Building Blocks for Success: Choosing the Right Education as a Software QA Beginner
Having worked as a software QA engineer/manager for a considerable period, I often ponder what I would do if I were to start this journey without any prior knowledge or education again. Which educational paths hold significance, and where should one begin? In this blog post, I will unveil the insights I have gained from my daily experiences and share what truly matters in the field of software QA.
Going to University
Having both of my parents as university graduates, pursuing higher education seemed like the natural path for me. With this in mind, I chose a field of study that captured my interest at the time — biomedical engineering — and hoped for the best. However, as fate would have it, I ended up becoming a software QA engineer. Yes, it might sound surprising! After completing my degree, I began working at a medical company, specifically in their verification department, where my focus shifted to software testing. Interestingly, despite my academic background, I had never been exposed to the various aspects of software testing or testing in general during my university studies. This begs the question: Does a university degree hold any significance in this regard?
Pros:
From my perspective, there are certainly compelling reasons to consider pursuing a university education. If your goal is to become a software QA engineer or engage in any related field, attending university and studying an engineering discipline would undeniably be beneficial. By doing so, you would gain a comprehensive understanding of various software and engineering subjects. This education would familiarize you with industry-specific terminology and expose you to a wide range of problem-solving approaches. Many of my coursework emphasized critical and logical thinking, requiring me to tackle both theoretical and practical challenges. These skills not only contribute to your future career but also have practical applications in your daily life. Additionally, the university provides an opportunity to explore diverse engineering fields, potentially uncovering hidden interests and passions you may not have previously considered.
Cons:
The majority of university curricula offer a broad range of subjects, covering a wide array of topics. Consequently, you may encounter areas of study that not only fail to capture your interest but also drain your energy along the way. In my country (Austria), a typical university program spans three years for a bachelor’s degree and an additional two years for a master’s degree. This duration entails a significant amount of time and numerous exams, some of which may fade into obscurity within the vast expanse of your mind. Once you enter the workforce, you may realize that a considerable portion of what you learned in university remains untouched in your job. This is a common phenomenon and suggests, to some extent, that a university education may not be suitable for everyone. While there may be certain specialized degrees in software QA offered by some Universities of Applied Sciences, such programs are relatively uncommon as far as my knowledge extends.
Conclusion:
From my perspective, I highly recommend pursuing a university education for individuals aiming to venture into the field of engineering. Particularly at a young age, it serves as an excellent foundation to grasp diverse aspects and topics, even at a basic level. Moreover, acquiring coding skills can prove advantageous, especially for those aspiring to become software QA engineers. However, if you already hold a degree in a different field or possess substantial work experience, I believe that obtaining an additional degree may not be necessary. Instead, focus on alternative educational avenues that align more closely with your goals, as the university may not always provide the precise knowledge or skills you seek.
Getting a Certification (ISTQB)
The majority of software quality assurance professionals are already familiar with the notable abbreviation and its significance. It stands for the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB), which, as the name implies, serves as the foremost global certification scheme for software testing and related disciplines. Numerous companies explicitly include ISTQB certification as a requirement in their job descriptions, making individuals with this certification more likely to secure such positions. So, acquiring this certification is something that everyone should consider, right? (#notsponsored)
Pros:
This is precisely what a beginner in software testing desires — a comprehensive exploration of its various aspects. What types of testing exist? What are the different categories? To kickstart their journey, beginners should prioritize obtaining the Foundation Level certification, which imparts the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for a strong start. While there are numerous seminars available for learning, opting to solely take the exam is a more cost-effective option. It’s important to note that the certification journey doesn’t have to end there; numerous additional certifications can be pursued. I have acquired both the Foundation Level and Test Manager certifications. Furthermore, I aspire to attain the AI Tester certification, which promises immense value in the evolving landscape of software testing.
Cons:
Everything comes with a price, and certifications are certainly no exception to this rule. Enrolling in a certification seminar can cost you a significant sum, often reaching thousands of dollars, which can be quite burdensome for an individual. Therefore, many individuals opt to approach their companies and inquire about potential financial support for their educational pursuits. However, if you aspire to become a software QA engineer but are currently not employed as one, convincing your boss to cover the costs might pose a challenge. The pricing itself is far from inexpensive and may discourage some individuals from pursuing the certification. Speaking from personal experience, I obtained the Foundation Level certification after already working as a software QA. While it provided valuable insights into the theoretical aspects underlying my daily responsibilities, there were only a few entirely new discoveries for me. These fresh insights typically emerge when pursuing additional certifications.
Conclusion:
If you have both the financial resources and the availability of time, I highly recommend considering a certification. I opted for the exam-only route due to its cost-effectiveness, considering that I already had some experience in the field. Consequently, not everything covered in the certification was entirely new to me. For beginners, however, pursuing a certification can provide a solid understanding of the subject matter, allowing them to assess if it aligns with their future goals and aspirations.
Enrolling in Online Courses
The educational options mentioned earlier are valuable, but they may appear somewhat outdated. In our rapidly evolving world, where virtually everything is accessible online, why not consider taking online courses to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter? Embracing online learning allows you to adapt to the pace of the modern world and stay up to date with the latest developments in your chosen field.
Pros:
Several websites provide the opportunity to pursue online courses. Platforms such as Katalon Academy, Udemy, and Test Automation University offer a wide range of affordable courses tailored to your specific needs. These courses can be accessed at your convenience and completed at your own pace. If you encounter any areas of confusion, you have the flexibility to pause the course and delve deeper into specific topics. Additionally, some of these platforms offer official certifications upon completion, which can greatly enhance your job prospects. Furthermore, YouTube provides a free option of videos covering various topics, serving as an additional resource for your learning journey.
Cons:
Those who have experienced online courses are well aware of the primary drawback — they heavily rely on self-discipline. By this, I mean that you must commit to sitting in front of your computer and attentively absorbing the content. Over time, many individuals struggle to maintain focus and eventually discontinue the course. It’s important to note that simply watching a video about Selenium WebDriver won’t automatically transform you into a proficient test automation engineer. It is essential to put your knowledge into practice and actively engage with the concepts you’ve learned. Unfortunately, many individuals tend to overlook this crucial aspect. They complete a course, but after a month or two, all the knowledge fades away due to a lack of hands-on projects and practical application.
Conclusion:
This can certainly be an advantageous option if you have a limited budget. It is cost-effective or even free, but it’s crucial to understand that you will need to take significant initiative and not stop once you complete the course. When utilizing the free option on YouTube, finding the right videos can be challenging, and the quality may not always meet your expectations. This can make it difficult to follow along and, more importantly, to maintain the motivation to continue. If you’re interested in beginning a career in software QA, starting by conducting internet searches, watching relevant videos, and reading informative blogs (like this one) can be a valuable first step.
Participating in Internships
Initiating an internship at a company could possibly be one of the most effective methods to kickstart your career as a QA. By doing so, you gain firsthand experience of the job in a real-life setting. This hands-on opportunity enables you to explore the details of day-to-day business operations and gain vital knowledge. However, it is important to keep in mind that internships may vary in terms of the breadth and depth of skills they offer.
Pros:
Internships serve as a valuable opportunity to not only delve into the world of software QA but also gain insights into the broader working environment. They provide a chance to observe how companies operate and the functions of different departments. In my country, internships are typically paid, offering some compensation for your valuable experience. Although the amount may not be substantial, it is still preferable to receive no compensation at all. Internships also offer a glimpse into the realities of software development in a real-life setting. While students acquire theoretical knowledge in university, they often have limited exposure to the practical aspects that truly matter within a company. The dynamics of communication, meetings, and daily tasks in an actual work environment can significantly differ from idealized expectations. Therefore, pursuing an internship can provide valuable insights and help determine if you are well-suited for such an environment.
Cons:
On your first day as an intern, you might expect to test a cool new feature and uncover numerous bugs..or maybe not! The reality of internships often differs from such expectations. Typically, you won’t be assigned the most interesting or challenging tasks. Instead, you may find yourself assigned to tasks that other employees deem less exciting or prefer to avoid but are necessary. For instance, in my previous company, our intern was responsible for organizing and correctly labeling printed test reports — a less captivating role, to say the least. Eventually, she had the opportunity to engage in end-to-end testing, but it’s important to be prepared for tasks you may not particularly enjoy. Furthermore, the quality of an internship experience largely depends on the company you work for. Ideally, a company aims to recruit motivated, young, or inexperienced individuals who can be potential future hires. However, some companies may simply view internships as a means to acquire cheap labor for unfinished tasks.
Conclusion:
If possible, it is highly recommended to pursue an internship, preferably at the company where you aspire to work in the future. However, if they do not explicitly offer internships, consider sending them a speculative application expressing your interest. By demonstrating your eagerness for a position, they may be inclined to create a role for you. As mentioned earlier, there might be tasks during the internship that are not particularly pleasant or exciting. Nonetheless, these experiences can still be valuable. In most jobs, some tasks may not be inherently interesting but are essential. This aspect of an internship can provide insights into the reality that a small part of your future work may involve challenging or less stimulating tasks. It is better to gain this understanding early on rather than discover it later in your career.
These examples provide a glimpse into how your software QA journey could begin. There are numerous paths to start and progress in this field. Initially, it might feel like a lot to handle or overwhelming, but I can guarantee you that the effort is worthwhile. The role of a software QA engineer is brimming with diverse tasks and daily problem-solving, and there’s no greater satisfaction than releasing new software and receiving feedback that attests to its excellent quality.