What’s it like to be a Software Tester?
Want a career in technology that has a blend of technology and people focussed skills, with a focus on building quality products? A role as a software tester might be just what you are looking for.
What does the role involve?
A Software Tester / Quality Engineer (there are a range of job titles you’ll come across) is a fairly broad role that is responsible for anything relating to quality and risk during the software development lifecycle. This often involves designing and running tests before the product goes live to real users, but can involve anything else that may help people understand risks and things relating to quality.
Here are just some of the things you might get involved in as a tester:
Working with stakeholders to understand their requirements
Working with the whole team to identify and manage risks
Designing and running tests to identify bugs / problems
Using manual / exploratory and programming techniques to run tests
Using various tools and technology, including databases, APIs, Web Services, programming languages, the cloud and lots more
Testing from multiple perspectives and angles - including performance, accessibility, usability and more
Using communication skills to provide information about problems and risks
Advocating for quality and helping others to improve the quality of the end product
Why it might be the role for you
Software Testing can give you an ideal blend of technical and people focussed work that could be ideal for people that haven’t got an IT or STEM background. It’s a common route into the tech industry, with lots of people moving into the role of a tester from other non tech parts of a business.
As a tester you often have to learn new things all the time (like new systems, tools etc), and get to work with a broad range of people and roles. One day you could be focussed on planning and documenting future work, the next using programming to automate some web browser tests, and the next discussing high level risks with key stakeholders.
Once you have a testing role, there are various routes you can then take, either specialising in a specific type of testing, being more focussed on test automation (which is the most technical aspect of the role), moving into management roles, or eventually moving into another technical role like a Software Engineer, DevOps Engineer or maybe something else.
How to start a career as a tester
There are lots of junior Software Tester roles in the industry, and there are various things you can learn to help you on your way. Although the list of things to learn could be fairly vast, understanding the software development process, testing process and approaches, and some key technology is generally a good starting point. As the role can be fairly broad, specific roles will also have a range of specific requirements too.
Most degrees, including STEM and Computer Science degrees, don’t cover software testing very well, and the quality and quantity of certifications available in the industry is questionable.
A common option for people, especially those without a relevant degree is to use a training programme that gives you all the knowledge and skills required to get started in the role.
How can we help?
At Corecom Technology Academy we provide an industry leading training and client project programme to help you start your career as a software tester, providing you with practical hands-on training on all the technology, processes, methodologies, programming and more that you’ll need to get started, followed by a role in the industry on one of our client’s projects. We also provide you with all the support you need to build a long term career in the industry.