Vulog’s Tech Talks gives you exclusive insights into what drives our tech and mobility experts at the world’s leading shared mobility tech provider.
NICE. December 13, 2021 Welcome to our new “Tech Talks with Vulog’s Tech Experts” interview series! Here we delve into the personal insights of our very own Tech Experts, where they talk about their journeys working in the tech and mobility industry. Are you ready to get inspired?
Introducing our Tech Expert
Introducing Maria Giovanna Pappalardo, QA Engineer at Vulog, who oversees the testing and quality management software before releasing a product or app. Not only do QA Engineers need to have the technical skills to detect potential problems and bugs with new software, but they also need to be top communicators to help others understand the problem at hand in order to fix the issue ASAP. So let’s get to know Maria Giovanna, to find out how she truly does it all!
Where did you study?
M: I graduated from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Catania in Sicily, Italy, in Computer Engineering, Computer Systems, and Applications.
What are some examples of your previous work experience?
M: I worked for seven years at an IT services company and worked as a Java and RPG developer. I understood very quickly that the practical side of the application is as important as the development side for the end product to be more reliable. Therefore, I became interested in describing a product’s practical needs and started to work as a product owner for various clients in the industry sector. These professions allowed me to understand the clients’ demands, how important it is that the product functions correctly, and how critical it is for the end-users to be happy with the outcome. In 2015, I moved to the French Riviera to follow my husband on a business trip. Within the same company, I found a challenging QA position which I held until 2019. I then decided it was time for a change, plus I wanted to challenge myself and work in a different area. That is how I found myself at Vulog!
What drew you to work in the tech industry?
M: I have always loved mathematics and technology. My high school diploma in languages and literature helped me develop my critical thinking skills. I wanted to apply this knowledge towards technology since it seemed to have an essential role in the future. Consequently, I oriented myself towards the tech industry to combine my passion for languages with new technologies.
What inspired you to work at Vulog?
M: When I interviewed for a position at Vulog, I was fascinated by the passion demonstrated by the company. Vulog is an international and growing company that aims for a greener future and cares about its employees’ well-being. Also, it is a place where differences in languages, race, and religion are considered major assets for the company’s success. At Vulog, I was excited by the possibility of working on a product intended for end-users. A product in which I could play a significant role by improving it with each release.
What is your favorite project that you have worked on at Vulog? Or a project that you are particularly proud of?
M: I am very proud to have set up the registration process from the beginning. It is crucial to ensure it is seamless, easy to use for users, and has the highest level of security to restrict access to users’ sensitive data. It can sometimes be challenging, which makes it so rewarding when you see the final product and how your efforts have allowed a user to register in only a couple of minutes. I am proud of having helped set up Vulog’s registration with end-users and seeking to improve it daily with my hard work and expertise.
What is your strategy when it comes to keeping customers happy?
M: First, I try to understand the customer’s requirements and expectations from the final product. I try to put myself in the end-user’s shoes by keeping in mind that it would be a new application and ensure the interaction from beginning to end is as seamless as possible. Then I use my application knowledge to quickly detect any issues that might have emerged in the process. If I find problems, I try to describe them as clearly as possible so the developers can understand where and why the issue happens to fix the potential bug as soon as possible.
Favorite tech device?
M: Out of all the tech devices, my most beloved is the iPad: it’s so easy to use! You can take it wherever you want, and all you need is a wifi connection – it’s truly amazing how much we have advanced with technology. I can read, immerse myself in international news and look for educational games for my son, all just on one device while relaxing on the couch!
Favorite app?
M: My favorite app is Yuka. It’s very user-friendly and informative: it allows you to find healthy foods and identify less dangerous cosmetics for the family’s health, especially for the little ones. With the different colors – green, orange, and red – you can observe at a glance whether the product is safe or not. In addition to this, you can easily see the components and ingredients without needing a magnifying glass to read them on the product packages. It is an easy-to-use app that is, above all, useful for helping you eat better and take care of yourself.
Where do you see mobility technology heading in the future?
M: Mobility technology is crucial in dealing with the various issues that have emerged in recent years, such as infrastructure saturation, climate change, public health, etc. However-
For mobility technology to be effective and sustainable in the future, we need to educate and support people because it remains unrecognized today by most people who live outside big cities. This is why it’s great to work for a company like Vulog that strives to make an impact on our everyday lives.
Maria Giovanna Pappalardo
QA Engineer, Vulog
The Tech Industry is Moving: is now your time to dive in?
After hearing Maria Giovanna’s tech insights, are you interested in learning more about our roles at Vulog? Look no further: check out our Careers page! We are always looking for new innovative thinkers to join our team, whether in France, Germany, or Canada! Vulog is built by an international team hailing from dozens of countries, and that’s a big part of what makes us so unique. And we value diversity because it drives innovation, enriches our own company culture, and helps our business grow!
We love what we do at Vulog and strive to create a great working environment so that, together, we can change the world, one vehicle, and city at a time. Do you want to be a part of the shared mobility revolution?
Vulog is the world’s leading tech mobility provider: we are committed to building a greener future, one city at a time.
