Daily Inspiration: Meet Ryan Craven

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Craven.  

Hi Ryan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
From a young age, I’ve always had a passion for technology and gadgets. I was that curious kid who loved to disassemble electronics and build makeshift “inventions” around my room. This curiosity never waned, and my time in the military amplified my interest in technology and instilled in me a strong appreciation for attention to detail and the importance of thorough testing. 

Upon completing my Computer Engineering degree at North Carolina State University, I embarked on my professional journey as an avionics engineer at NAVAIR, working on MH-60R/S helicopters. Although this experience was incredibly valuable, my wife and I ultimately decided to move back to Raleigh, North Carolina. This transition opened up a new opportunity for me to work in software testing – and that’s when I truly fell in love with my profession. 

Since then, I’ve been relentlessly pursuing my software testing skills, earning numerous certifications and attending as many conferences as possible to stay current with industry trends and best practices. My passion for this field has driven me to not only refine my own skills but also to share my knowledge with others. 

In an effort to give back to the community and combine my love for technology with my creative side, I’ve taken up writing on a medium blog, where I focus on software testing and artificial intelligence. Additionally, I maintain an Instagram tech channel that allows me to express my creativity while educating others on fascinating topics. 

Today, I am proud to have built a career that aligns with my childhood interests and allows me to leverage my creativity and dedication to helping others learn and grow in the ever-evolving world of technology. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Navigating my career path has certainly not been a smooth road but a journey filled with valuable lessons. As a non-traditional student, I began my professional career in the private sector later than most of my peers. Although my maturity had advantages, I faced the challenge of catching up on newer technologies and testing methodologies. 

Despite these hurdles, consistency and persistence have been my guiding principles. I have been fortunate to have a strong family foundation and unwavering support from my wife, who has been instrumental in holding our family together. Her belief in me has empowered me to pursue certification courses and constantly grow in my field. 

Finding the time to write blog posts and create engaging Instagram content has been an ongoing struggle. With family as my priority, I often create content late at night after everyone has gone to bed. Implementing a content calendar has been an invaluable tool in helping me manage my time effectively. 

As a content creator, generating fresh ideas can be challenging. Additionally, the initial stages of building an audience can be disheartening, as seeing the fruits of one’s labor can be challenging. I’ve experienced the disappointment of creating a video I thought was fantastic only to have it receive minimal engagement. 

Nonetheless, maintaining an open mind, staying persistent, keeping a positive attitude, and continuing to push forward have proven to be the keys to unlocking the benefits of my hard work. Through perseverance and dedication, I’ve learned to navigate the obstacles along my journey and appreciate the growth of facing challenges head-on. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
With almost a decade of experience as a quality engineer, I have dedicated myself to mastering the art of software testing. During the first half of my career, I focused on developing my manual testing skills. I firmly believe that a solid foundation in manual testing is crucial for success in automation. As the industry evolved, I transitioned my focus to automation testing, starting with an automation framework using Excel VBA for a desktop application. I expanded my expertise to Selenium Java, Python, C#, and Cypress. 

Although automation is undoubtedly the future, I am committed to ensuring that my peers understand the importance of manual testing techniques. In my view, the increasing reliance on automation and tools has led to a decline in software testing quality. I often compare this to learning written math before using a calculator; it is essential to understand the underlying principles to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Establishing a solid foundation is a crucial aspect of my approach. I pride myself on developing innovative methods to improve the Software Testing Life Cycle for the companies I have worked with. 

First and foremost, I am incredibly proud of the loving family that supports me. In addition, I take great pride in the career I have built and am excited to continue contributing to the field. My collaborative nature, openness to new ideas, and problem-solving abilities have served me well throughout my career. My unwavering motivation and can-do attitude truly set me apart from others. When I commit to a task, I see it through to completion with diligence and determination. This dedication to excellence defines my professional identity and drives my ongoing pursuit of growth and success. 

What does success mean to you?
Meaning of success I’ve come to understand that it is an elusive concept, varying from person to person. I believe that success is more than just material wealth; it’s a holistic approach to life that encompasses happiness, career satisfaction, and overall well-being. Moreover, I’ve discovered that success also involves the ability to help others, as it enriches our lives and connects us with the world around us. 

I’ve realized that happiness is a fundamental component of success, reflecting my emotional state and sense of fulfillment. To achieve genuine happiness, I strive to balance my personal and professional life, nurture relationships, and invest time in activities that bring me joy. Furthermore, I’ve learned that career satisfaction goes beyond monetary gains; it’s about finding purpose and meaning in my work, fostering personal growth, and contributing positively to society. Aligning my passions, skills, and values with my professional endeavors has made me feel accomplished and proud of my work. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryancraventech/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ryancraventech
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanmcraven/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzCvifarzwH87Wapt4ko1qA
• Other: https://medium.com/@ryan.craven.qa