Sandra Patel
18th July 2019
Article by Rose Blackburn, Business Recruitment Manager
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-reasons-go-software-testing-rose-blackburn/
As a Specialist Test Recruiter, I have spoken to a LOT of testers and I am always fascinated about the routes into IT and specifically testing. A lot of my candidates have taken this as natural career progression from a Computer Science degree and others have made the decision to change career paths as they have an eye for detail and what better way to utilise this skill than test important software and make a change.
Others, have been at the end of a Computer Science degree and in a position to make an important decision as to whether they will take a Development route, a BA or Product/ route or Project Management route etc.
So I am here to tell you what makes testing a great route for your career, and the reasons to get into software testing!
Reason #1
You make a difference
I feel that the software testing profession sometimes doesn’t get the recognition it deserves yet it is so important and not only does it ensure that you are delivering a QUALITY product, it is also ensuring that the reputation of your company is upheld and end users are happy!
Whether your product is a betting platform or a life saving children’s healthcare product – the value of QUALITY can not be compromised by poor testing!
The best developer in the world still needs to test his product. Not only for bugs and defects, but also to check that this is representative of the requirements, does this do what it is meant to do?
If you take pride in your work, then testing is an exceptional way to make a measurable difference in your organisations goals and help them achieve more!
Reason #2
You get to break things
So this is a controversial one, we don’t mean a Wreck it Ralph type moment on someone’s computer…but it can be really fun to find a bug no one thought existed in software everyone thought was working perfectly.
If you have an analytical mind and enjoy thinking outside the box, taking a product and really getting into the nitty gritty to find defects and bugs is going to be a great experience for you, but you also need to take into consideration how the end user thinks and by thinking like an end user you will get a much better product.
Heather Reid (Ministry of Testing) said: When you are testing you shouldn’t only test for you. You need to think about impatient users, users who take their time, users who have a bit of a tester in them and like to “break” things and many more.
Basically, what I am trying to say is if you want a job that keeps you on your toes, testing is a really great choice. If you prefer a job where you don’t have to think too much then don’t pursue a software testing career.
Reason #3
You will learn new things everyday
As a tester, you are coming up against new challenges everyday, it’s a big job to explore a system and find the bugs, so the more you test the more you learn. You pick up new things from previous challenges from past projects that make it easier the next time, you know where to look and how to test it, you know what the end user would do. As technology advances, testers get a chance to experiment more and learn more.
Testing is moving forward everyday, Automation is becoming more prevalent, you have the opportunity to train and develop your technical skills and WRITE CODE! A lot of automation testers write pieces of code to automate test scripts. Who said one who can’t code can choose a career in software testing!
See my previous article on making the transition… https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/transitioning-from-manual-testing-automation-rose-blackburn/
Reason #4
Testers are highly sought after and get paid well!
If you want a high growth and high paying career, software testing is the way to go. Testers are always going to be highly in demand, with the introduction of Automation, AI and Machine Learning things, more testing will be done automatically. But the human touch and eye for detail will always be needed in software and product development!
You will find a lot of leading companies trying their hardest to recruit you (see the Transition Partners website for more info on these fab roles!) The salaries for varying levels of testers in the Yorkshire area is very competitive :
- Graduate: £20 – £25K
- Junior : £25K – £35K
- Mid Level: £30 – £45K
- Senior: £45K +
- Manager: £55K +
Automation experience will give you a big boost on those salaries also!! And whilst the salary may be less when you start your career, experienced Testers are earning the same level of the package compared to Developers. Many companies are offering much more salaries to the Automation Testers compared to Developers.
Reason #5
It will open to doors for other roles and career paths!
Software testing has brilliant growth opportunities! A Tester will become Test Lead, Project Lead, Automation Architect, Test Manager etc.
But also, it Opens the Door to Many Other Career Paths.Once you have mastered manual testing, you can explore your potential further and become a business analyst, performance tester, automation tester or beyond! The possibilities are endless!
I hope this has been helpful and I would love to hear more top tips and feedback!
I welcome to opportunity to speak more about this, whether you would like to meet for a coffee and find out more! Or if you are a client looking for passionate Graduates or Junior testers wanting to transition, get in touch!
0113 457 1020 / Rose.Blackburn@transition-partners.co.uk