Backend | QA | SQL

Backend | QA | SQL: Bridging the Gap Between Support and Development

Overview: A Passion for Problem-Solving and Breaking Things

In fast-paced environments, resolving complex technical issues quickly and efficiently is critical. I’ve developed strong backend and QA skills to do just that. Starting at ClassDojo, I taught myself SQL to reduce response times for complex issues, shielding the dev team so they could focus on building features. Since then, I’ve honed my skills across multiple startups, often stepping into QA roles to ensure smooth product launches.

My Approach to Backend, QA, and SQL

1. Proactive Problem-Solving with SQL:
I leverage SQL to dig into complex issues, ensuring quick resolutions while minimizing the burden on developers. By analyzing data at its source, I can identify root causes and propose solutions, often reducing customer wait times and improving the overall support experience.

2. Passion for QA and Testing:
I’m often brought into QA processes, and I love the challenge of “breaking” things to find hidden bugs or vulnerabilities. This proactive approach ensures a smoother experience for end users by catching issues before they reach production.

3. Shielding the Dev Team:
My goal is always to resolve as much as possible before escalating to developers. This keeps dev teams focused on innovation while I handle the technical investigation and troubleshooting.

Success Stories: Backend and QA in Action

Case Study 1: ClassDojo – Reducing Response Times

  • Challenge: Complex technical issues required developer intervention, increasing resolution times.
  • Action: Learned SQL to investigate and resolve backend issues independently.
  • Result: Reduced response times for complex issues, improved customer satisfaction, and freed up developer resources.

Case Study 2: Springboard Benefits – Improving Data Integrity

  • Challenge: Data inconsistencies in customer-facing reports led to escalations.
  • Action: Used SQL to identify errors in the data pipeline, improving report accuracy.
  • Result: Decreased the volume of escalations and improved client trust in the platform.

Case Study 3: Agillitics – Ensuring Quality in AgiSight

  • Challenge: New feature releases needed thorough testing to ensure seamless integration.
  • Action: Took ownership of QA testing, identifying and documenting bugs before deployment.
  • Result: Reduced post-launch issues and ensured a smoother experience for both internal teams and clients.

Key Skills and Tools

Skills:

  • SQL Mastery: Writing and optimizing queries to extract insights and resolve issues.
  • QA Testing: Rigorous testing to uncover bugs and ensure product reliability.
  • Root Cause Analysis: Investigating and addressing the underlying causes of issues.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working closely with Product, Dev, and Support teams to streamline processes.

Tools:

  • SQLServer, AWS (S3, SFTP)
  • ClickUp, Jira (for bug tracking and task management)
  • FullStory, Pendo (for user behavior analysis)
  • Low/No-Code Platforms: Tray.io, Zapier (for quick integrations and automations)
  • Broswerstack 

The Value of Backend and QA Expertise

Strong backend and QA practices are essential for maintaining a high-quality product and ensuring customer satisfaction. By proactively identifying and resolving issues, I help businesses:

  • Improve Product Reliability: Fewer bugs and smoother releases.
  • Enhance Customer Experience: Faster resolution times for technical issues.
  • Optimize Dev Resources: Allow developers to focus on innovation instead of firefighting.