​1. Introduction

QC (Quality Control) – often referred to as a Tester – is the guardian of "product quality." A QC's day isn't just about test, test, and test. It involves checking, coordinating with the team, logging bugs, attending meetings, and ensuring a smooth product launch. In this post, let me walk you through how a typical day passes for a QC, from morning till night, from check-in to clock-out.

2. Starting the Work Day Clock-in Time

Usually, the entire staff at ARIS Vietnam starts work at 8:30 AM.

Check-in

There is a time attendance machine placed right at the company entrance. This device acts as both an ID verifier to confirm you are an employee and a precise timekeeper, accurate down to the second!

Breakfast

To start a new day, a nutritious breakfast is essential. I usually arrive 10 minutes early to fuel up and mentally prepare for a day of testing.

Morning Drink – Kickstarting the Day

A cup of matcha, coffee, or even water is a "must-have" to stay alert and ready to verify system requirements.

3. Morning Tasks Check Tasks

The first thing I do when opening my laptop is checking Jira to see what needs to be done today: new tests, retests, verification, or updating test cases.

Task Planning (If needed)

After checking tasks, a QC will prioritize them, prepare test checklists, and estimate the time for each task. This process only takes 5–10 minutes but makes testing much more effective.

Execution

Writing test cases, executing test plan steps, and confirming with the leader. Usually, the morning is dedicated to tasks planned from the previous day, aiming to finish them as quickly as possible since afternoons are often packed with meetings.

Ordering Lunch

Around 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM, the team usually orders lunch together. However, lately, I've been cooking and bringing my own bento to save money and ensure a balanced diet – health comes first!

4. Lunch Break Lunchtime

At 11:30 AM, the company breaks for lunch. Everyone enjoys their meal, chats with colleagues, and shares "troubles" or funny stories from the previous day.

Rest: Listening to music, taking a power nap, or just relaxing to recharge for the afternoon shift.

5. Afternoon Tasks Continue Working

Finishing pending tasks, verifying bugs, and performing regression tests.

Occasional Bubble Tea:

A way to relieve stress and recharge during intense testing hours. Famous brands like "Phuc Long," "Highlands," "Katinat," or "The Coffee House" are our go-to choices. When ordering as a group with discount codes, it’s super cheap – highly recommended!

6. Meetings & Team Coordination QC Team Meeting

Once a week, the QC team gathers for about 15-30 minutes to report progress, bugs, log time, and discuss proposals or time-off plans to ensure the team operates smoothly.

Client Meetings: On some days, QCs discuss tasks and define requirements with Devs/Designers. We also have Sprint Review meetings (reviewing old sprints, summarizing bugs, estimating effort) and Sprint Planning meetings (receiving new task lists, defining test scope).

7. Ending the Work Day Clock-out

Around 5:30 PM, I send the daily report and breathe a sigh of relief after a long day.

Stay & Play

On special occasions or holidays, I stay back to help HR decorate the office or play Foosball (Bi lắc) to relax (sometimes with some fun friendly bets, hehe).

Heading Home

Wrapping up the workday and getting ready for a fresh start tomorrow.

8. Conclusion

A day as a QC involves more than just testing bugs; it includes team coordination, meetings, requirement verification, learning, and relaxing. If you're interested in becoming a QC, I hope this article gives you a clear insight into the rhythm and real-life work of a QC at an IT company.​

Thank you for taking the time to read this article.