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Our series “60 Years with the Masters of Testing” continues with another inspiring story. This time, we look back at a career that began near Mount Ararat.
How does one get into testing through economics and interpreting? And what is it like when your very first work trip takes you straight to the Turkish-Armenian border? Read the story of a colleague who has been connecting SZÚ with international partners for 15 years—and whose work often begins and ends with a desire for a job well done.
I got into TIC industry in a rather unusual way. I was looking for a job in my field—economics. Then an opportunity came up to work in the Translation and Interpreting Department at SZÚ. Thanks to my language skills, I could take it. My very first field assignment as an interpreter for our inspectors took place in Aydin, Turkey, and then in distant Kars, near the Armenian border—just 200 km from Mount Ararat. That’s how my journey at SZÚ began. Quite intensively.
I enjoy when something is always happening at SZÚ. And when my work leads to a result—ideally a successful one. When we manage to complete something that benefits the whole company, I feel a great sense of satisfaction.
What bothers me is when I don’t see the same level of enthusiasm for certain tasks in others, and I have to summon my own strength and willpower not to give up after the first setback.
There have been many. Often various government missions abroad with high-level officials, or incoming missions (foreign visits) here in the Czech Republic.
I’m always pleased when we manage to complete a long-term project, negotiate and sign a memorandum, contract, or cooperation with an important partner.
Foreign tenders also require a lot of focus and diligence. We recently won one with the German organization GIZ, which supports the economic development of Western Balkan countries (in this case, market surveillance of product safety).
Not really, but I can mention one “ritual” gesture: after every successful project or task, our Korean partners and I clench our fists and shout “fight.” It means “The job is done” or “Let’s go for it.”
By walking in nature or watching the sea, the horizon, and sunsets for a long time. Although I recall an old Arabic proverb that says: “Long gazing at the sea brings no profit.”
Thank you for the interview, Michal!
The SZÚ team
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