For nearly 4 years Shawnee Polchis, of Woodstock First Nation, has been working at PLATO Testing as a Software Tester. She began the Software Testing course offered by JEDI in October 2016, completed the 15-week program, had her internship at PLATO Testing, and has been there ever since.
Originally, Shawnee said she had “no interest in becoming a software tester,” with her full-time job at a call center and getting a promotion she thought it was best to stay there. However, her aunt, who worked at JEDI at the time, kept telling her to give the course a try. Eventually Shawnee did, and she has not looked back.
When Shawnee started the course, she wondered “what am I getting myself into?” The uncertainty she felt disappeared over time and now she believes that Software Testing is something anyone can do. She explains it as, “using everyday skills and communication skills to develop a product.”
Shawnee’s official job title is Software Tester, but she often goes beyond that title. She is eager to step up and take on leadership roles, acting as the project team lead when she can. As a team lead, she helps to manage her project’s team, answering any questions they may have and guides them when they need support.
PLATO has offered Shawnee more than a job; it has provided her with opportunities to grow professionally and personally.
Working with other Indigenous peoples has allowed Shawnee to learn more about her culture. Shawnee did not grow up in a First Nations community so being around others who are more knowledgeable about culture and traditions has inspired her. A personal project Shawnee is working on is crafting her own pair of moccasins for the first time, something she is extremely excited about.
Shawnee loves working with people and that is her favourite part about being at PLATO, the people she works with, and the clients she gets to know over projects. According to Shawnee, she also “loves to talk” and that has benefited her. PLATO recognized Shawnee’s communication and interpersonal skills as an asset and utilized them. Shawnee has further developed these skills by speaking to new training classes, meeting with clients, presenting at schools to encourage women, especially Indigenous women, to get into STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and being in promotional videos. The experiences have made her feel valued by the company.
It was during one of these opportunities that led to the most memorable moment in her career so far. Shawnee said, “I was sent to Sault Ste. Marie about two years ago to talk to people who might be interested in signing up for the course… I got to speak to people at a couple of different reservations there. What was really exciting was I got the opportunity to meet the mayor… and I walked in to introduce myself and he was like ‘oh I know who are you are’ and I was like what? how? I’m just this random person from New Brunswick… but the fact that he knew who I was because he saw a promotional video that I was in with PLATO, made me think ‘oh maybe I am actually helping to be part of a bigger change in the economy and perspective of Indigenous people and the work they can put out there, especially in software testing. So, I was super excited about that.”
Being at PLATO has helped to change her perception of herself, she has become more confident in herself and her work.
Shawnee shared that “working with Keith McIntosh has changed basically my whole life. I am more involved in community work, I’ve now volunteered to be a board member for different organizations within the city that want other perspectives, whether it is Indigenous or a woman’s perspective. Keith and I, with a group of other people, have created a gathering circle to fight against systemic racism. So, not only has it grown me personally with things that I am very passionate about, but my workplace supports that.”
When asked what part JEDI played in relation to her career Shawnee says that “they really started it. If JEDI wasn’t partnered with PLATO, I probably wouldn’t have heard of it.” She would also “absolutely, 1000% recommend the program to others”, saying that even if a person does not like software testing, there are other branches within IT to consider and other courses that people can take.
Shawnee shared the advice she often gives to others, “If you’re scared just do it. Don’t hold yourself back from the opportunity that could better your life… If an opportunity arises, say yes, the worst thing that could happen is you don’t do it again. Take the opportunity and try to learn and grow from that.”