Breaking the Code: Why a Career as a Software QA Engineer is worth considering

Are you considering a career in the technology industry but feeling overwhelmed by the vast variety of options available? With countless job opportunities, choosing the right path can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we will explore why a career as a software Quality Assurance (QA) manager/engineer might be worth considering. So I decided to answer the most frequently asked question to give you a better understanding of this role in a company. I will answer the following questions to give you a first impression of this role:

• What exactly does a QA manager or software QA engineer do?

• What qualifications are necessary to become a software QA manager?

• What are the benefits/drawbacks of being a QA manager?

What exactly does a QA manager or software QA engineer do?

Many people are unfamiliar with this profession and may not fully understand the nature of the work involved. The simplified answer of “I am a software tester” only touches the surface and can make the role seem mundane.

There are two primary aspects of a quality system: quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC). Quality assurance involves proactive measures to prevent mistakes and ensure quality in the long run. This requires extensive planning and analysis of the system structure. Making adjustments to the implemented processes and discussing with individuals how to enhance their workflows.On the other hand, quality control is reactive part and includes testing the software (manually and automatically) and dealing with any issues that arise. So the main duties of a software QA manager include defining and supervising quality processes and testing the defined requirements and features. He plays the role of the software that an editor does for a book.

What qualifications are necessary to become a software QA manager?

In my case, my educational background is in biomedical engineering. During my master’s program, I learned to write code and develop software but did not find the topic of quality systems, particularly engaging. It wasn’t until I started working as a verification engineer that I became familiar with software QA and discovered my passion for improving software quality through process refinement and bug detection. After completing the ISTQB training, I became more deeply interested in the subject matter and decided to pursue a career in this field.

Having a strong interest in the development of software and understanding the various stages of the development cycle is advantageous. In addition, possessing a curious mindset is crucial for comprehending the software and its workflows to ensure accurate testing. Moreover, the world of software development and testing is constantly evolving, making it necessary to stay current and embrace learning opportunities. Lastly, a proficient QA manager or engineer should be able to communicate effectively and not shy away from constructive discussions. This is a critical aspect of the role, as it involves providing feedback on areas of improvement and addressing issues. Although these conversations can be challenging at times, having excellent communication skills is certainly a valuable asset.

What are the benefits/drawbacks of being a QA manager?

In my experience, one of the most significant benefits is the opportunity to contribute to the creation of something that will endure and improve over time. The importance of a quality process in software development is often overlooked, but as a QA manager, it is your responsibility to ensure that the product meets or exceeds expectations. I also enjoy the process of searching for and identifying weak spots in the software. As the (software) detective who finds hidden errors that users would never notice, it is satisfying to prevent issues before they arise.

However, some aspects of the role may not be for everyone. The role involves professional pessimism, which could lead to others perceiving the individual as constantly complaining and criticizing everything. Therefore, good communication skills and a positive mindset are essential. Moreover, QA is often given low priority, leading to insufficient time for testing, which can result in stress and errors.

Despite these challenges, the field of QA is both fascinating and necessary. Any reputable tech company that develops software must prioritize the importance of a quality system during development. A career in software QA can offer a fulfilling experience of building better software while contributing to a team’s success.