A performance engineer is an interesting career choice to make, and usually not the default for most people. In this episode, Scott Moore shares his unexpected journey into the world of performance engineering.
Video Insights about Performance Engineering
🤝 Building a strong network and having a mentor are crucial for success in performance engineering, as they provide support, learning opportunities, and industry connections.
💻 Proficiency in tools like LoadRunner and certifications such as CPC and CPI can significantly enhance a performance engineer’s expertise and marketability.
📊 Mastering database virtual user testing is challenging but essential, as evidenced by the author’s initial failure and subsequent success in this area.
🌐 Creating online platforms like the loadtester.com forum for sharing LoadRunner code and tips can help build a community and establish oneself as an industry expert.
📋 Developing a template approach and task-oriented methodology for performance engineering can improve efficiency, consistency, and knowledge sharing in a rapidly changing IT environment.
A Performance Engineering Journey
He starts by painting a picture of his early career aspirations – a move to Nashville fueled by a lifelong love for music and dreams of becoming a music producer. However, upon arriving in Music City, his aspirations shifted. He soon realized that his true passion lay elsewhere.
His entry into performance engineering was sparked by an encounter with a consultant who dismissed his potential, telling him to “leave it to the experts.” This dismissive comment ignited a fire in Scott, motivating him to master the field and prove the consultant wrong.
Scott describes feeling offended by the consultant’s words. However, his boss encouraged him, revealing the high hourly rate the consultant was earning, further piquing Scott’s interest in performance engineering. His initial experiences with LoadRunner were daunting. He found himself overwhelmed by the complexity of the software, particularly the ANSI C code and database interactions. However, with the support of colleagues at Deloitte, he persevered, even taking the LoadRunner class multiple times to grasp the crucial planning aspects he had initially skipped over.
Scott emphasizes the importance of understanding the context behind performance testing, learning to ask the right questions, and building load tests that simulate real-world scenarios. This focus on providing value and helping clients make informed business decisions became a cornerstone of his approach.
People Networking And Community Are Crucial
The knowledge and support he received from colleagues, mentors, and online forums like loadtester.com and SQA Forums played a crucial role in his development as a performance engineer. He stresses the value of building relationships and helping others, emphasizing that a strong network is invaluable.
The early days of performance engineering were a time of rapid growth and learning for Scott. He describes the rigorous certification process required to become a LoadRunner Certified Professional (CPC) and Certified Instructor (CPI), emphasizing the hands-on nature of the exams and the high failure rate.
He reflects on the constant evolution of IT, comparing it to building sandcastles that are inevitably swept away by the tide. This relentless pace of change presented a challenge to his creative side, but he found solace in the satisfaction of making applications better, more efficient, and user-friendly.
Perseverance, Mentorship, and Community
His unexpected path into performance engineering demonstrates that a chance encounter or a spark of spite can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career. He encourages listeners to cultivate their networks and embrace the ever-changing landscape of IT.
For more about this story, check out the original blog at:
https://scottmoore.consulting/blog/performance-engineer/
Also check out this other episode about performance engineering for decision makers.
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🔗 Links:
- Scott Moore Consulting: https://scottmoore.consulting
- The Performance Tour: https://theperformancetour.com
- SMC Journal: https://smcjournal.com
- DevOps Driving: https://devopsdriving.com
- Security Champions https://thesecuritychampions.com
- DevPerfOps: https://devperfops.org
- PerfCruise: https://perfcruise.com