Starting Your Career In Software Testing, 2023

Thinking of starting anything new means swimming through a pool of questions!

You can’t just begin treading on an unknown path without knowing the ins and outs of it. It is essential to learn where the path will take you, why you should walk on it, and if you are interested, prepared, and confident in walking on it.

The same is true for starting a new career. You must be mindful of the details. You must determine if it matches your skills and interests, pays well, and allows you to advance.

Software testing is one of the most exciting and in-demand fields and offers numerous opportunities for those interested in technology and problem-solving.

In a report published by Technavio, the software testing services market is expected to grow by USD 3.49 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 12%.

And it is only going to flourish in the future. If you’re looking to start a career in software testing, this article will provide you with valuable insights and information to help you get started.

Let’s proceed then!

‍

What is software testing?

Software testing is a crucial part of building quality software; software development is incomplete without the testing process. In this process, a piece of software is evaluated or experimented with to uncover inevitable information. The information can be anything–a bug, a malfunction, a feature, a missing requirement, an improvement, etc.

This valuable information is then transmitted to the stakeholders to help them improve the quality of the software.

Hence, your ultimate goal as a software tester will be to identify any defects or issues in the software that could negatively affect the user experience. Whereas, a positive user experience can lead to increased sales and market share - that's how you add value to your organization!

‍

Why pursue a career in software testing?

Before deciding to pursue a career in software testing, the reasons listed below may help you understand whether software testing is a good career choice for you or not.

1. Job security & high demand: Software testing is among the most in-demand careers. Where there is software, there is a tester! As long as software continues to be developed, there will always be a demand for skilled software testers. Reports published in October 2022 predicted that India's software industry would nearly double in the next five years to $6.74 billion, with an annual growth rate of 12.25%. This growth indicates that software testing is a relatively stable career choice.                                        
2. Many pathways and growth opportunities: As the technology field is constantly growing, there will be an increasing need for professionals with software testing skills. Also, there are many pathways in the testing career. You can choose the path of your interest—Manual testing, Automation testing, Performance testing, etc.
3. Full of fun and challenges: A software tester who stops learning stops testing. As a software tester, you will never feel a moment of boredom. Each software product is structured differently and has different issues. You will have to use different approaches to test other software. Hence, you will always learn new things.
4. Creative: Software testing is an art. It requires you to identify defects by connecting hidden dots and thinking from different perspectives to dig out useful information. Isn’t that what makes software testing fun?
5. Flexibility: Many software testing positions offer flexible work hours, allowing you to work from home or choose a schedule that suits your lifestyle.
6. Handsome remuneration: Software testing is a highly demanding skill, and organizations are often willing to pay a competitive salary for the right individual. Within five years of starting the career, the salary is expected to increase by 250–300%. This factor makes the testing career more appealing!
7. Impact on the end-user: A company's most valuable assets, its customers, are at risk without proper software testing. Tested software applications are more reliable, user-friendly, and according to the requirements of the end-users.

‍

Who can pursue a software testing career?

Who can pursue a software testing career? Mainly, pursuing a career in software testing doesn’t require you to have a technical background (a degree in engineering, math, or computer science). Any interested individual with dedication, a passion for technology, learning abilities, and a detail-oriented mind can become a software tester.

A technical educational background can only be a little aid in grasping software testing concepts and methodologies more quickly than a non-technical person can.  

There is a set of technical and non-technical skills that an individual who wants to pursue software testing has to develop.

What is the average learning time for a software tester?

Testing software is one of the most challenging and rewarding skills in the IT industry, but it is generally overlooked since it isn't taught in schools or colleges.

To become proficient and gain hands-on experience, you can take a 4-month software testing training course provided by a software testing institute or go for a 6-month or 1-year diploma in software testing.

There are several resources and training programs, both online and offline, available to help you learn and acquire skills and knowledge to start or switch to a software testing career.

It is also important to note that software testing is a continuously evolving field. Testers of all levels need to keep up with the latest industry trends (techniques and tools for testing) so that they remain market driven.

Summing Up

Software testing is not just a job; it’s an adventure. It offers a wide scope and potential for future growth. After thoroughly exploring software testing, if you think it matches your skills and interests and satisfies your passions, you should not wait any longer to get started.

Join one of the most trusted and comprehensive training courses that can unlock your potential, get you on the right track, and prepare you for the industry.

Our best wishes to you!

Happy Learning!

‍