People Power: Leslie Anderson on the SAS ViewRegistry Report and Taylor Swift
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In this edition of People Power, let's learn more about SAS Development Testing Manager Leslie Anderson.
What do you do?
I’m the development test manager for SAS® Enterprise Miner™. My team is dedicated to providing high quality software with an excellent customer experience. My main tasks are to manage the testing responsibilities for Enterprise Miner as well as work with other groups and divisions to ensure a quality product is delivered on schedule.
What surprises you most about your job?
I’ve been testing SAS Enterprise Miner for 14 years. One might think it would become monotonous to test the same product for years on end. It’s quite the opposite for me. I feel there are always new ways to approach testing especially with the new features that go in each release.
What aspect do you like best? Worst?
The development and testing teams have a very collaborative relationship. I really enjoy working with my fellow testers and developers. It’s rewarding to work together toward new challenging goals. Given the number of customers using SAS Enterprise Miner, we don’t know all of the various ways that the software is used to solve business problems. Therefore it’s challenging for testers to replicate all potential scenarios in house.
Fill-in-the-blank: Because of what I do ...
We are able to deliver a data mining product of high quality. We feel confident that our software will be a tool to help customers optimize their business goals.
Memorable moments?
The most memorable moments come from the last couple of years where we have released multiple versions of the product in tight timelines. Our team worked extremely hard to produce something we’re proud of.
What is your fantasy job?
If I wasn’t a test manager for SAS, I’d love to be a professional organizer. It gives me pleasure to turn chaos into order. It makes me feel good when I have organization to my day and the things around me. If only my children agreed!
What’s your favorite SAS/coding trick?
One of my favorite SAS tricks is using the ViewRegistry Report to know exactly what version of code I have on my system. As testers we do many deployments of SAS code and sometimes apply hotfixes. It’s great to have a tool where we can know exactly what code is installed. This is useful information for a customer to have if there is ever a need to call Technical Support.
What is your ‘pick’ – from technology to movies to music, what are you into these days?
My “pick” for music these days is Taylor Swift’s 1989 album. She is such a great example of a strong young woman who has a passion for her work while caring for the world around her. My kids and I have had some of the most fun, impromptu dance parties listening to her music. It’s a great way for us to all de-stress and have some fun together.
