Irina Ilinich is the Senior QA Manager at Clausematch. We recently sat down with Irina to learn more about her role at Clausematch.
What is your role at Clausematch and what does it entail?
As a QA Manager, my role at Clausematch is to support our product and make sure it meets quality standards. I check and review all new functionality from the end user's point of view with the ultimate goal of ensuring our clients enjoy using our product.
What were you doing before joining the Clausematch team?
Prior to Clausematch, I was responsible for testing set-top boxes for the US market. In that role, I supported many brands including Netflix. It was quite an interesting industry, but I really wanted to go back to FinTech.
Why did you decide to join Clausematch?
I’ve been with Clausematch for over 5 years now. I was completely enamored with the company culture and team atmosphere, and I had a genuine interest in the Clausematch solution. At that time, I was excited about working for a startup that just entered the market. I didn’t have the slightest doubt about Clausematch’s success.
What has been one of your most memorable moments at Clausematch?
All of my favorite moments are connected with the week-long company retreats I attended around the world including Georgia, Latvia, and Minsk. These were amazing and unique events. They helped me get to know my colleagues much better. Additionally, they helped me recharge my battery and get ready for the coming year. In Riga and in Minsk, we went to karaoke where we were singing our company’s anthem - Jon Bon Jovi’s "It’s My Life". We always sing it together; it’s absolutely unforgettable.
In Georgia, I remember us playing a volleyball tournament, going on a tour in the mountains, walking around Tbilisi, and riding horses in the mountains. In Minsk, we went yacht racing, had spa treatments, and went to a water park. During these company retreats, each team delivers presentations. They are interactive and involve different team members which is really great and informal. You’re overwhelmed with happiness because you work in such a great and unique environment, and you are part of a team of professionals who know how to relax and recharge as well. There is such a sensation of energy, cheerfulness, joy, inspiration, openness, and ease of communication. You actually feel that as part of the company you can move mountains and nothing is impossible.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
The new hobby in my life I owe to Сlausematch. At first, I was interested in karaoke after attending after-work events with the team. This led me to attend vocal courses, and now I am mastering the guitar and learning new compositions. I am also a big fan of mountain skiing.
If you could go anywhere in the world post-COVID where is the first place you would go?
The first country I'll be traveling to after the borders open is definitely Italy. Part of my heart belongs to this country, mostly for its beauty, cuisine, incredible nature, and culture. I'm really looking forward to this moment. A presto, mia amata Italia!
