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<u>my cv is a wiki</u> ...and I think that's pretty cool. Welcome and explore! Hopefully you'll find what you're looking for.
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''It's early days still, and there's plenty more things to do. [http://dirksonline.net/cvwiki/index.php?title=Talk:Curriculum_Vitae_-_Vincent_Dirks <u>feedback is welcome</u>]''
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[[#BackToTop|Back to the Top]]
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{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 10px;"
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 10px;"
!Name
! Name
|Vincent Izaak Dirks
| Vincent Dirks
|-
! e-mail
| [mailto:vincent@dirksonline.net?Subject=Enquiry%20from%20CV%20Wiki vincent@dirksonline.net]
|-
|-
!e-mail
! Mob
|nospam1@dirksonline.net
| 021-0269-6216
|-
|-
!Address
! LinkedIn
|Kelvin Rd<br />Remuera<br />Auckland 1050
| [https://nz.linkedin.com/in/vincent-dirks-937aa557 nz.linkedin.com]
|-
|-
!Mob
! Location
| 021-0269-6216
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parau Parau], West Auckland
|-
|-
!LinkedIn
! Download
| https://nz.linkedin.com/in/vincent-dirks-937aa557
| [https://dirksonline.net/CV/2024%20Curriculum%20Vitae%20-%20Vincent%20Dirks.pdf Curriculum Vitae pdf]
|}
|}


== Intro ==
== Vincent Dirks - [[What's in a title?|Software Quality Engineer]] ==
I'm an agile software test analyst. I love adjusting the test process to match it to the context at hand. I like manual (exploratory) testing, but I also have fun coding some automated checks. I gravitate towards Context Driven Testing (CDT), and tend to agree with the thoughts and expressions from the leaders of the CDT community, such as James Bach and Michael Bolton. I'm also really enjoying learning about Agile methods and philosophies; for me, Agile is best summed up as "Autonomy with Responsibility through Trust".  
As a versatile Software Quality Engineer, I aim to understand the nuances of the product, team dynamics, technological landscapes, and organisational structures so that I can adapt and contribute effectively. I specialise in adapting to diverse contexts, and look beyond traditional testing methodologies to consider the design of the whole quality ecosystem necessary for delivering quality software solutions efficiently.
When you distil software development to its true essence, it is still about people; it is driven by people, made by people, and most importantly, it is made for people. People have emotions, passions, motivators and more. We're all different, and we all have something unique to give. I'm looking to work with people that have a passion for what they do, and have fun doing it! For me, testing is my professional passion, and I'm looking for a new role where I can work with people who share their passions and challenge me to be the best.
 
== Skills ==
=== Testing ===
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|
* Context Driven Testing
* API Testing
* Testing Native Mobile Apps
* Testing Web Apps
* Testing Firmware/Embedded systems
* Testability Concepts
|
* Observability Concepts
* Exploratory Testing (Session & Thread Based)
* Visual Modelling
* Metrics Driven Development (A/B Testing)
* Accessibility Testing
|}
 
=== Programming and Automation ===
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align:left"| JavaScript
! style="text-align:left"| Java
! style="text-align:left"| Other
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
 
|
* Node.js, npm
* Express.js
* React
* Jest
* Cypress.io
* Webdriver.io
* mermaid.js
|
* [https://maven.apache.org/ Maven], [https://junit.org/ JUnit], [https://testng.org/ TestNG]
* [https://cucumber.io/ Cucumber] ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behavior-driven_development BDD])
* [https://rest-assured.io/ REST-assured]
* [https://www.selenium.dev/ Selenium]
* [https://www.selenium.dev/documentation/test_practices/encouraged/page_object_models/ Page Object Models] (POMs)
* [https://wave.tidalcode.dev/ Tidal. Wave]
|
* C#: Specflow (BDD)
* SQL & [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SQL_Server_Management_Studio SSMS]
* Appium
* XCUITest
* GraphQL
* C++: Arduino, ESP32
|}
 
=== Tools ===
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|
* [https://www.splunk.com/ Splunk] (log aggregation & analysis)
* Postman, Newman
* VS Code, IntelliJ, Visual Studio
* Github, Bitbucket
* Docker, Linux
* Chrome Ext's [https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/custom-javascript-for-web/ddbjnfjiigjmcpcpkmhogomapikjbjdk?pli=1 CJS], [https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/bug-magnet/efhedldbjahpgjcneebmbolkalbhckfi Bug Magnet], [https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/clear-session/maejjihldgmkjlfmgpgoebepjchengka Clear Session]
* [https://icecreamapps.com/Screen-Recorder/ Icecream Screen Recorder]
|
 
* [https://www.telerik.com/fiddler Fiddler], [https://www.charlesproxy.com/ Charles Proxy], [https://www.wireshark.org/ Wireshark]
* Jenkins, Azure Devops (TFS), Google Cloud Platform
* Bash & [https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/ PowerShell] scripting
* Browser Dev Tools
* [https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira Jira], [https://www.atlassian.com/software/confluence Confluence]
* [https://www.soapui.org/ SoapUI], [https://smartbear.com/product/ready-api/ ReadyAPI]
|}
 
=== General ===
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|
* Banking and Finance Sector
* AML/CFT Solutions
* Online Auction Platforms
* Vehicle Leasing systems
* Platform Engineering
* Staff Mentoring & Induction
|
* Agile Squad Master
* Microservices Architecture
* Manufacturing Resource Planning - Logistics Manager
* Physics - Weather Radar Systems, Lasers, Fibre-optics
* Electrical & Electronic Engineering
|}


== Work Experience ==  
== Work Experience ==  
===Senior Software Test Analyst – Trade Me (Dec 2014 - Aug 2016)===
=== [[Water Services Reform, DIA - Senior Test Automation Engineer]] (Nov-2023 - Jan-2024) ===
:Part of small squad (cross functional agile team) testing software changes to the iconic NZ Trade Me website (Motors Group) covering
: Contracting through [https://ttcglobal.com TTC Global]. Test Automation team, Three Waters Project, developing a UI Automation suite in Java using the [https://wave.tidalcode.dev/ Tidal. wave] Selenium automation library
:* DB, UI, API, and architecture changes
 
:* deployment
=== [[Westpac NZ - Senior Automation Quality Engineer]] (Apr-2021 - Nov-2023) ===
:* agile methods and squad mastering
: Served as a roving Automation Quality Engineer, addressing testing and automation needs across multiple teams. Conducted testing and automation for mobile apps (Appium & XCUITest), a D365 web UI (Java, Selenium, POM's), and various APIs (Java, REST Assured). Also contributed as a platform engineer supporting Splunk, and developed a React web app for visualising test environments (Node.js, React, mermaid.js).
:* new staff induction and junior staff support
 
:* test automation for API (Ready!API/SoapUI) and UI changes (tractor/protractor)
=== [[FirstAML - Test Analyst]] (Oct-2020 - Mar-2021) ===
:* test planning and test reviews
: Served as a quality coach for a startup company developing a ReactJS Web App for the AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering/Countering Financing of Terrorism) industry.
:* test guild contributor
 
:Whilst at Trade Me I continued to attend many WeTest MeetUps and have developed a well connected network of professionals in the Auckland as well as New Zealand test community.  
=== [[Weather Radar NZ limited - Weather Radar Systems Engineer]] (Jun-2020 - Oct-2020) ===
:Attended
: Contracting 4 days/week. Retrofitting legacy weather radars with embedded Arduino micro controllers. Designing new electronics, PCB's, maintaining power waveguide systems, and performing signal analysis.
:*WeTest 2015 annual conference
 
:*Rapid Software Testing by James Bach (was awarded the coveted James Bach star) (3 day course)
=== [[Grappler- Agile Quality Analyst]] (Jun-2020 - Oct-2020) ===
:*Critical Thinking by Michael Bolton (1 day course)
: Contracting 1 day/week. Developed a small solution to run a Postman collection in Google Cloud Platform and a simple Web UI (Node.js, Express.js) to trigger test runs and display HTML test reports.
:*Visual Modelling by Adam Howard (Trade Me internal training)
 
:Presented
=== [[Fiserv Auckland - Intermediate Software Test Engineer]] (Jan-2017 - Apr-2020) ===
:*Gather 2016, an interactive session on Metrics Driven Development and the analysis of AB Testing data
: Native Mobile App functional and accessibility testing. API testing and automation, using Postman/Newman, Specflow with C#, JavaScript (Postman, Node.js, Express.js), Splunk for dashboards, TFS & Powershell for System deployment automation. Created the Postman Testrunner Framework (PTF) for automated API integration checks and environment health monitoring.
:*Agile Auckland, Three Agile testing Lessons I learned at Trade Me
 
=== [[Engel Consulting - Contracting]] (Sep 2016 - Dec 2016) ===
 
=== [[Trade Me - Senior Software Test Analyst]] (Dec-2014 - Aug-2016) ===
: Context-driven exploratory testing for software changes to the iconic [https://www.trademe.co.nz/ Trade Me] website, focussing on the [https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors Motors] page & features. My responsibilities included testing DBs, UIs, APIs, and mobile apps, leading deployments, conducting test planning and peer reviews, utilising BDD and visual test tools. I gained experience with implementing agile methods, Splunk, ReadyAPI, XMind, Jira, and Confluence. I also enjoyed onboarding new staff and contributing to the test and agile guilds.
 
=== [[Pre-2014 Roles]] ===
: [[Pre-2014 Roles#LeasePlan NZ - Software Tester (Apr-2013 - Dec-2014)|Software Tester]], [[Pre-2014 Roles#Monitor Business Machines NZ Ltd - Logistics Manager (Aug-2005 - Aug-2009)|Logistics Manager]], [[Pre-2014 Roles#Primary Caregiver (Sep-2003 - Jul-2005)|Caregiver]], [[Pre-2014 Roles#Bioengineering Institute - Software Engineer (Sep 2002 - Aug 2003)|Software Engineer]], [[Pre-2014 Roles#Monitor Business Machines NZ Ltd - Development & Support Engineer (Aug 1997 - Nov 2001)|Development & Support Engineer]], [[Pre-2014 Roles#Carter Holt Harvey(Tissue Group) - Production Scheduler (1994 - 1996)|Production Scheduler]], [[Pre-2014 Roles#University of Auckland - Lab Coordinator & Physics Tutor (Sep-2003 - Jul-2005 part time)|Physics Tutor]]
 
== Related wiki pages ==
=== [[References_-_Full_List|References]] ===
:[[References_-_Full_List#Dept. of Internal Affairs (TTC)| TTC]], [[References_-_Full_List#Westpac| Westpac ]], [[References_-_Full_List#Fiserv| Fiserv ]], [[References_-_Full_List#| Trade Me Motors]]
 
=== GitHub Profile ===
: [[My GitHub Projects]]
 
=== [[Volunteering]] ===
: [https://www.neighbourly.co.nz/organisation/laingholm-district-citizens-association Laingholm & Districts Citizens Association], [[Ministry of Testing - Auckland Branch|Ministry of Testing]], Eastern Suburbs AFC, Glendowie Boating Club, MOTAT, Eastern Suburbs Montessori Primary School


===Software Tester – LeasePlan NZ (Apr 2013 - Dec 2014)===
=== [[Professional Development]] ===
:Full time testing contractor to the IS department, testing a variety of bespoke applications primarily for internal use.
: Conferences, workshops, meetups etc.
:*Complex quotation app for car leasing built in MS-Access
:*Online driver FBT data collection portal (UI, web security, data flows from web to and from LPNZ, emailing)
:*Character based legacy (AS-400) system testing
:*Developed a test automation framework for above character based system.
:At LPNZ I was introduced to testing as a proper profession by my friend Christina Linwood. I attended the NZ Tester Magazine conference, and went to a full day workshop on Risk Based Testing by Matt Mansell. It was exhilarating to be with people passionate about testing.


===Primary Caregiver (Sep-2009 - Mar-2013) ===
=== [[Education]] ===
:* Eastern Suburbs AFC –Junior Girls Co-ordinator (2011-2014)
: University of Auckland: ME(Elec) 1993
:* Glendowie Boating Club - Arrow Class Convenor  (2011-2015)
:* MOTAT Tramways Volunteer Conductor (2012-2014)
:* Eastern Suburbs Montessori Primary School - PTA (2011-2012)


===Research Assistant – University of Auckland (part time Aug 2011 - May 2012)===
=== [[Presentations, Posts, and blogs]] ===
:Set up large database (MS Access) of historic Auckland traffic flows for research into a cyclist's exposure to air pollution when commuting to and from work.


===Logistics Manager - Monitor Business Machines NZ Ltd (Aug-2005 - Aug 2009)===
----
:Total management of all aspects of production and delivery of all electronic hardware sold by the company.
----


===BTech Lab Coordinator & Physics Tutor University of Auckland (part time Feb 2004 – Dec 2005)===
==What I'm reading, watching, listening, learning, and trying out in 2024==
:*Managed the lab for approximately 20 students doing their final year projects in BTech(Opto-electronics)
:*Primary academic supervisor for several students
:*Physics tutor for Dept of Maori & Pacific Health


===Bluetooth Software Engineer UoA Bioengineering Institute===
===Learning===
Sep-2002 – Aug 2003
* [https://www.udemy.com/course/playwright-from-zero-to-hero Udemy Playwright: Web Automation Testing From Zero to Hero]
: I'm going to try use this to test some of my CV Wiki site.
: See [[Udemy Playwright: Web Automation Testing From Zero to Hero|my notes]] as well as GitHub [https://github.com/VincentDirks/Playwright-Udemy-Course repo #1], and [https://github.com/VincentDirks/Playwright-Udemy-Course-2 repo #2]


===Physics Tutor University of Auckland===
===My Personal [[Observability Project]]===
Jul-2002 – Sep2002
* [https://expressjs.com/en/starter/hello-world.html Express.js basic hello world] and my [https://github.com/VincentDirks/node.js-in-the-cloud node.js-in-the-cloud] repo
* [https://www.atlassian.com/microservices/microservices-architecture/kubernetes-vs-docker Kubernetes vs. Docker] by Josh Campbell at Atlassian <br>
:I want to learn the difference between these technologies to see how it might apply to my [[Observability Project]]


===Senior Development & Support Engineer, Project Manager===
* Setting up Docker Desktop at home to run the [https://github.com/Splunk/docker-Splunk Docker Splunk Image]
Monitor Business Machines NZ Ltd Aug 1997 – Nov 2001


xxx
=== Test Community Events ===
* Registered to go to the [https://nztestingconf.nz/ NZTestingConf 2024] in Wellington to listen to
** Shay Naiki, QA Manager @ Alphero: Creating a collaborative culture in the testing world: lessons from life in a digital agency
** Nevetha Mani, Product Human @ Hectre: Off the beaten path: rethinking quality in the startup world
** Emma Procter & Jonathan Shirley, @ PikPok: Finding the fun: researching and playtesting games at PikPok
** Patricio Miner, Content Creator @ Free Range Testers: ETL: the testing niche you've never thought of
** Toby Martin, QA Practice Lead @ Pushpay: Stop automating, start investigating: a guide to slowing down to speed up
** Ryan Bevens, QA Community Manager @ Potentia: Diary of a reluctant recruiter: your value as a tester
:''== Watch this space for conference notes ==''


test -
===Interesting Reads===
* '''[https://www.satisfice.com/download/a-context-driven-approach-to-automation-in-testing A Context Driven Approach to Automation in Testing]''' By James Bach and Michael Bolton
:Quote: ''"dynamically evaluating context and selecting, designing, or adjusting our actions to solve the problems that we encounter."''
* '''[https://www.satisfice.com/blog/archives/4947 Round Earth Test Strategy]''' by James Bach
:Interesting alternative to the ''"Test Automation Pyramid"''.
:Quote: ''There are testing problems to consider at every level, "Quality above requires quality below".''


===Short Term Contracts===
===[[Archive What I'm Reading, Watching, Listing, Learning, and Trying Out|Archive]]===
- Cerebos Greggs – Production Planner & documentation
:Old pre-2024 entries
- Auckland City Council – Ph PABX maintenance & support 1996 – 1997
===Production Scheduler – Charter Holt Harvey – Tissue Group===


sales forecasting, product specifications, Continuous improvement projects 1994 – 1996
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== Education ==
[[#Intro Vincent Dirks - Software Quality Engineer|Back to Top]], Send [http://dirksonline.net/cvwiki/index.php?title=Talk:Curriculum_Vitae_-_Vincent_Dirks <u>feedback</u>]
1993 ME (Elec) University of Auckland<br />
1991 BE (Elec) Hons. University of Auckland<br />
1989 Secondary School Dux Literarum. Rutherford High School
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