Do you have any suggestions for career progression for new QAs?
I've been in my current role for 4 years and rock Protractor and Jasmine, but I don't know testing fundamentals like the ISTQB exam. I love to code but hate to write and execute manual scripts. And likely, my ability to come up with test cases is not as great as it could be, but it's not like QA gets the same kind of classes as software engineers do. I'm far more comfortable building out new test frameworks and optimizing test runtime.
It seems like if I'm to stick with QA, I'd either have to
lead, so writing test plans and scripts and stuff
manager, so HR
move onto other automation languages, which my team doesn't need
It seems like I'm stuck unless I pivot to development.
Software Manager, Agile Aficionado, Tech Dabbler, and Public Speaker. A lifelong learner, the prospect of something new and coffee are what get me up in the morning.
I've never done any of the test exams, I actually started my career before most of those came into being. I may be jaded but I look upon most of those exams as suspect, I know in some countries they are necessary as companies in certain places like them as a way to show what you know. For myself I can show that in an interview, and in the work I have done. Also, blogging and an online presence I think can also show the same things as most of those exams, which are just expecting you to regurgitate facts rather than be able to speak about them in depth.
If you want to progress decide what you want to do. I did management, and if you like that, can work with and inspire people, its a good place to be when that fits your goal. I am more technical, I still coded and tested as a manager, and that's been my place of choice as I like being able to write and create frameworks for others to use and make my work easier. Focus on what you want to do, and learn the languages you like, as well as those that are in demand for the market you want to work at. That's key, while you may like one language, if not many are using it learn what excites you but also learn what is in demand. That way you cover both your goals, and a work path.
You don't need to be a developer if you don't want to, I can code but its not a natural fit for me. I'm probably slower on it than most people, but I can learn one fairly quickly as I need to if that's what the job requires. I fit into a QA Ops role overall, I can keep the lights on and keep things going while also keeping an eye on issues that may be coming and highlight them before they become an issue. Everyone has their niche, find yours and highlight it, you'll find a company that needs it, and when you really enjoy what you do people notice.
For further actions, you may consider blocking this person and/or reporting abuse
We're a place where coders share, stay up-to-date and grow their careers.
Do you have any suggestions for career progression for new QAs?
I've been in my current role for 4 years and rock Protractor and Jasmine, but I don't know testing fundamentals like the ISTQB exam. I love to code but hate to write and execute manual scripts. And likely, my ability to come up with test cases is not as great as it could be, but it's not like QA gets the same kind of classes as software engineers do. I'm far more comfortable building out new test frameworks and optimizing test runtime.
It seems like if I'm to stick with QA, I'd either have to
It seems like I'm stuck unless I pivot to development.
I've never done any of the test exams, I actually started my career before most of those came into being. I may be jaded but I look upon most of those exams as suspect, I know in some countries they are necessary as companies in certain places like them as a way to show what you know. For myself I can show that in an interview, and in the work I have done. Also, blogging and an online presence I think can also show the same things as most of those exams, which are just expecting you to regurgitate facts rather than be able to speak about them in depth.
If you want to progress decide what you want to do. I did management, and if you like that, can work with and inspire people, its a good place to be when that fits your goal. I am more technical, I still coded and tested as a manager, and that's been my place of choice as I like being able to write and create frameworks for others to use and make my work easier. Focus on what you want to do, and learn the languages you like, as well as those that are in demand for the market you want to work at. That's key, while you may like one language, if not many are using it learn what excites you but also learn what is in demand. That way you cover both your goals, and a work path.
You don't need to be a developer if you don't want to, I can code but its not a natural fit for me. I'm probably slower on it than most people, but I can learn one fairly quickly as I need to if that's what the job requires. I fit into a QA Ops role overall, I can keep the lights on and keep things going while also keeping an eye on issues that may be coming and highlight them before they become an issue. Everyone has their niche, find yours and highlight it, you'll find a company that needs it, and when you really enjoy what you do people notice.