Many people are unaware of the opportunities for professional advancement in software testing. The various roles at higher levels and the career growth in software testing are of interest to people who are currently employed in other industries but want to switch to a career in software testing as well as students who are finishing their education and want to become software testers.
Software testing, is an interesting but challenging field. A career in software testing was once viewed as the last resort for entry into the IT sector. However, automation and technological revolution has changed the scenario completely. People view software testing as a respectable profession where they can advance.
| Quick Facts: Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers | |
|---|---|
| On-the-job Training | None |
| Number of Jobs, 2020 | 1,847,900 |
| Job Outlook, 2020-30 | 22% (Much faster than average) |
| Employment Change, 2020-30 | 409,500 |
What do software testers do?
Software testers typical job duties include:
What is a software tester?
An IT expert who tests software before it is released looks for bugs and makes sure it functions as intended. Some businesses refer to this position as a quality assurance tester or a software test engineer. These experts spot bugs, mistakes, or flaws and collaborate with other members of the software development team to fix them.
Software testers carry out their duties using a vast array of testing methodologies. Both manual and automated testing are used in these procedures, and the tests they conduct typically fit into the following groups:
What are a software tester’s career path and job outlook?
You must meet specific requirements if you want to work as a software tester. Here are some requirements for this career path:
Education
Typically, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is the minimum educational requirement for jobs in software testing. Although getting a degree in computer science is a popular choice, people can also major in mathematics, engineering, or information systems. Depending on the degree program, the coursework varies, but it equips students with the abilities and real-world experience required to pursue this career. Students studying computer science can develop automation algorithms, build software, and use programming languages.
Although a master’s degree is not necessary for entry-level positions, some software testers might think about doing so. Such qualifications may be preferred by employers when hiring for higher-level positions, and they may also help software testers advance in their careers or increase their earning potential. Obtaining a master’s degree in software engineering is a well-liked option, but candidates may also select other pertinent fields.
Experience
Gaining professional or pertinent experience in the industry is necessary for pursuing a career in software testing. The amount of experience required varies depending on the job. For instance, entry-level positions frequently require candidates to have one to two years of experience, whereas middle-level positions may look for candidates with three to six years of software testing experience. People can advance to higher-level or managerial positions after accumulating several years of experience in entry-level positions. When requesting certifications, having prior experience is frequently a requirement for eligibility.
People can start acquiring relevant experience while still in school, frequently through internships or part-time jobs. They might look for internships in engineering or software testing or other fields related to their course of study and career objectives. Internships give people hands-on experience carrying out the duties of a job on a daily basis and familiarize them with the field and workplace. Additionally, an intern can take advantage of this experience as a chance to network and meet other experts in the field. Some employers use their internship programs to find potential candidates for open positions in the future.
Certifications
Certifications can help candidates demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and expertise in software testing, though they are not always required by employers. Having a certification demonstrates that one performs their work in accordance with the most recent industry standards. Professional organizations like the American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB) or the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) offer relevant certifications for software testers. There are two popular certification options for software testers:
Software testers frequently use programs or tools from specific technology vendors, depending on the job. In addition, they can demonstrate their knowledge by obtaining certifications from those vendors. Although certifications aren’t always required by employers, they can help candidates demonstrate their knowledge and skills and possibly set them apart from other applicants.
Training
Employers anticipate software testers to maintain their expertise in software testing methodologies and design. Some businesses provide on-the-job training to new hires or more specialized training opportunities and courses to help employees advance their skills and keep up with technological advancements and industry trends. People who want to advance their careers can also take courses in person or online in their spare time. By becoming a member of organizations like the Association for Software Testing or the International Institute for Software Testing, professionals in the field of software testing can stay informed about their field and find useful training resources.
Skills
Candidates who research available software testing positions can better comprehend the particular hard and soft skills that employers are looking for. Here are several examples of beneficial skills for these professionals:
How much do software testers make?
Please note that Indeed is not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned in this article.
Software Testing As a Career Path – A Beginner’s Guide
FAQ
Is there a demand for software testers?
Testing has never experienced a downturn among the various IT domains, and yes, professional Software Testing is always in demand. The profile of a software tester has grown significantly over the past year.
What is the career path of a tester?
Testers frequently enter management, program or project management (or PM/PO), business analysis, or even development through the typical career paths. These are common growth paths in many businesses that want to retain solid employees who do excellent work.
Is QA tester a good career?
Newcomers typically make around $70,000 per year, while professionals with experience can make up to $100,000 per year. An expert in automated quality assurance testing can earn up to $115,000 per year, and on rare occasions even more. This is just one of the factors that lead to its high regard among professionals.
Is software testing good for future?
According to Gartner research, the costs of developing the IT sector will rise to 3 By the end of 2019, there would be 76 trillion dollars in the world, and by 2020, there would be 3 This study suggests that IT is crucial to our lives at number 87.
