Software Testing – Is it really as low as one might think?
Sometimes the decision to become a software tester is just a coincidence for some of us, especially early in our careers.
Although you aspire to be a successful IT professional, we assume that the term ‘IT expert’ is synonymous with “Developer”. While being a developer is great and has enormous potential, it shouldn’t be concluded that becoming a tester is the complete opposite.
When testing opportunities emerge, there is a lot of doubt in our minds and we often wonder if it is the right step in our careers.
Misconceptions about the work of software testers
Here are some of the myths that may be in the minds of beginner IT professionals:
Myth No. 1: As a tester, technical knowledge is not applicable
Myth # 2: The scope to learn is limited
Myth 3: The tester has no right to decide anything at the end of the software product
Myth # 4: Paying a higher salary to a developer than a tester.
Neither is true. Let’s explain why:
Myth # 1: Don’t apply technical knowledge
- There are many people (especially graduate students in Computer Science) who are frustrated if their first assignment on the job is a testing project. This is because the curriculum of Software Engineers does not include the Software Testing industry. Therefore, they are not prepared to realize that they will have to do anything other than coding, the database or the network, or have anything to contribute to software production. It is very natural that they feel like they are being cheated.
- However, while it is not imperative to require testers to have a deep understanding of programming languages, this trend is changing and testers have prized programming skills. We can figure that out on our own if we persist a little longer while trying to learn all there is to know about the QA field. This is the stage that proves “my patience will be rewarded”.
- The interesting thing is there are testers who get paid to not believe a product. Of course there is no harm. The purpose of this is to find the problem areas before the user does this. This step can only be achieved when the tester knows the maximum degree of complexity of the software product. If this is not an application of knowledge, what is it?
- The next step to uncovering software deficiencies is to delve a little deeper. Root cause analysis – this means that the tester not only reports the problem, but also analyzes the problem by applying the knowledge gained from their experience and finding possible reasons. for the problem. This is the added value testers should aim to achieve.
Myth 2: The scope to learn is limited
- Testing is not a messy activity. It takes a lot of planning, strategy, technology savvy, time management and even less obvious aspects like understanding the software’s ease of use, market relevance, performance, etc. The unique point is that testers can have 360 free views of the software from any angle – hence, domain knowledge, expertise on best practices in development Software and technical know-how are some of the additional areas the tester will know about.
- Relentless learning is the key to success in any field. The same is true of testing as well. Each person can choose from a variety of options such as performance testing, automation, security, database, or any other much more technical test method. Or we develop our careers as Business Analyst, Project Manager, etc because of applying our business processes, expertise and direction.
- A major part of the test’s job description is collaborating with other project teams, presenting or meeting with different parties, documenting / reporting processes, etc.It’s a great opportunity to practice communication skills, in the form of effectively writing and presenting information.
Myth 3: The tester has no right to decide anything at the end of the software product
- On the contrary, the test team’s opinion on whether the product will be released is the final opinion. We have to accept in this case.
- We also have a unique opportunity to suggest changes and improvements to make the product better. This is because, in our opinion, “Missing a request / enhancement is also a defect”.
- In fact, there is no prejudice for a group that always contributes positively to software products. Their efforts will be noticed and acknowledged.
Myth 4: Paying a higher salary to a developer than a tester
Not true – the rates paid to developers and testers are the same.
All input specialists are paid the same salary (regardless of their specialty). As you progress further in your career, your salary depends on things like – your previous salary, your experience in the relevant field, the expectations of your new position, your employer’s finances. new applications, current market demand, etc; regardless of the field in which you work.
Note: Don’t forget that ambition and talent are important drivers. Some of us want to excel in certain areas and have set goals for ourselves. If those goals are not out of the Software Testing domain, so is it. We wish you the best in pursuing these ambitions.
We hope that the reasons above will reassure those of us who have accidentally or planned to go into the testing field, that this is definitely not a dead end but a fork. on the road towards a bright future. In fact, this could be one of those incidents for which you should be grateful.
Source: https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/is-software-testers-job-really-low-profile-job/#more-2694