Embracing Mobility: My Journey through Asia and into QA Engineering

by Carlo Civita, TripleTen grad

Throughout my life, I've lived in many places and studied at various schools, yet I never seemed to have my roots planted anywhere. I’m a modern-day nomad. Born in California, I moved to Florida, then New York, South Carolina, and now Texas. My academic pursuits in the classics led me to study in Italy and Greece, and I traveled extensively across Asia. This nomadic lifestyle has shaped who I am, making me comfortable with change and always eager for new experiences. Along the way, I worked in retail, shipping, accounting, and most recently, as a teacher in South Korea. But despite my varied experiences, I knew deep down I was still searching for a career that aligned with my passions and allowed me the freedom to work from anywhere in the world.

While I was in Korea and Japan, I was struck by how much technology permeated daily life. The cities buzzed with innovation, and I found myself drawn to the tech industry. The efficiency, the creativity, the ability to connect across continents — all of it fascinated me. It became clear to me that I needed to pivot toward something more fulfilling, and that’s when I decided to pursue a career in quality assurance (QA) engineering.

Over the past five months, I have wholeheartedly dedicated myself to mastering the fundamentals of QA through TripleTen.

Living in an area with limited job opportunities, I recognized the need for a significant change. Motivated by the desire to leave behind a life that felt stagnant and to find a career that allowed me to travel and grow, I made the bold decision to quit my insurance sales job. To fully invest in my education, I even sold some precious items that held sentimental value. This was a significant sacrifice, but I envisioned the potential outcomes — a mobile career that would ignite my passion and enable me to work from anywhere.

Balancing travel and studies presented its own set of challenges, especially with time zone differences and communication barriers. Reaching out to my tutors when I encountered roadblocks in projects or sprints was often complex due to these time differences. Yet, I was determined not to let those challenges stand in my way. I sought out answers through AI resources, problem-solving forums, and support from my fellow students. When moments of frustration crept in, and I felt like giving up, I reminded myself of the sacrifices I’d made to get to this point. Focusing not on the problems but on solutions allowed me to persevere.

My travels have enriched my perspective, not only by exposing me to different cultures but also by teaching me how to navigate complex situations and adapt quickly to new environments. These skills, combined with the technical expertise I’ve gained, have prepared me to tackle obstacles with resilience and creativity.

Now, as a TripleTen alumnus, I feel equipped with the tools to succeed in the tech world.

My dream of finding a career that allows me to work while traveling is closer than ever.

I’m thankful for the journey so far, and I know my unique combination of skills and experiences will serve me well as I embark on this new chapter in QA engineering.

The future I envision is one where I can continue exploring new places while building a fulfilling career — one where I can stay connected no matter where I am in the world.