Are you entering the “QA World”? Well done! That’s awesome! Congratulations!
You have a long way ahead to explore. I know that you’ve completed your basic training: you know how to start testing an application, how to use and create exploratory maps, how to maintain traceability between each QA product you create, and so on. And you might be wondering, “Okay, I know the basics and know how to handle a testing session for an application... now what?”
Let me explain that you have a long way ahead, as I mentioned before. There is an abundance of knowledge you must read about and train yourself in or through other courses to become an expert in QA. Becoming an expert will provide you with the tools and knowledge to choose between different job opportunities and request higher remuneration for your work. You will also be sought after by larger companies that won’t hesitate to contact you when they are in need. The only remaining question is, “How do I start my advanced training?”
The most important thing you need to do before starting your advanced training and becoming an expert is to decide which additional expertise you want to develop as a “specialty,” so to speak. Here, I will discuss many of them, giving you a better understanding of the big picture so that you can make an informed decision based on knowledge rather than emotions.
Let’s explore the possible specialties:
1. Automation
As you work day by day testing applications, you will realize that performing regression tests takes a long time for manual QA workers. Additionally, it often happens that during regression test executions, someone who knows the application under test very well tends to avoid testing certain aspects simply because they are “extremely sure” that nothing is wrong with them. As a result, they become subjective towards the app, leaving bugs unresolved.
This presents a significant problem. If you become an automation expert, you will focus on automating these regression tests and other specific tests, making them computer-driven rather than relying on humans. This approach brings objectivity to testing, which is a great benefit. However, keep in mind that automating tests requires in-depth knowledge of programming languages and is often more challenging than manual QA work.
Automated tests may sometimes break due to unnotified changes in the app or when the app requires modifications that affect its specifications, ultimately requiring the “rewriting” of automated test cases to make them functional again. It’s a demanding job, but it also offers numerous opportunities and substantial earning potential. Always remember that you will need to continuously update your knowledge and skills in this area.
2. Performance
Do you remember when, during your basic training, you learned about application scalability and performance? Well, there is a whole realm of study you can embark upon regarding performance measurement and improvement. When the application you are working on starts being used by a large number of users (more than initially expected), its performance begins to decline.
This can cause users to experience issues while operating on the platform or even render the app inoperable during specific events like “Black Friday” or “Cyber Monday.” Any major sales event poses a potential crisis for the app. The good news is that you can prevent app failures by collecting performance metrics and making proactive decisions to enhance the app’s behavior.
To specialize in this area, you will need to familiarize yourself with load testing, soak and spike testing, stress testing, and other techniques that provide insights for making informed decisions. For example, you might consider migrating from a standard database to a cloud database to improve speed and accessibility or increasing the server’s RAM capacity to avoid future crashes. Gaining expertise in this field is challenging, but it offers significant rewards, similar to those for automation specialists.
3. Accessibility
Many applications are not easily navigable or usable for people with disabilities. This is a common situation for many companies that offer online services and products because accessibility was not adequately considered during the app’s design phase.
As a result, companies not only miss out on potential users but may also face sanctions and legal warnings from regulatory bodies, resulting in financial losses. By specializing in accessibility, you can work as a consultant for multiple companies, providing guidance on accessibility considerations and best practices.
4. Penetration Testing (Pentesting)
Pentesting is one of the lesser-known specialties that QA specialists can explore, and it offers numerous opportunities for securing contracts. This field involves acquiring knowledge about techniques that can disrupt the normal behavior of an application, potentially leading to security threats, data breaches, and legal sanctions against the company.
Companies often gather various sets of information, including personal and financial data, as well as proprietary business strategies. To safeguard this information, they employ pentesters to identify vulnerabilities and recommend security improvements and measures. As the world of cryptocurrencies continues to solidify, new opportunities in this field are emerging. “Just wait, and you’ll see...”
Conclusion
There are many specialties to choose and work on and therefore, develop a successful career path inside QA area. However, it’s important to understand that none of each specialties is more important than others.
Each one is focused in a particular area or situation that any company could be involved and as the professionals we attempt to be, we must be prepare to provide the insight and the skills to overcome that situation and keep the clockwork of the company running without problems. In the near future, new specialties will see the light and we should start learning new skills again as always.
The most important attribute of any good QA Engineer is to have a high level of adaptability. Keep that in mind, always. Good luck on your journey through QA careers.
