward new challenges, and gradually, almost unexpectedly, I found myself becoming the QA lead. It felt surreal, not because I didn’t believe in myself, but because the growth had happened so organically, supported by people who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. There’s something about this company that makes you want to stay, to push yourself, to belong.

Growth through challenge

The Sanford and Metro projects stand out as defining moments. During those intense periods, I remember cutting the New Year cake right there on a project desk, surrounded by teammates who chose to be there, working alongside the company’s mission. What could have felt like sacrifice instead felt like purpose. We weren’t just meeting deadlines; we were delivering happiness to our clients. And when they were satisfied, we felt genuinely proud.

During this period, QA was scaling rapidly. I felt pride and joy in leading a strong team. Every person on that team was willing to give more when asked, and their dedication made me feel trusted and valued as a leader.

As the company evolved, so did our challenges. There were periods of transition, times when the team composition shifted, when new approaches to testing needed to be learned, when we had to adapt to changing demands. My leads and managers became trusted mentors. When I faced moments of doubt, they’d say with quiet confidence: “Go ahead and do this. We’ll deal with challenges when they come.” That phrase – trust wrapped in pragmatism – gave me a confidence I didn’t possess before.

The arc of confidence

Over these 11 years, I’ve watched myself transform in ways I can tangibly feel. Once, I asked my manager before undertaking any significant task. Now, I’m a decision-maker. I identify and mitigate risks. I offer insights that shape strategy. My perception has sharpened. More importantly, this growth has spilled beyond work. I’ve become mentally stronger. I carry this self-belief into every aspect of my life.

There was a moment after my maternity leave when everything felt uncertain. I questioned whether I could continue my career in the way I had before. That’s when blueBriX showed me what real support means. My team didn’t see an absence to fill; they saw an opportunity to support. They were considerate, flexible, and genuinely present.

A company that grew with me

I’ve watched blueBriX transform from roughly 40 people when I joined, with just eight of us in QA, to where we are today, to more than 200 members today. We’ve scaled together.

One thing that stands out is our commitment to growth. We host more training sessions than other teams, and people show up to take up the opportunities given. When someone learns something new, we share it. We create opportunities for everyone to grow with us.

The road ahead

For those joining blueBriX, my advice is straightforward: work hard, and it will be recognized. More importantly, invest in your own growth. Learn continuously. Right now, I’m focusing more intentionally on my own career trajectory than ever before. I’m diving deeper into automation, learning new technical skills, and embracing opportunities to grow. I know these opportunities exist at blueBriX because I’ve watched them compound over 11 years. And I’m determined to use every single one.

The journey from asking my manager’s permission to being someone who helps in shaping our QA strategy, that’s not just a title change. That’s what happens when a company believes in you and you believe in yourself.