With the new change that is upon us and with technological advancement, most people use Software or Applications and transactions are made using these apps. However, when you use any Software or Application, you often look out for functionality, better interface, user experience, and many more. Most times when you see an app that isn’t structured with a great interface, you may likely lose interest in using that app and that is where a career in software testing.
Behind every great app, some people ensure the fulfillment of these criteria while developing. Yes, they are called Software Testers who exist behind this process.
Although a low-profile career that is always unnoticed, Software Testing is one of the most highly sought-after positions in the tech industry. Their major function is to frequently test the software to locate defects, issues, and bugs, and report any defects they may encounter into a tracking system. Each piece of software has to go through different rounds of severe testing to guarantee that the product works as designed before it’s released.
Moreover, If you’ve ever marveled at how to become a software tester, or intend to start a career as one, then you’ll be glad to know that you don’t need to know a developer, but you have to be very knowledgeable about working with different types of software and be a
smart and intelligent person or a quick learner who is very detail-oriented. Because you will have to be able to read the specifications, and other documentation to assure that the software is working as built.
What is software testing?
Software Testing is a process of examining the functionality of a software application to specify whether the developed product fulfils the specified requirements or not.
Moreover, there are various reasons why software testing is required such as Product Quality, Security aspects, User satisfaction, good interface and many more that make Software Testing a vital part of the tech industry.
let’s look at some of the main functions & duties of a Software Tester in an organization:
- It designs & implements several Test scenarios and Test Cases
- They cooperate with Developers & other team members to perform and review meetings.
- Ability to interact with the customers to have a better understanding of the project requirements.
- Organize and prepare the documents linked to the software testing process
Furthermore, starting a career as a software tester isn’t a difficult path but firstly, you’re expected to have an academic background or certifications In a related field like Computer Science or Information Technology. This will help you to kickstart your career in the software testing field or help you get into the IT world.
Significant Technical Skills For a Career In Software
Besides, apart from the academic standards, there are several significant technical skills that one must acquire to become a Software Tester:
Understanding of Database/ SQL
Software Systems have a big amount of data in the background.
Software Testers need to verify & validate this data because the security of the user’s data & information is the major concern for any application, website, or other software. This helps to identify any bugs or defects if they exist. Then, this means having sound knowledge of databases such as Oracle, and MySQL is required.
So, there might be a need where data needs to be validated; this will require simpler or complex SQL queries that can be used to check whether proper data is stored in the backend databases.
Fundamental knowledge of Linux commands
Norge every software application like Web-Services, and Application Servers are hosted on Linux machines. So testers must understand Linux commands. So you’re advised to get familiar with Linux commands and operations to be able to do great as a tester.
Understanding and experience of a Test Management Tool
Test Management is a fundamental part of Software testing. This is one of the major skills to learn to become a Software Tester.
Without proper test management skills, the software testing process will fail. Test management tools are nothing but managing your testing artifacts.
For example – A tool like Testlink is mostly used for tracking all the test cases written by your team.
Other tools that can be used for Test Management are; test case planning & tracking, and test strategies. So, it is valuable to have knowledge and working experience with such tools because they are used in most companies.
Fundamentals of Programming Languages
Having a fundamental knowledge of several programming languages is one of the most valuable skills you can have to get into the Software Testing domain.
A Software Tester is expected to examine codes or programs to find any bugs or discover any issues and the analysis of technical documentation during project development.
Furthermore, good programming skills have become necessary when you go for the automation testing process. You can learn several demanding programming languages like JAVA, C#, Python, Ruby, etc. Or decide to learn just a few ones. Most organizations request basic knowledge of Programming Languages while enlisting Software Testers, so you need to add this skill as an asset to get better career opportunities.
Knowledge of STLC Phases
If you want to build a great career as a Software Tester or you want to carve a niche for yourself in the Software Testing domain, you must know about the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) phases in depth.
It will give you a depth of knowledge of the Software Testing process and build a foundation for you to become a Software Tester.
This Cycle also includes several phases such as Requirement Analysis, Test Planning, Test Case Development, Test Environment Setup, Test Execution & Test Closure which relate to the specific steps needed for the testing process. These phases are conducted many times during the project development to guarantee the fulfilment of project requirements without any bugs or other issues.
Defect Tracking and Defect life cycle are key parts of software testing. It is very important to manage defects properly and systematically track them. Defect tracking is very vital because the entire team should know about the defect involving developers, testers, and others. Various tools used to log defects are QC, Jira, Bugzilla, etc.
Non-Technical Skills For A Career In Software Testing
Furthermore, there are many soft skills or non-technical skills that are needed to be considered to start a career in the Software Testing domain.
- Analytical skills: A good software tester should have strong analytical skills. Analytical skills help you understand things faster and deeper.
- Communication skills: starting a career as a software tester you must have good oral and written communication skills. This will help you relate with other team members like developers, designers and clients.
- Time Management & Organization Skills: A good software tester must be able to handle time effectively. Testing in most cases can be demanding, primarily during the release of code. You must efficiently organize your workload, have high productivity, and exhibit optimal time management, and organization skills.
However, let’s take a look at the certification courses you can earn as a software tester.
- Certified Software Tester (CSTE),
- International Software Testing Qualification Board (ISTQB) Certification.
For a successful career as a software tester, let’s look at the career graph of a Software Testing Professional. This career-growth varies from organization to organization, however, there is a common roadmap you can follow.
- Test Analyst / Quality Analyst (Entry-Level, No experience)
- Senior Test Analyst / Quality Analyst (2-3 Years of Experience)
- Team Coordinator (5-6 years of experience)
- Testing Manager (7-10 Years of Experience)
- Senior Test Manager (10 Years of Experience)
Conclusion
As long as technology continues to evolve and software exists, we’ll have software testers, this is a field that’s possible to be very stable for quite some time. By fulfilling the above-mentioned roadmap and attaining the required skills.
Now, what are you waiting for? Equip yourself to get into the software testing field and achieve your career goals!!
See you at the top!
