Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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Software Testers
Software testers are responsible for testing the quality of software during development. To evaluate the software, they may create automated or manual tests.
Table of contents
While you may assume that software testers have a boring job, this career comes with a few hidden benefits.
Software testers are commonly used to evaluate the quality of software, giving you the chance to use programs before they are released to the public. You may also work with a wide variety of industries, testing everything from productivity software to medical software.
Software testers also have a surprising range of duties and responsibilities. Beyond testing software, you may need to collaborate with developers to improve the user experience. Here’s a closer look.
What they do
Software testers are responsible for testing the quality of software during development. To evaluate the software, they may create automated or manual tests.
Develop Tests to Evaluate Software Inconsistencies and Defects
The main job of a Software Tester is to develop tests to evaluate the software before it is released. This may include automated tests and manual tests. Automated tests are scripts that automate common functions of the software to detect bugs and performance issues.
Manual tests are completed by Software Testers, paid Quality Assurance Testers, or volunteers. The manual tests help explore the functionality of the software, making it easier to detect issues that impact the user experience, such as the menus and buttons.
Create Reports and Recommendations Based on Test Results
After completing the tests, the Software Tester creates reports. The report may include a list of detected software bugs, along with specific recommendations for improving the quality of the software.
Research Known Software Issues and Potential Bugs
In many cases, Software Testers are tasked with pinpointing specific problems. The software development team may have a list of potential bugs that the Software Tester needs to research to determine the best method for resolving the issues.
Perform Market Research to Understand the Needs of Users
Software Testers may develop tests to evaluate the user experience of the software, which often requires market research. Researching the needs of users helps Software Testers know what features to evaluate during testing.
Software Testers have a variety of tools available for market research, including analytical software. However, they also frequently develop customer surveys to learn more about the needs and interests of the target audience.
Collaborate with Software Developers
Software Testers work closely with the rest of the development team. The projects are collaborative efforts. The Software Tester typically coordinates with developers to detect software bugs and analyze the needs of users. Developers may also provide feedback and help the Software Tester determine which functions to explore when testing the software.
After conducting tests, the Software Tester often reviews the results with the rest of the development team. They work together to improve the quality of the software and eliminate issues before the release date.
What is the job like
Pros
You Get to Work on a Variety of Projects
Software Testers are continuously involved in the development of new software, which helps keep this job interesting.
You Have Many Opportunities for Relocation
Software testing is a growing field with an increasing variety of opportunities in almost every industry. This gives you more opportunities to seek advancement or positions in other states.
You Can Transition to Other Areas of Software Development
The skills and knowledge that you gain are directly transferable to other careers in software development, such as Project Manager.
You Get to Help Improve the Quality of Software
The software issues that you detect and resolve help users get more use out of the software.
Cons
Some of the Work Can Become Monotonous
When working on a major project, you may need to complete many tests, which can become monotonous.
You May Feel Pressure to Cut Corners
Each software bug that you uncover may result in additional work for the development team, which can add to the stress of the job.
Where they work
Most Software Testers work for software development companies, testing the software before it is released. Software Testers may also find employment in specific industries, specializing in the testing of software in health care, logistics, or research.
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How to become one
Step 1: Study Math and Computers in High School
Software Testers need to learn programming and coding, which requires strong math and computer skills.
Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
Software Testers typically hold at least a Bachelor’s degree. Computer Science is the most common major. However, some Software Testers earn Associate’s degrees, which typically requires additional work experience after college.
Step 3: Earn Relevant Certifications
The most common certifications for Software Testers include the ISTQB Certified Tester credential and the Certified Software Tester (CSTE) certification.
Step 4: Look for Entry-Level Work
Most Software Testers start in entry-level positions or internships. You may even need to start in a related field, such as Software Development. Many positions will require at least two years of experience in information services or information technology.
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
Successful Software Testers tend to possess strong organizational skills due to the variety of tasks and goals that they work on at any given time. Communication skills are also essential, as most of the work completed by Software Testers involves collaborations with software developers or software users. Curiosity is also a useful trait, as it helps Software Testers continue to look for software problems and develop innovative solutions to issues that arise.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
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