I still feel new to the software industry. After graduating with a BSc in Software Engineering, I worked for 5 years in Technical Support, supporting a wide variety of tools using a variety of technologies. When I felt it was time for a new challenge, I made the move to Testing. It was a natural move as I had already developed the basic skills I needed in support. I have been a Tester since then, and use my experience in support to keep user experience (and the pains that poor experience can cause support teams) as the focus of my testing.
During my transition to test, I found help, support and mentoring from other experienced testers. While I will always have more to learn, I have been working to give back to the community where I am involved with the Software Testing Clinic (Cambridge) and the Cambridge Lean Coffee mornings. I also care deeply about the health of my team, as a healthy team will be a happier team, and a happier team will deliver better projects.
In my spare time, I volunteer with St John Ambulance as an Advanced First Aider. I cycle as much as I can, mountain bike whenever possible and ride a motorbike given the slightest excuse.