By Passant Ismail, Quality Assurance Specialist at Mylab
A few years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined myself working in software testing, let alone doing it in Finnish. But here I am. I’ve built a career from scratch in a field I love, in a country I now call home, and I’ve never felt more like myself in my work.
I moved to Finland from Egypt in 2019, and part of my integration plan through the employment office included training opportunities. That’s how I first heard about Mylab. I didn’t have a background in testing, but I was curious and willing to learn. I wanted to take the chance.
I still remember my interview clearly. I decided to speak almost only Finnish, even though I wasn’t even close to fluent. I’m proud of that moment, and even prouder that I got in.
Learning from zero
Those first six months were filled with learning. Everything from laboratory software to documentation and meetings was in Finnish. It was overwhelming, but I wanted to prove to myself (and to my team) that I was the right choice.
I started with small testing tasks and spent a lot of time studying. Each task helped me build confidence and understand the bigger picture. I was always eager to do more, sometimes too much. My team lead Pasi had to remind me to pace myself. But when I got positive feedback from colleagues, it made me feel like what I was doing really mattered.
Eventually, I completed the training period and had a meeting where I knew I was getting hired. I was so happy I literally danced. I didn’t want to leave as I had found something at Mylab that felt right, and I wanted to stay and grow.
Becoming a specialist
From the beginning, I have worked with our genetics software. It feels like my “work baby.” I know it inside and out, and I care about getting it right. That’s what keeps me motivated.
Over time, I’ve become more independent as an employee. I’ve earned my ISTQB Foundation level certification and started exploring new areas like test automation. I’m no longer just learning the job, I’m doing and owning it. And when colleagues come to me with questions about testing or genetics, I feel confident. It feels good!
Balancing two languages and cultures
I was one of the first non-Finnish speaking employees at Mylab. It hasn’t always been easy. I needed patience in learning healthcare vocabulary that I had no previous knowledge of. Jokes in meetings sometimes fly over my head while I’m still translating in my mind. But I’ve found ways to make both languages work for me.
We even have a Suomi-torstai in my team; one day a week where we speak only Finnish. It’s helped me improve my skills a lot. Now, when I see some documentation in English, I get confused. I need them in Finnish. To me, that’s a sign of progress!
I’ve had so much support from my team. People like Marko (my “remote buddy”), Kari, Pasi, and Jouni have all helped me so much and got me feel included. Even when things were hard, they reminded me that I didn’t have to do everything perfectly. That kind of culture makes all the difference.
In testing, I found myself
I’ve done many kinds of jobs in my life, but this is the one that truly fits me. Testing is about being curious, thinking like a user, and having the persistence to dig into details. I do that naturally; at work and in life. I even joke that I’m a tester in everything.
What I love most is finding bugs and asking, “What if someone clicks here or writes it that way?” It’s like solving puzzles, but with a real impact.
Because what we do at Mylab isn’t just software. It’s life and health. We’re making a difference and I’ve taken that to heart. That is why I carry my Mylab bag around the world feeling proud of my workplace.
Paying it forward
As an immigrant, I know how hard it can be to get your foot in the door, especially when language feels like a barrier. That’s why I always encourage others in similar situations to apply, to believe in themselves, to take the first step.
I feel lucky, but I also know I’ve worked for this. I’ve gone from zero experience to someone who contributes, who learns every day, and who’s genuinely excited about the future. Whether it’s usability or performance testing, I want to keep growing.
And yes, working at Mylab has officially turned me into a Monday person. After the weekends, I’m actually eagerly waiting to step into the office or open the laptop, and see what kind of challenges and encounters the day brings.
I came to Finland with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Today, I’m proud to say I’ve built a career that reflects who I am, both professionally and personally.
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