Volunteer Spotlight: Alessandro Sebaste
Alessandro Sebaste saw a need and stepped up. Inspired by a news segment and a passion for software quality, he's become instrumental in developing Powercoders' Focus Track Testing. His dedication to training and connecting participants with opportunities highlights the power of targeted skills development.
Interview with Alessandro Sebaste
What do you do when you’re not volunteering?
I run my own company focusing on sustainability in IT. Above all, I’m a family man. I enjoy spending time with my wife and children, reading, playing drums in a punk and metal band, baking bread, cooking and hiking.
Can you briefly summarize why and how you joined Powercoders as a volunteer IT trainer (Focus Track Testing) and what motivated you to take on this role?
I saw a segment on Powercoders on ’10vor10′ and was immediately compelled to contact Bettina. Training, especially in software quality, has always been a passion of mine. Software testing is an accessible entry point into IT for career changers, but formal training is scarce. Recognising this gap, particularly at Powercoders, I saw an opportunity to expand their offering and open more doors for participants in the job market.
What is your first memory of volunteering as a trainer?
The sheer motivation and eagerness of the participants to learn was striking. There was an immediate positive energy and everyone, without exception, was fully engaged.
“They all have very different stories, and often not an easy one. Despite different cultures, different languages and different perceptions, ideas and possibilities, we always found each other.”
– Alessandro Sebaste
What has surprised you most about working with our participants?
The saying “where there’s a will, there’s a way” really resonated. Despite different backgrounds, languages and perspectives, we always found common ground. They all have very different stories, and often not an easy one. Despite different cultures, different languages and different perceptions, ideas and possibilities, we always found each other.
What has been your experience as a trainer in a focus track and how do you think you have fulfilled the role and influenced the track?
As Focus Track Testing was a new initiative, my initial influence was significant. However, it’s been wonderful to see other trainers step up and take ownership. The track has evolved from my initial vision of ISTQB Foundation Level certification to a more practical approach, preparing people directly for work placements. I’m now focusing on certification after they’ve gained work experience. As a trainer, I have found that I am also a participant, albeit from a different perspective. I too can and should learn something. You rarely get this kind of feedback. I really appreciate it.
Do you remember a particularly memorable success story or moment as a Powercoders volunteer?
The rapid growth and integration of the test track into the programme has been a highlight. Seeing the impact of my contribution is incredibly fulfilling.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to a program that fosters this kind of meaningful interaction.”
– Alessandro Sebaste
What motivates you as an ambassador to actively look for internship opportunities for Powercoders participants, and how do you make contact with new companies for this purpose?
While the general IT skills shortage may have eased, the need for people with a focus on software quality remains high. This is largely due to the lack of emphasis on quality in traditional IT training. Powercoders offers a unique solution by training these specialists. When I talk to companies about software quality, I emphasise that it’s more than just testing. It’s about integrating skilled professionals into development teams.
What do you see as the most rewarding aspect of your work with Powercoders, and how does it align with your personal values and beliefs?
I believe in the importance of sharing and learning from different perspectives. Powercoders embodies this, bringing together people with unique backgrounds and experiences. I see myself as a moral person living on Earth, a small sphere in a vast universe. It shouldn’t matter where you were born, where you live and what you’ve learned. It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to a programme that fosters this kind of meaningful interaction.
“I see myself as a moral person, living on earth, a small sphere in a huge universe. It shouldn’t matter where you were born, where you live and what you’ve learned.”
– Alessandro Sebaste
In what ways do you feel your volunteer work with Powercoders has contributed to your own personal and professional growth?
Powercoders has validated the potential for career change in software testing and inspired me to extend this model to other work integration centres, including those for people with disabilities. On a personal level, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of working with people from diverse backgrounds, learning to navigate and respect cultural differences.
Looking towards the future, what are your goals and aspirations for your continued involvement with Powercoders and supporting its mission?
I want to highlight the success stories of Powercoders testers, to demonstrate the value of software quality and the diverse skills required for the job. Ultimately, I want to advocate for better software through skilled professionals.
