Many persons reach out to me asking "How do I transition from my current career into Tech?". If you are looking to do software testing but are unsure how or where to begin, this post is for you.
In this blog post, I'll share my path and some tips and resources that have helped me make the transition from Graphic Design to Executive Assistant to QA Consultant.
Paving Your Path in Tech without a Computer Science degree
Firstly, I want to start on this point because a lot of people shy away from this path due to not having a computer science degree. However, in my opinion and experience, I do not believe a degree is necessary. I did not pursue a Computer Science degree at university. For my university experience, I pursued a Bachelor’s in Management with a minor in Marketing to align with my initial career path - Graphic Design. Although I did not complete the Business Management BSc. degree I had started at UWI back in 2015, my drive to be an entrepreneur and to create something impactful led me to freelance. My experience in graphic design helped me as I decided to build my website and learn the basics of website development and UI/UX design.
Acquire foundation-level certification
To be a professional software tester you need to understand the basics of software testing. I highly recommend learning and getting certified in the foundation levels of software testing. There are a few certifications available but the one I took and recommend is the ISTQB Certificate Foundation Level. I was able to register for and take the exam locally in Kingston, Jamaica at the Halfway Tree location. To study and prep for the examination, there was a Udemy Course which helped me prepare for that exam and learn the basic core software testing principles. You can also pursue secondary and tertiary-level courses in a specialized area of testing. Check out the learning paths available.
Enroll in the Software Testing BootCamps
Embrace continuous learning. There were many software testing workshops, boot camps, and training provided and I attended as many as I could. This is where I got to learn more practical things that a Software tester has to do such as being able to use project management tools like Jira, understanding Scrum and Agile methodology, Test automation, etc. These are a good place to get practical experience and examples.
Experience is King
Do not be afraid to grab those small software testing projects. Throughout my years in testing, I have had a variety of experiences on different web and mobile platforms that have taught me so much about testing. Each project is unique and there are always lessons and skills that you learn along the way.
For example: For my first mobile testing project, I learned the importance of mobile testing in addition to web testing. Since that experience, I've moved on to large web-based project teams that sometimes underestimate the value of mobile testing. I have helped them incorporate mobile testing into their strategy and this increased test coverage found some cool bugs and overall improved the quality of the product for their end-users.
On another project, I learned about databases and SQL which was something relatively new to me. My fresh perspective and curiosity led me to ask many questions. Which ultimately helped the team solve some of the bigger architectural problems. Also, to this day, I can query databases and work closely with developers because of the introductory experience I had on that project. Do not give up an opportunity. There are always interesting things to learn.
Join the testing community
Community is important. There are many like-minded individuals and groups who teach, inspire us, and share with there knowledge and experiences. Some of my favorite communities and websites are the Ministry of Testing, Test Automation University, and Test Guild. There are also conferences like Agile Testing Days, Test Bash, and Techwell events, Star East and Star West.
My biggest advice for QA testers is to embrace the community. The Ministry of Testing, Konabos, various slack groups, and clients have taught me so much over the past six years. I'm grateful for every person who has helped me along this journey. Lean into those around you, learn, and evolve every day.
Hone in on your soft skills
Soft skills such as communication, curiosity, and adaptability have kept me moving and growing in this role. I speak more in-depth on how I have used these and other non-technical skills to help in my QA role in this SauceLabs-sponsored SauceCon conference in 2021. Check out the video and see real-world examples of this in action.
Conclusion
Transitioning to a career in software testing is an exciting and rewarding journey, offering a gateway into the diverse world of the tech industry. Embracing this path allows individuals to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of software development. By acquiring certifications, gaining hands-on experience, and honing your soft skills, aspiring QA professionals can lay a solid foundation for a successful career in software testing. Remember, in the face of change, it is essential to choose faith over fear, seek out a supportive community, and wholeheartedly seize the opportunities that present themselves.
Happy Testing! ☀️
Commentaires