Software Testing is an activity to check for any defects in a product which in turn improves quality and reduces its failure in operation. It involves the execution of manual or automated test scripts while evaluating the product. Software testing saves money improves the user experience and increases customer satisfaction. Testing is indeed an integral part of Software development.
Software testers are responsible for ensuring product quality. Analyzing requirements, collaborating with stakeholders, creating tests, executing them, writing automated test scripts, detecting bugs, and tracking them are some of the main tasks of a Software Tester.
There is no dearth of opportunities in testing. Demand for testing and automation is significantly increasing. Hence, it is an excellent career choice for someone who wants to work in information technology. Let us see some of the skills that a tester needs to have. A tester should have good analytical skills, excellent communication skills, and a passion for software. He has to collaborate with different stakeholders, Developers, and Business Analysts. A tester has to think from different angles while examining the product. Hence being creative and user empathy is yet another skill.
Is it necessary to obtain a degree in IT for Software testing? Not necessarily.
This article provides a guide to help secure a job in Software testing without a degree.
Learn Software testing fundamentals
Attend an instructor-led course or learn online or read books about software testing. Learn about different testing techniques, testing types, testing levels, and objectives. Obtaining certifications like ISTQB Foundation level or BCS Professional Software tester can add value to your CV. Many companies do ask for these certifications in their job requirement.
Once you understand the fundamentals, it is necessary to learn any in-demand automation tool. Tools like Selenium, Cucumber are extensively used in companies. Basic knowledge of database & Object Oriented Programming languages such as Java, C# is required if you are interested to work as Automation Engineer. Testers with coding skills are indeed in high demand.
Internship or Voluntary Work
An Internship allows you to apply whatever you have learned on actual projects. Having a local experience is a great advantage. You can also work on freelancing websites such as utest or freelancer. This will help you gain real-world experience. You can create a portfolio of projects in Github so that you can demonstrate your work to potential companies.
Research
Understanding the Australian job market is crucial. What kind of testing roles are available? What are the qualifications requested? What companies am I interested in? There are several job sites that you can use to familiarise such as Seek, LinkedIn. Create a great CV that showcases your value. If you are changing your career to testing, it is necessary to understand your transferrable skills.
Networking
Attend a networking event. There are so many networking or Quality Assurance events occurring in Australia. Just create an account in the meetup, attend events and start networking. Attend events and gain a lot of information about testing through these events. You can also network via LinkedIn.
Apply for Jobs
Tailor your CV & cover letter as per the company’s job details. Technical and Behavioural interviews are the most commonly used interview format. Use the STAR method while giving answers. And above all be confident.
Conclusion
Software testing is an excellent career choice if you want to work in Information technology. You can become a software tester even without an IT degree. All you need is to learn, research, and be persistent while applying for jobs. Software testing will give you lots of opportunities for career growth. Hence it is necessary to never stop learning.
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