Meet the TripleTen Tutors: Ulyana Yeryksonava

We talk a lot about our tutors. They’re often the secret behind the success of so many of our students. Now, we’re happy to introduce you to one of them — Ulyana Yeryksonava. Here she is in her own words.

Academic and professional background

I studied programming and have a degree in software engineering and economics. My academic journey was challenging; I often struggled and felt lost, especially in the first two years. It wasn't until I started working alongside my studies that things began to make sense.

Putting my learning into practice helped me determine which knowledge was practical which was just being taught as a theoretical foundation.

In terms of my professional life, I've been working at EPAM Systems for ten years, and I’m currently Lead Test Automation Engineer. I joined the company as a junior and have steadily climbed the career ladder to my current role.

Transition to QA

My journey into QA began over a decade ago when I was still studying. Many of my classmates had already started working, but I doubted my ability to succeed as a programmer. This insecurity led me to choose a path that seemed slightly less daunting—test automation. It offered a mix of testing and programming, which felt like a manageable challenge.

Over time, I realized that the choice was actually perfect for me. Test automation provided a balance between technical depth and practical application.

It wasn't as technically intense as pure programming, but it still allowed me to engage deeply with development processes and work closely with the development team. This role turned out to be both fulfilling and intellectually stimulating.

Entering QA provided me with a comprehensive understanding of software development from a different perspective. It taught me how to approach problems methodically and ensure that quality is maintained throughout the development lifecycle. I grew to appreciate the importance of testing and its critical role in delivering robust, reliable software.

I’m grateful for the path I chose. It not only matched my skills and interests, but also provided numerous opportunities for growth and learning. My experience in QA has been a journey of continuous improvement as I balance technical skills with a deep understanding of the development process.

Overcoming challenges

Overcoming challenges has been a significant part of my journey, both academically and professionally. When I was studying, I faced numerous difficulties, especially during the first two years. The coursework was tough, and I often felt overwhelmed. It seemed like everyone around me understood everything perfectly, while I struggled to keep up.

As I mentioned, the turning point came when I started working while still studying. Balancing work and studies was challenging, but it provided a practical context for my academic knowledge. I began to understand which concepts were essential for my job and which were purely theoretical. This realization allowed me to focus on what truly mattered for my career. I learned to prioritize my studies, concentrating on practical knowledge and skimming through the less critical theoretical parts.

In the professional realm, perseverance was key. I dedicated myself to continuous learning and improvement. I spent countless hours studying, practicing, and applying my new knowledge. It wasn't easy, but this hard work paid off. I realized that persistence and determination are crucial in overcoming obstacles.

I also learned to seek help and guidance when needed. Asking questions, no matter how basic they seemed, was vital. Engaging with mentors and colleagues helped me gain different perspectives and solutions to problems I encountered.

Furthermore, I adopted a growth mindset. Instead of viewing challenges as insurmountable barriers, I saw them as opportunities to learn and grow. This shift in perspective was crucial in maintaining motivation and resilience.

Teaching experience

I've been teaching for about seven years. I've always had a deep desire to teach, especially in the fields of programming, testing, and IT. This passion stems from my own experiences. 

My education was marred by ineffective teaching methods, which made learning unnecessarily difficult. I firmly believe that IT education could be much simpler and more effective if taught by talented and charismatic individuals who not only possess deep knowledge but also the ability and enthusiasm to convey it clearly.

For example, many of my professors had never worked in the industry and lacked practical experience. They were great at delivering theoretical content but failed to connect it to real-world applications. This gap between theory and practice left many students, including myself, feeling lost and frustrated. I often saw my peers struggle because they couldn't see the relevance of what they were learning or how to apply it in a practical setting.

My aim in teaching is to bridge this gap. I want to offer students what I missed out on—an education that is both comprehensive and connected to real-life applications.

It's not just about understanding abstract concepts but about knowing how to use them in actual work scenarios.

I find it deeply unfair that students suffer due to poor teaching. They often face significant challenges that could be mitigated with better instruction. My goal is to correct this injustice by being the kind of teacher I wish I had—one who is not only knowledgeable but also passionate about making complex topics accessible and engaging. This drive to improve IT education and support students through their learning journeys fuels my dedication to teaching.

Advice for students

Learning in a way that suits you best is crucial.

Regular practice is key to mastering any subject. It's important not to delay your studies and to start working as soon as possible to apply what you learn in a practical context. Attending tutoring hours and one-on-one sessions can significantly enhance your learning experience. These sessions provide an opportunity to ask questions, not just about specific projects but also about the profession as a whole.

Engage actively with your tutors by asking detailed questions about how things work in the industry, what challenges you might face, and how to overcome them. Since you are investing in your education, make the most of it by leveraging the expertise available to you. Don’t hesitate to ask even seemingly simple questions – the more you clarify, the stronger your understanding will become.

Another critical piece of advice is to remember that everyone starts somewhere. IT can seem intimidating, with many professionals appearing confident and knowledgeable. However, they too were once beginners. It's perfectly normal to feel unsure and make mistakes. The key is to learn from these experiences and keep pushing forward. Building your skills and confidence takes time and persistence.

Read more first-hand accounts

Want to dive into more stories of what TripleTen’s like? Check out our student stories.