Diana Lim's Success Story
Diana's meticulous attention to detail as a QA specialist evolved into exceptional project management skills as she now leads complex international projects.
Started As
QA Specialist
Current Role
Project Manager
Years at GBF
6
Projects
18
"My background in QA gave me a unique perspective as a project manager. I understand the importance of quality at every stage of development, not just during the testing phase."
Career Journey
I started at Global BrainForce as a QA Specialist, where I developed test plans and conducted manual and automated testing. I became interested in the broader project lifecycle and started taking on coordination responsibilities within the QA team. When I expressed interest in project management, the company supported my PMP certification and gave me opportunities to assist our project managers before transitioning me to a junior PM role. Over the years, I've progressed to managing our most complex projects with international stakeholders.
Key Achievements
- Delivered 18 projects on time and within budget with an average client satisfaction score of 4.8/5
- Implemented agile methodology that improved team velocity by 30%
- Created risk management framework now used across all company projects
- Led cross-functional teams across 4 countries, coordinating work across multiple time zones
Overcoming Challenges
The transition from a technical QA role to project management required developing a new skill set focused on people management, client communication, and strategic planning. The most difficult aspect was learning to manage stakeholder expectations and negotiate scope changes while maintaining positive relationships. Global BrainForce provided communication training and mentorship that helped me develop these crucial skills.
Professional Growth
Beyond the technical aspects of project management, I've developed strong leadership skills and emotional intelligence. I now excel at building cohesive teams, resolving conflicts, and helping team members reach their full potential. I'm also adept at navigating cultural differences when working with international clients and teams.
Advice for Others
Technical knowledge is valuable in project management, but people skills are even more important. Invest time in understanding what motivates each team member and stakeholder. Also, become comfortable with ambiguity - not everything will go according to plan, and your ability to adapt quickly will determine your success.