As a Software Tester, you are primarily responsible for ensuring that the quality of software of an application or a website meets a client’s requirements, meets a certain level of functionality or performance, and achieves what it was designed to perform without any issues or bugs.
While Software Testing has generally become more automated, using advanced tools that help Testers execute scripts for various features and functions with minimal intervention, there is still much demand for Manual Testers, particularly when it comes to Usability Testing and anything that requires human intuition.
What skills do Testers need?
Depending on the type of testing you’re asked to perform, you’ll need various skills, some of which require more advanced technical training. Manual Testing requires little to no programming knowledge, but an eye for detail, the ability to follow process, and the ability to work in a team are all important qualities.
Test Automation is where technical skills such as coding become more important. This usually entails undergoing specialised training with Testing professionals, and meeting certain qualification criteria before you can take your place on the software Testing team.
Both Manual and Automation Testers will need some form of delivery framework training, such as Scrum or Kanban (Agile), which is part and parcel of the broader business environment you’ll be working in. Other than that, general interpersonal skills, along with software and social media familiarity are useful, though not initially essential.
How do I become a Software Tester?
While some universities and colleges offer Testing as part of a more general IT degree or diploma, the most direct way of starting a Software Testing career is to join a specialist Testing company as an intern. Companies like Inspired Testing offer dedicated training programs for Learners and Students leading to direct career opportunities on completion.
Software Testers are increasingly required to be part of a larger business team, so a lack of formal IT training is not an obstacle to starting a career in the field. A business qualification, or even a general aptitude for working with people in corporate environments, along with the attitude and motivation required to be self-sufficient and a self-starter, are the most valuable traits you can have as a Tester at any level.
About Sastri
Sastri is a passionate and engaging mentor, educator and speaker with extensive experience of real-world testing and automation projects. He has worked in the consultancy industry for over 17 years. He has implemented test automation on various systems ranging from desktop, Web, SAP and mobile applications in multiple industries across the world, with an emphasis on defining an efficient and profitable automation strategy. As a mentor, Munsamy has hosted testing community meetups in Cape Town and Johannesburg, and has guest spoken at numerous industry events.
