If you are willing to choose software testing as your career, then this is a must-read!

Nowadays we get too many emails enquiring about Software Testing jobs. Should I select Software Testing as my career? How to switch to Software Testing from other job experience? Which institute should I join for a testing course? and much more.

This tutorial will give a common answer to all the above questions on whether you should choose Software Testing as your career or not?

Choosing Software Testing as your Career

Now, let us see what Software Testing is.

Software Testing and Quality Control are the processes through which application quality is improved. Software Testing is done in each phase of the product lifecycle i.e. from requirement specifications, design & coding, to user acceptance.

Many complex software structures require in-depth analytical and technical skills to test the applications. Knowledge of programming languages is required for unit testing, and scripting skills are essential for automation testing.

Now let’s discuss careers in Software Testing. No one can guide you in choosing your career more than you! It’s right and you are the only person to decide on your career.

Do a self-assessment to figure out where you can fit well. Do a study of your skills, interests, strengths, weaknesses, etc.

Ask some questions to yourself as given below:

• What is your goal in life?
• What will increase your satisfaction and skills?
• What is your interest?
• Which skills have you developed in your life till now?
• Which training did you undertake to apply to the future job?

By answering these questions, you will automatically decide.

What skills you will require to switch to a software testing career? is the most important question.

In our earlier post on What makes a Good Test Engineer, we mentioned some skills required in Software Testing.

#1) Communication: Customer communication, as well as team communication, is more important for this job. Written communication as well!

#2) Technical Skill: As mentioned earlier, for testing the technical domain, certain skills in languages are important.

Some of the Testing Skills include:

• Project life cycle
• Testing concepts
• Knowledge of testing types
• Programming languages familiarity
• Database concepts
• Test plan idea
• Ability to analyze requirements
• Documentation skill
• Testing tools

#3) Leadership Quality

#4) Analytical and Judging Skill

Don’t worry if you don’t have any skills mentioned above. You can always learn things if you have an interest. Non-IT persons can also grow fast by gaining the concerned skills.

So finally, while selecting Testing as your career, you just need to ask one question to yourself i.e. Are you looking for a Career in Software Testing or just a Job?

Best of luck!