Navigating the QA Manager Journey: 10 Key Lessons I Wish I Had Known
Reflecting on my journey in the software QA industry, I’ve come to realize that there were many lessons I wish I’d learned at the beginning. After working in the field for over five years, I’ve identified ten crucial things that would have saved me a lot of time and energy had I known them earlier. For anyone starting their journey in the industry, these tips can be invaluable in helping you navigate the ups and downs of software QA.
Just Ask The Darn Question
At the start, meetings can feel as scary as a haunted house. I remember my very first one, back when I was a student working part-time at a company specializing in autonomous driving. I was as excited as a kid in a candy store to be in an official meeting! Of course, as time went on, the excitement faded, and people started to enjoy meetings as much as a root canal. But in the beginning, I was pumped…until reality hit.
The meeting was packed with Senior Developers and Engineers speaking a language I couldn’t comprehend — like aliens discussing their favorite intergalactic snacks. They confidently tossed around abbreviations and tech jargon I had never encountered. I listened but understood nothing, and I didn’t dare ask questions for fear of being “that guy” who constantly interrupts and embarrasses himself. So I let the meeting pass and later approached a colleague with my questions, only to find out that even senior engineers had not fully understood everything. Turns out, I wasn’t alone in my confusion.
My first lesson: just ask the darn question! We often think we’re the only ones who don’t understand something, but many times, others are simply too scared to ask. We’re more concerned about saving face than seeking clarity. As it turns out, people usually enjoy answering questions and engaging in discussions. So, channel your inner superhero and just ask the question.
Learn To Speak (and Listen)
When it comes to communication, it’s no secret that it’s a crucial skill to have. Learning how to communicate effectively can make or break your success, whether it’s in your personal life or at work. First and foremost, you need to learn how to give feedback constructively, disagree professionally, and express your thoughts and desires clearly. These are essential skills that will serve you well in any situation.
However, it’s also important to recognize that different people and companies use different vocabularies to describe similar things. For example, what one company calls “issues,” another may call “bugs.” It’s like learning a new language — some use the word “tickets” for tasks, while others use “stories.” And when it comes to verifying or testing things, some may say “validate,” while others say “test.”
To communicate effectively, it’s crucial to learn the common language used in your workplace or industry. By doing so, you’ll be able to communicate more clearly and avoid misunderstandings. It’s like learning the local customs when you travel to a new place — it shows that you respect and understand the people you’re interacting with. So take the time to learn the common language, and you’ll be well on your way to successful communication.
Flexibility Is Key
Modern software development is all about being agile. And let me tell you, being agile is like being a ninja — you have to be quick on your feet and ready for anything. As a QA, I had to learn this the hard way. I used to be the most organized person on the team, planning everything down to the last detail. But then, out of nowhere, a new feature would pop up and I’d have to change everything. It was like trying to build a sandcastle during high tide — frustrating and messy. And if you work in a multi-project environment, things can get even crazier. Suddenly, another project needs more attention and you have to reschedule your day. It’s like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle — stressful and a little bit insane.
But over time, you learn to develop a good mindset and feeling for situations like these. It’s like becoming a seasoned chef — you learn to adapt to unexpected ingredients and still create a delicious meal. So, if you want to succeed in the world of software development, you better be agile and ready to handle anything that comes your way. Because, let’s face it, in this industry, the only constant is change.
Tick-tock, Time Management
Let’s talk about time management. When nearing a release date, stress and chaos can ensue. So, as a software QA manager, it’s crucial to learn good time management skills. Additionally, keep in mind that QA budgets can be tight, which means you may only have limited time to test tickets. Be efficient with your testing and prioritize the most critical cases. Remember, while we QAs love to explore software weaknesses, sometimes, the project simply doesn’t allow for perfectionism.
Perfectionism…RIP
Speaking of perfectionism…In my experience, most QA professionals tend to have a perfectionist streak. We strive to make the software as error-free as possible and dream of a perfect system. However, in reality, striving for perfection is not always feasible. I quickly learned that no system is perfect, and there’s never enough time to test everything thoroughly. Therefore, it’s crucial to prioritize and focus on the most critical features and weaknesses of the software. Sometimes, there may be extra time available to test beyond what’s required, but most of the time, we have to make compromises. As a QA, it’s essential to understand the key features and weaknesses of the software and create a test plan accordingly. Remember, perfection may be the goal, but it’s not always attainable.
Be the Squeaky Wheel
What I’m trying to say is, don’t be afraid to assert your needs as a software QA professional. Often, product owners and project managers underestimate the amount of time and budget required for QA, and in the past, I used to accept it silently. However, it’s crucial to communicate the importance of QA in projects and that it’s not something that should be treated as an afterthought. Demand to be included in meetings from the beginning to gain a good understanding of the project. Insist that your defined QA processes are implemented correctly, and you have enough time for testing and documentation. Don’t be afraid to be a little bit annoying — it’s better than having a faulty QA system.
Documentation: Your Safety Net
Industries vary in their documentation requirements. For example, the medical device industry demands extensive documentation for certification purposes. However, in other industries, documentation may not be required. In one particular project, the project manager suggested that I skip documentation due to time constraints. But my inner voice pushed me to document my work, even if it was for my reference. This turned out to be a smart move when a major bug was discovered after the software release, and I was able to provide evidence of my work and decisions made by the different stakeholders. This highlights the importance of documentation, even if it may not seem necessary at the time. It’s always better to document as much as possible and be prepared for any surprises.
Own Your Mistakes
After sharing the story of the bug that was claimed by a client, despite having found it earlier, I want to clarify that this is not always the case. There are various reasons why bugs may go unnoticed, such as time constraints, complexity of the system, or incorrectly defined acceptance criteria. Moreover, it’s important to keep in mind that making mistakes is normal, and it’s okay to admit them. People often forget that mistakes are part of the learning process, and instead focus on finding someone to blame. It’s crucial to shift the focus towards learning and not repeating the same mistakes in the future. So, embrace your mistakes, learn from them, and admit them when necessary. After all, making mistakes is human, and it’s how we improve ourselves.
Embrace the learning mindset
Although it’s not specifically related to the software QA job, it’s still a crucial point to consider. The software industry is constantly evolving, and as a QA professional, you need to be ready to adapt to new things and tools. With the rise of AI, it seems like every day a new tool comes out that could revolutionize testing or other aspects of the job.
To keep up with the ever-changing software world, it’s essential to adopt a learning mindset. Don’t rely solely on your existing knowledge and skills; instead, be open to learning new things every day. Contrary to popular belief, learning doesn’t stop after school or university — it’s a lifelong process. By continually learning, you can improve your work and make it easier.
However, having the right attitude towards learning is critical. Embrace the challenge of learning new things and be willing to step outside your comfort zone. With the right mindset, you can thrive in the fast-paced software industry and keep your skills up to date.
Manual Automation: A Love-Hate Relationship
Ah, the joys of automation in software testing. At the beginning of my journey, I was like a kid in a candy store — excited about all the different tools and possibilities. In my mind, I was creating test cases and plans that would run automatically, leaving me with plenty of time to sip my coffee and watch the magic happen.
But then reality kicked in. I soon realized that automation isn’t the answer to everything. While it’s true that automation can be helpful in some areas, it’s not always feasible or practical. Sometimes, projects are just too small or time is too tight to implement automation. And let’s not forget about the complexity of some applications — trying to automate everything would be like trying to teach a cat to fetch.
So, while it’s important to implement as much automation as possible, don’t be too disappointed if it is not as much as you wish. Manual testing is still a crucial part of the job, and there’s no shame in that. Just be sure to communicate with stakeholders about the costs and benefits of automation.