Omphemetse Lekaba changed careers when she discovered that her problem-solving skills were better suited to the tech world than to accounting. Upon graduating from Dynamic DNA, a Dynamic Technologies group company, she joined Inspired Testing, another Dynamic Technologies group company, as a Software Test Automation Intern where her responsibilities include Functional Testing and Regression Testing.
Lekaba began her working career in finance where she worked with Pastel, a widely used accounting software; it was this that sparked her interest in tech. She says, “Initially, I was fascinated by how software could simplify complex financial processes. However, as an analytical problem-solver, I quickly realised that my role in accounting left me with limited opportunities to fully exploit these skills.” She began researching a possible career change and discovered a whole world of ICT careers that she had been unaware of.
She adds, “I discovered that the world is rapidly becoming more technological, with industries across every sector increasingly relying on software and digital tools to drive innovation and efficiency. Across the board, technology is revolutionising how we work, communicate and solve problems. This shift has been transformative in the way businesses operate and how they interact with customers and create value. With artificial intelligence, automation and data analytics reshaping industries, there are endless opportunities for creative problem-solving and critical thinking in the tech field. This realisation motivated me to explore the tech industry where I could apply my analytical skills in more innovative ways and contribute to the development of solutions.”
Once she realised that fields such as business analysis, data analysis and financial analysis stood out to her, Lekaba applied to Dynamic DNA. Lekaba completed the Software Development Level 4 learnership with Dynamic DNA, which is open to learners from non-IT backgrounds, making it the ideal fit for transition into the tech field.
Lekaba joined Inspired Testing for the practical portion of her Dynamic DNA learnership. This hands-on exposure to actual projects at Inspired Testing helped her develop a deeper understanding of software testing and quality assurance and led to an opportunity to continue working with Inspired Testing where she was offered an internship role.
Lekaba says, “My role involves creating and executing test cases to ensure the software functions properly and meets business requirements. My primary focus is on Manual Testing, where I verify each part of the software to ensure it behaves as intended. I am part of an Agile team, and I work closely with developers, product owners and other team members to ensure the software we develop is of high quality. I use Azure DevOps to organise test cases, track defects, and report bugs, ensuring that issues are addressed promptly. Additionally, I test APIs using Postman to ensure they function as expected.”
What stands out most to Lekaba at Inspired Testing is the support and collaboration within the team. “From the beginning, they have played a crucial role in helping me find opportunities that drive my career forward, such as being placed with one of their clients, which is a significant milestone in my journey. Before that, I was trusted with leading one of their internal teams tasked with automating the company’s website, which gave me an opportunity to grow.” She adds, “The mentorship and guidance I’ve received have been invaluable. The team makes sure I have the resources and support needed to succeed so I can focus on honing my skills and gaining experience. I truly appreciate being part of a company that is so committed to my learning and growth; it's incredibly motivating to know that I’m surrounded by a team that cares about my success and is actively invested in my professional development.”
Lekaba is working towards achieving a senior role, such as a QA Engineer, Software Test Engineer, or Test Lead. She says, “I plan to continue improving my skills, learning new testing tools, and earning certifications to become an expert in my field. As I progress, I want to take on more responsibility, lead testing efforts for more complex projects and collaborate with teams to create high-quality software. My goal is to step into leadership roles and contribute to the development of reliable and efficient applications.”
As an intern, Lekaba has certainly made her mark. Louise Gilbert, Learning and Development Consultant says, “I first noticed Omphemetse when I asked for help with something as simple as swag management, and from that moment on, I’ve continued to be impressed by her. The lesson she’s taught me, and many of the other interns, is to always give your best, even in the smallest of tasks, because you never know who’s watching or what it might lead to.”
Lekaba’s words of advice for anyone looking to take the bold step of changing their career are to be patient and persistent, even if things feel challenging at the start. “Changing careers takes time,” she says, “But if you keep learning and take small steps forward, it will become easier. Don’t be afraid to take chances, even if it means starting from the bottom. It’s completely okay to try something new, and the skills you’ve already developed will help you along the way. Keep pushing forward and trust that your path will unfold!”