Are you dreaming of working as an automation tester? This is one of the most trending IT and software industry careers. Most people think they can only be software developers if they choose to work in this industry. But there are many other options, such as software testing.
However, deciding to take a career in automation testing requires some learning. You must know the best steps to follow to succeed in this industry. Enough background information about the industry will help you start your career and grow your skills.
Here’s everything you should know about automation testing careers.
Automation Tester
It will help first to understand the job description of an automation tester. This will help you decide whether automation testing is a field you’d like to venture into.
An automation tester handles one of the most critical checkpoints in the software development process. Their work is to ensure the product released into the market is high-quality. They check for bugs in the software products before they get released into the market. Automation testers discover these issues by running simulations and conducting diagnostic tests on software.
There are various software tools that automation testers use to get the job done. The testing platform and framework one chooses for the job matters a lot. These tools provide the best environment for software testers to design and execute end-to-end tests that bring the desired results.
If you’re starting as an automation tester and settled on the Guidewire testing solution, you’ll need to learn how it works. A training course will help you leverage the platform for UI and API testing. Using the features available for both types of tests will help you succeed.
The Skills You Need to Become an Automation Tester
You cannot become a successful automation tester if you lack some critical skills. Generalized skills might be helpful but not enough to get you to the top. You’ll need to identify the most critical skills and sharpen them so that you set yourself apart from other job seekers.
Here are some skills that will be helpful:
- A good understanding of the software lifecycle
- Some background in automation or even manual testing
- Excellent analytical skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Sharpened decision making
- Good team spirit
- Respect for deadlines
- Accuracy and precision
- Attention to details
That’s not all about the needed skills to succeed as an automation tester. We already said that taking a course will be critical, especially regarding your desired software. Then, sometimes working on real jobs will be great for your practice and for cementing your skills.
Best Tips for Becoming an Automation Tester
You now know the skills needed to become a successful automation tester. But it would be best if you didn’t get started before getting the best tips for landing a career in this field. Employers will show interest in hiring you even if you’re already employed if you have what they’re looking for.
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Start Learning Early
Starting early comes with various benefits. It gives you enough time to hone your skills and become even better at automation testing. Also, it will give you sufficient time to build your portfolio. In short, don’t wait for the right moment; start now and see your career kick-off.
2. Always Remember the Basics of Testing
Some people forget the testing basics as soon as they feel comfortable with what they do. It will be tricky to grow in your career if you do this. The basic concepts and terminologies learnt when you started learning are critical. They set the foundation for all the complex stuff that follows.
3. Have Some Programming Skills
You cannot separate programming and software testing. Programming is a prerequisite of automation testing. A good background understanding is critical to succeeding in this field. You’ll be interacting with data structures and algorithms throughout your career.
4. Don’t Forget Manual Testing
One thing you shouldn’t forget is manual testing. It’s worth remembering that automation testing is built on the pillars of manual testing. Thus, you will need to remember and practice the principles of manual testing for as long as you are in the automation testing field.
5. Understand How Apps Work
As an automation tester, you’ll be testing apps before they’re released into the market. It would be best if you understood how apps work. Also, knowing the nitty-gritties of the underlying frameworks will be critical. You’ll know what to focus on when testing these apps.
6. Know How to Build an Automation Testing Strategy
Automation testing involves various steps. The better part of the process isn’t spent on the actual testing. Instead, automation testers focus more on the planning phase because it impacts the results. That’s why knowing how to build an excellent automation testing strategy is critical.
7. Stay Updated With Industry Trends
It will also help to update yourself with the industry’s latest trends. The IT and software industry is dynamic. The techniques and tools that automation testers use today might not work in the future. Thus, knowing what’s new in the industry and updating your testing skills will be vital.
Landing a career in the software industry won’t be daunting if you implement these tips. They’ll help ensure employers find you valuable and be willing to retain you. Should you exit your workplace, it will be easier to get hired if you have what employers need.
Conclusion
A career in the IT or software industry can be fulfilling. This is more so if you are in automation testing, which has great rewards. You only need to learn how automation testing works. It will also help to have all the software tools you need and know how to make the most of them.
In addition, you will need to gather experience in this field. Some internship opportunities can help you put into practice the skills learnt. Also, changing your mindset will be crucial if transitioning from a manual to an automation tester. It will make it easy to start your career and grow into a renowned automation tester.
