Career In Software Testing Vs. Software Development - 2023

@thebigk • Oct 27, 2024

Oct 27, 2024

8.2K

Lot of freshers write to me via email about career in software testing, various growth opportunities that exist in India vs. career in software development. The main issue is that no one really tells you what kind of jobs and career do both these career streams offer.

Update: An updated version of the answer is provided below. You are advised to read the old answer and the new answer to get a better perspective.

This short essay aims to give you a clarity so that you can make a well informed decision and be happy about your career choice. I'll be as objective as possible, combining my own experiences of working in software development & testing team for over 3 years (I left the IT industry afterwards) and try to give you an overall idea of what to expect. I'll encourage you to read entire post and if you have questions, post them below.

Understanding The Indian IT Industry :

The Indian IT industry is mostly services based industry which relies mostly on two types of jobs : software development and software testing (QA). There are other streams too, but those are out of the scope of this discussion. We'll only focus on testing vs. development.

Typically most big IT industries will take up projects from overseas clients and have engineers work on them. This leads to two career paths - Software Testing & Software Development. Overall - the software development teams are responsible for 'coding' and software testing teams are responsible for making sure that everything adheres to the specifications of the software being developed.

Roles Played By Software Developers Vs. Software Testers :

Typically there would be 'two' teams working in sync on a project because both development and testing cannot be separated. Every written code must be checked for quality and without any team not existing - it'd be impossible to create the final software. The point I'm driving home is that both software development and testing teams are equally important. It's a myth that software 'testing' is kind of a 'lower' job as compared to software development.

When any project begins - both software development and testing teams get involved from day 1. While the actual job of software developers begins much later, software testing teams usually begins right at the time of verifying the specification documents and continues throughout the life cycle of the project. It'd not be wrong to say that software testing teams often have a better knowledge of the overall functioning of the software systems they are working on.

Software development, is one of the most crucial parts because without it, nothing gets 'developed'. Project manager or team lead will assign specific modules to you which you will have to code according to the specifications finalised by the software testing & business development teams. Every module developed by the developers is checked by the testing team and approved.

Skill Set Requirements:

For Developers: The developer skill set will be determined by the nature of the project and the technology stack decided by the software architects (much senior position in the organisation). If the architects decide that a combo of Java, C, Ruby, Python would be used in the project then accordingly developers will be selected who are trained on these technologies.

For Test Engineers: They require entirely different skill set which could be a mix of Java, C, Ruby, Python along with software manual and automation tools along with scripting languages. There are several automation tools that require programming knowledge. It's a myth that software testing engineers do not write code. Given the complexity of the project a software testing engineer might end up writing more complex code than his developer counterpart. The point to be understood is that - both development and testing jobs require you to have programming knowledge.

Career Growth:

Software testing and development engineers have unique growth paths with similarities. Software developers may get promoted to module lead, team lead, project lead, project manager and so on depending on the company's hierarchy.

A software testing engineer will have a similar path where he/she will become team lead, project lead, project manager, test architect etc. It's a myth that there are no or little growth opportunities in software testing career.

Salaries Offered To Testing Engineers Vs. Developers:

It's a fact that few companies offer a bit lesser salary to testing engineers as compared to developers at the initial phase of career. But I've not seen this remaining a problem for longer time in career. In fact, a qualified automation engineer can draw much more salary than a developer with similar work experience (years).

Ultimately You Will Become Managers

I'd say 'unfortunately' because every promotion will take you away from your technical expertise. Ultimately you will become managers and will mostly use Microsoft Outlook, Power Point and Excel Sheets no matter which stream (development or testing) you belonged to. At that stage, your salaries will be the same as what the industry offers and your testing stream won't really matter.

There are few companies that allow you to stick to your roots through caries technical and management career paths. That however is out of scope of this post. You may ask specific questions about this, if you have any.

Should You Choose Software Development Or Software Testing?

My answer remains the same as what I've answered in most of the other similar discussions here on CrazyEngineers. If you are 'passionate' about coding [check if you've contributed to open source projects, developed a software in your part time just because it's fun, have you cracked complex coding problems just for fun?] then opt for software development.

If you aren't passionate about coding and haven't written a single line of code out of interest - any stream is okay for you. I think most of the students will fall in this category. You'll be happy in any career stream - be it development or testing.

Bottom Line: Don't form opinions or take decisions based on what people say. Most people are not at all exposed to the IT industry or just one of testing or development. Do your own research, gather information on your own from well informed people (CE is an excellent place to do that). If you have questions, post them below. We've several software testing engineers and software developers who will be happy to answer your questions. If you have general comments, they are welcome too.

Update: While we welcome all your specific questions in this discussion; I'd strongly recommend that you should get yourself registered on #-Link-Snipped-# . It allows you to ask your questions privately to the industry/domain experts and seek help.

Updated Answer:

Software testing and software development are two crucial components of the software lifecycle. Both fields have unique roles, require different skills, and offer varied career paths. Here's a comparison:

Career in Software Development:

Role: Software developers primarily design, build, and maintain software systems. They translate user requirements into code, debug errors, update existing software, and develop new applications.
Skills: Proficiency in one or more programming languages like Java, Python, or C# is necessary. Other essential skills include problem-solving, logical thinking, data structures and algorithms, and an understanding of software architecture and design patterns. Familiarity with version control tools and various development methodologies like Agile is also beneficial.
Career Path: Entry-level roles include junior developer or programmer. As they gain experience, they may progress to roles such as senior developer, team lead, and ultimately, software architect. Alternatively, they can move into project management or product management roles.
Pros and Cons: Software development can be creatively fulfilling and offers the opportunity to build something from scratch. However, it can also be stressful due to tight deadlines and pressure to deliver a bug-free product. In terms of salary, software developers generally earn a higher income compared to software testers, but it varies significantly by region, experience, and the complexity of the job.

Software Testing:

Role: Software testers verify and validate that the software works as expected and is of high quality. They identify bugs and issues before the software gets to the end-user. They may develop and run test scripts, document issues, and report their findings to the development team.
Skills: Familiarity with testing methodologies, tools (like Selenium, JIRA), and scripting languages is often required. A keen eye for detail, excellent communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a knack for breaking things are crucial.
Career Path: Entry-level roles often include QA (Quality Assurance) tester or test engineer. Advanced roles include senior tester, test manager, and QA lead. Many testers eventually move into roles such as QA engineer, where they design testing frameworks and environments.
Pros and Cons: Software testing plays a vital role in delivering a high-quality product, and there's satisfaction in detecting and resolving issues. However, the work can be monotonous, particularly if automated testing isn't utilised or isn't feasible. It can be challenging if there is insufficient time allocated to testing within the project schedule.

Conclusion: Software Testing Or Software Development?

The decision between software development and software testing comes down to personal interests and strengths.

If you enjoy problem-solving, designing algorithms, and writing code, you might be better suited to a career in software development.

If you're detail-oriented, enjoy finding faults, and want to ensure software products are of the highest quality, then software testing might be the right path for you.

Remember, there's overlap between the two fields, and skills learned in one can often apply to the other, offering flexibility in your tech career.

Like 0 Replies 476

Replies

Welcome, guest

Join CrazyEngineers to reply, ask questions, and participate in conversations.

CrazyEngineers powered by Jatra Community Platform

tanvisharma

@tanvisharma-wSaer7 • Mar 11, 2013

hi biggie, i have researched a lot about this and what i understood is same, be it development or testing both has equal importance.
for development we need to have very good reasoning and analytical-skills.
and interest in programming, so finally one has to decide their choice 😀. i have a doubt, after like 1 or 2 years of experience in testing field, can we jump to development side, with full fledged preparation for development?😉 same as a fresher in development side?
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Mar 11, 2013

Both software testing and development jobs would (for that matter, any engineering job would) require you to have reasoning, analytical and logical skills. Changing career paths is difficult but not impossible. Few of my friends decided to shift from development to testing and few jumped from testing to development. But the jump isn't very easy always.

The major reason for this shift of track being difficult is that once you are experienced in something, no Organization would really want to lose out on your expertise. 2 years later, you'll be commanding higher salary than a fresher and if both of you are starting afresh, the company would rather prefer a fresher than a candidate who's built his/her expertise in testing or development.

It entirely depends on your employer, nature of projects available, and the criteria that might look favorable to having you switch track after getting experience in one field for two years.

It doesn't make much sense to switch track actually, unless you get terribly pissed off at work. If you've dedicated two years to something, you should better be building on it than switching to something newer. Of course, if you have a very strong will and are ready to do whatever it takes, you might find yourself in the career path of your choice.

My friend had spent ~2 years in development and he decided to switch to software testing. He had to change his organisation and take salary cut because the new employer agreed to hire him at a fresher level.
tanvisharma

@tanvisharma-wSaer7 • Mar 11, 2013

thank you biggie for the information...😀
Sandeeep Usha

@sandeeep-usha-IyzLJ0 • Dec 21, 2013

Hi Kaustubh,
I'm a B.Tech(CSIT) graduate working as Testing Engineer. I do Manual Testing.
Coding is my passion and I always wanted to be a developer but unfortunately I got into testing domain😔 after joining our organization.So, I thought of moving to development.Now,I have started doing automation which is interesting but we use only vbscript in QTP.
Is it better to move to development or to continue career in automation testing by getting hands on QTP and selenium.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Dec 21, 2013

If coding is your interest, I think you should consider yourself lucky that you're in testing domain. I think you haven't explored all the opportunities the world of QA opens for you.

I'd strongly recommend that you should develop expertise in all the automation tools out there. Start with JUnit, HTTPUnit, Ruby, Selenium, PERL scripting and QTP. With your main interest in coding; it should be very easy for you to develop expertise in all these automation & scripting tools and trust me - that's going to make your whole profile kick-ass!

If I were you, I'd definitely leverage my current experience in testing, develop additional skills and then look for the company that offers me the right salary & role. I'm confident that with all of those in your resume - no company will ever deny you a job.

PS: There's a huge shortage of QTP & Selenium experts. But don't limit yourself to those tools. Combine the best of programming and testing and you should see yourself skyrocketing past your peers in development (and testing).
Sandeeep Usha

@sandeeep-usha-IyzLJ0 • Dec 21, 2013

Thanks for your reply Kaustubh..
Anoop Kumar

@anoop-kumar-GDGRCn • Dec 21, 2013

If coding is your passion and your are in testing. Selenium is best thing you could learn. It's just replica of core java coding and most of tester fear of coding.
There is very good market and opportunity in selenium.
Manisha Singh27

@manisha-singh27-lZbFy4 • Jan 6, 2014

How is the future of vsts 2012 testing tool of .net ?
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Jan 6, 2014

Manisha Singh27
How is the future of vsts 2012 testing tool of .net ?
I'd not recommend any software testing engineer to stick to one particular tool. All the automation tools are intended to automate the manual execution of test cases. Once you become familiar with one tool; learning others shouldn't be too difficult.

That said, if you are talking about Visual Studio testing tool, I think it should attract you a few job offers; but it'd help if you could do a search on job portals for companies that require knowledge of this tool and then base your decision.
raghunathan

@raghunathan-gRMnEt • Jan 15, 2014

Hi
I am 2013 passedout
I completed my engineering(ECE). I got placed in one MNc company as a testing engineer
i am getting very less salary i am having fear on my career wether i chosen a right career or not .
please clarify my doubts wheter testing is a good career or not.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Jan 15, 2014

@#-Link-Snipped-# - please read the first post in this discussion. It should clarify all your doubts. If you have further questions, you may ask them below. 😀
raghunathan

@raghunathan-gRMnEt • Jan 15, 2014

Hi kaustaub
I have doubt why for testers alone as a fresher they are giving very less salary.

hi
I have one more doubt some of them saying that the salary for developers will be always high compare to tester.the openings also will be less for the experienced testing candidate.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Jan 15, 2014

I think I'd tag @#-Link-Snipped-# and @#-Link-Snipped-# - both of them have been in the Quality Assurance domain and have years of experience to tell you their own perspective.

I think it's because Indian companies don't focus on quality as much as they should do. But in the longer term; I guarantee that how much you'll earn has nothing to do with what career stream you've chosen. It's all about excelling in what you are doing.

I know a person who rose from a junior engineer to vice president of a major company in a short span of about 10 year; all while being in the QA domain. Trust me, you'd definitely want to go where there's a shortage of highly skilled people.
sookie

@sookie-T06sFW • Jan 16, 2014

raghunathan
Hi
I am 2013 passedout
I completed my engineering(ECE). I got placed in one MNc company as a testing engineer
i am getting very less salary i am having fear on my career wether i chosen a right career or not .
please clarify my doubts wheter testing is a good career or not.
Its difficult for Electricals & Electronics engineer to go into development domain in starting until you can really impress the interviewer(or boss later) with your programming & data structure skills.
ShSK

@shsk-KZZqr8 • Jan 16, 2014

I passed out in 2012(CS)and was never a coder.Joined an organisation as java developer.Started learning J2EE and found interesting.Later was put into testing project and worked as manual tester.Found relaxing but not challenging.So thinking of switching back to development.On reading the above threads I am really in a fix now.I am more of inclination towards management stuff in IT and don't want be into technical coding all my career life even if i am finding it interesting now.Heard that at one stage growth in development stagnates.Please throw some light on this and also of other career options in IT like BA.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Jan 16, 2014

@#-Link-Snipped-# - I think you should stick to testing field and develop expertise in automation testing. That should give you an edge over others when it comes to promotions or even when making a switch. A testing engineer with background in development would be a killer combination; if you get into QA automation.

Ultimately, the managers; irrespective of their background, would do similar jobs: Excel, Powerpoint & Outlook (email). The only difference will be that you're likely to be managing the QA teams instead of Dev teams.

Remember that most of the projects outsourced to Indian IT companies will have the QA component; which is going to be very important when it comes to delivery.

I'd recommend developing expertise in PERL, QTP, UNIX and also master a few tools like Selenium. Enjoy the best of both worlds (relaxing+coding) and make your way to higher steps in the corporate hierarchy.
micheal john

@micheal-john-l1fIn3 • Jan 16, 2014

Kaustubh Katdare
@#-Link-Snipped-# - A testing engineer with background in development would be a killer combination; if you get into QA automation..
.....
I'd recommend developing expertise in PERL, QTP, UNIX and also master a few tools like Selenium.
Being java/j2ee developer switching to testing, will there be any scope😀
Anoop Kumar

@anoop-kumar-GDGRCn • Jan 16, 2014

micheal john
Being java/j2ee developer switching to testing, will there be any scope😀
Become a Selenium webdriver tester and developer 😀
ShSK

@shsk-KZZqr8 • Jan 20, 2014

thanks for the answers but is it true that career in Core development(J2EE) stagnates at some point,as in no growth in heirarchy or financially?Also whats a BA role n how to assume it? also heard if testing provides lesser switching options while dev gives load of them.
PrachurSaikia

@prachursaikia-XCYs6z • Jan 20, 2014

Hello Kaustubh,

I am working as a Software Test Engineer( 1 yr) for a company in Mobility domain. It's is known that mobility domain has been working as great worldwide, but looking into the QA side profession in this domain, how do you see the testing career in Mobile app? I want to work more on Automation side of the testing . If company hire for experienced testing professionals apart from mobility domain, will be able to apply for that? How to switch from mobility testing domain to any other testing domain. Your suggestions would be helpful for me. Thanks
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Jan 20, 2014

ShSK
thanks for the answers but is it true that career in Core development(J2EE) stagnates at some point,as in no growth in heirarchy or financially?Also whats a BA role n how to assume it? also heard if testing provides lesser switching options while dev gives load of them.
I think you're thinking more than required. No one in the world knows what's going to happen to Java, PHP, Computers, Mobiles 15-20 years from now. All you need to be is an 'engineer' at heart - because tools and technologies may change; but people behind them won't.

The point I'm making is that you should only select your career based on your interests and likings and try to excel in it (remember the movie 3 Idiots?).

Almost every company out there has testing related jobs. As I said, you'll ultimately get into 'management' mode where the technologies you're working on at present will be replaced by just 2-3 tools.

Make your own survey before you take a decision.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Jan 20, 2014

PrachurSaikia
Hello Kaustubh,

I am working as a Software Test Engineer( 1 yr) for a company in Mobility domain. It's is known that mobility domain has been working as great worldwide, but looking into the QA side profession in this domain, how do you see the testing career in Mobile app? I want to work more on Automation side of the testing . If company hire for experienced testing professionals apart from mobility domain, will be able to apply for that? How to switch from mobility testing domain to any other testing domain. Your suggestions would be helpful for me. Thanks
Welcome to CE, @#-Link-Snipped-# . Glad to have you with us.

Looking at the past trends, mobile testing should remain a hot for at least 5 years. The world is currently going through a transition from desktops and laptops to mobiles. However, I expect the businesses will happen on desktops and laptops for at least a decade.

With that assumption; you should focus on automation testing for the next 1-1.5 years before you think of making a switch. If your organisation does not offer opportunities in automation testing; you may consider learning on your own, joining a course or start contributing any open source project. QTP, Selenium, PERL and Ruby would be good tools/languages to learn and build your expertise in the next 1.5 years. You can take my word that any interviewer will be 10x impressed if you've contributed to open source projects in your part-time apart from your regular job.

There's no point in limiting yourself to specific areas in the testing domain. I've seen people who got their paychecks doubled only on the basis of QTP (back in 2007).

Your experience in mobility domain is definitely going to help you; but I strongly recommend that you should build your profile in the automation testing side. Focus on the established tools first (QTP, Selenium) and also keep an eye on the latest tools. Make a systematic plan for the next 1.5 years before you actually make a switch.
PrachurSaikia

@prachursaikia-XCYs6z • Jan 20, 2014

Kaustubh, thank you for your insightful suggestion . I look forward to having u over this portal again. 😀
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Jan 20, 2014

PrachurSaikia
Kaustubh, thank you for your insightful suggestion . I look forward to having u over this portal again. 😀
I'm here 24x7x365. 👍 . Make yourself comfortable with the community and start participating. There are lot of interesting discussions around.
Anand Tamariya

@anand-tamariya-DnfjEX • Jan 20, 2014

Honestly, business works differently than academics. When tide is in your favour, you can safely say doing X would result in Y. However, if you stick to that rule, you're in grave danger. Having seen two bust cycles and survived, I can confidently say that the real survival skill is adaptibility. That's what businesses would value you the most for. Adapt to the current circumstances, learn any new skill that is required at your work faster than your peers and do it best.
vikkicrazy

@vikkicrazy-OGFphW • Jan 24, 2014

Hi Kaustubh,

I am a fresher with one year of experience in application/production support . Now I want to move to a different role . I have an opportunity for becoming a automation test engineer where i will use Ruby on Rails,cucumber scripting etc . I am passionate about coding and enjoy doing it . I love challenges as well . I appreciate suggestions whether i should go for it or wait for a development opportunity .
Anand Tamariya

@anand-tamariya-DnfjEX • Jan 25, 2014

vikkicrazy
Hi Kaustubh,

I am a fresher with one year of experience in application/production support . Now I want to move to a different role . I have an opportunity for becoming a automation test engineer where i will use Ruby on Rails,cucumber scripting etc . I am passionate about coding and enjoy doing it . I love challenges as well . I appreciate suggestions whether i should go for it or wait for a development opportunity .
Creating automated test cases in RoR, Selenium or cucumber is no less a development opportunity - go grab it!
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Jan 25, 2014

vikkicrazy
Hi Kaustubh,

I am a fresher with one year of experience in application/production support . Now I want to move to a different role . I have an opportunity for becoming a automation test engineer where i will use Ruby on Rails,cucumber scripting etc . I am passionate about coding and enjoy doing it . I love challenges as well . I appreciate suggestions whether i should go for it or wait for a development opportunity .
Your decision would depend on a lot of factors. It's not clear whether you're getting the new opportunity in the same organisation or a new organisation. If it's in the same organisation, you should spend some time understanding the role and what kind of things you'll be doing. If you find it all interesting - go with it. Opportunities are going to be tremendous!

As @#-Link-Snipped-# said, it's no less than a programming job but in the testing domain. RoR should find you a lot of new opportunities in coming days. But make sure that you develop kick-ass skill set in the new domain. As I've said several times - a software QA or testing engineer with programming skills is going to be make a killer profile; provided you keep an eye on the industry and relevant jobs.
sookie

@sookie-T06sFW • Jan 25, 2014

ShSK
thanks for the answers but is it true that career in Core development(J2EE) stagnates at some point,as in no growth in heirarchy or financially?Also whats a BA role n how to assume it? also heard if testing provides lesser switching options while dev gives load of them.
Development gives less options to grow until you have good leadership and management skills but in my experience Excellent developers grow as Architects & Mentors & System(and Business) analysts & Start up owners. They are always assets to a company. Its just their exceptional technical skills that make them grow.
vikkicrazy

@vikkicrazy-OGFphW • Jan 25, 2014

thank you so much for helping me out to decide @#-Link-Snipped-# and @#-Link-Snipped-# . The opportunity is in the same organisation and I hope this decision will help me in the future and also set a good platform to grow since I am in the early days of my career .
ShSK

@shsk-KZZqr8 • Jan 26, 2014

sookie
Development gives less options to grow until you have good leadership and management skills but in my experience Excellent developers grow as Architects & Mentors & System(and Business) analysts & Start up owners. They are always assets to a company. Its just their exceptional technical skills that make them grow.
thanks for the answer.i would choose development and look forward to becoming a Business Analyst
sumit khubnani

@sumit-khubnani-4F8ogD • Feb 2, 2014

i m 2013 passed out be....etc branch...i want to enter the it field...nd i m not a good coder..then what shuld i prefer..testing or developer????
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Feb 2, 2014

sumit khubnani
i m 2013 passed out be....etc branch...i want to enter the it field...nd i m not a good coder..then what shuld i prefer..testing or developer????
Testing would need you to write code at one point in your career; when you work on automation testing. So the first thing you should do is start working on your coding skills. But out of your choice; testing seems to be more appropriate.
Rajesh43raj

@rajesh43raj-eJUXZE • Feb 3, 2014

Hello Sir...
I Saw all of your posts ..
Sir.. am a fresher 2013Passout..
am a oracle certified java programmer.. and i didnt got any job..till now..in development side..because to get job in campus we need to know aptitutde and reasoning skills and Group Discussion tests.. that time when i completed my college am little tensed always to attend interview and participate in GD. so that from past 8 months am not getting job.

Sir i heard from my friends that S/W Testing jobs are easy to get than testing .. so i want to learn Testing Tools.. so to Get a good job in Testing Tools - what to learn 1st becuase there are somany are there like Automation,QTP,Selenium,ETL ,SAP testing etc..

So.. To learn all there things how much time it wil take...
today is Feb3rd 2014,I completed my Graduation in June2013..
so what is to do sir..
pls.. help to..
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Feb 3, 2014
@#-Link-Snipped-# - I'm not sure if testing jobs are easy to get and you should really get it because you aren't getting a developer job. Trust me, testing isn't an option because you can't get into software development. You will end up frustrated in your job quicker. But if you've made up your mind to go into QA (Quality Assurance) as it's called, you should first-
1. Learn basics of testing
2. Learn how to do manual testing of software
3. Start learning automation tools, scripting languages etc.
'QTP' and 'Selenium' have been top job earners for the testing folks in the past. Selenium seems to be getting more attention because it's a browser based tool and open source. Since most of the new system are being developed to run in web browsers, you may expect more jobs in the Selenium domain. As I've said multiple times above, you should also learn UNIX and a scripting language.

Learning will totally depend on your own comprehension skills, intelligence and overall interest ing the whole QA domain. It will also depend on how you learn. The more 'practicals' you do; on your own, the fast will be your learning. Selenium and PERL would be great to start with.
Anoop Kumar

@anoop-kumar-GDGRCn • Feb 3, 2014

@#-Link-Snipped-# ,
I think you did your OCJP certification long back and trying in interviews.
Java is very strange language, if you leave coding for even two months you will forget all the keyword which mainly interviewer expect from you.
(This is very strange hiring process of all IT companies in India, they expect from programmer to be memory ninja than a logical one)

First you need to decide you like coding or not. In case of you are deciding coding then try learning new framework and start digging inside the core java.
Even you are going to testing get training on Selenium Webdriver (Which is purely a java testing tools and high in demand these days).
For all freshers, never ever sit idle. Keep joining some training institute of your interest and keep learning. Work on self project/app development.
sumit khubnani

@sumit-khubnani-4F8ogD • Feb 5, 2014

if i do testing course,then wat r my chances to get a good job in good company??
sumit khubnani

@sumit-khubnani-4F8ogD • Feb 5, 2014

if i do testing course,then wat r my chances to get gud job in good company??as per market scenario
Anand Tamariya

@anand-tamariya-DnfjEX • Feb 7, 2014

sumit khubnani
if i do testing course,then wat r my chances to get gud job in good company??as per market scenario
The appropriate questions you should be asking is:
- Do you understand what a software application is? Are you aware of the common loop-holes in a particular type of system? Do you read any QA journals or blogs or forum? If yes, you can be a tester.

However, if you think your certification will get you a job, let me tell you from experience, serious guys who do all of the above AND have a certification, get the job.
Shailesh21

@shailesh21-rcfoer • Feb 8, 2014

Hello
#-Link-Snipped-#

I have done my BTech 2012 (CS). I haven't got a job yet and looking for a course in testing or SAP but i am in confused in which to join and which is good for the future?

Can i please have your suggestion.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Feb 8, 2014

Dear @#-Link-Snipped-# - Please go through the discussion we've had so far. You'll get your own answer. There's no way we can decide which is good for your future because we simply cannot predict.

If you have very specific questions, post them here.
kiranesh sarur

@kiranesh-sarur-afzP6P • Feb 8, 2014

Hello #-Link-Snipped-#

As per the discussion i have a doubt, to get jobs based on SAP ABAP is it compulsory to be certified in SAP or is it enough completed course in the private inst who doesn't provide certification on SAP which will be better future as the SAP certification cost 2.50000 to 3,50000 in certified inst please guide me......
vivekgawari

@vivekgawari-PqS5cb • Feb 16, 2014

Hello sir,
I am a B.Tech (Computer) 2013 passed out fresher. I am bit confused whether I am truly interested in development or not. After completing my degree, I got a training from an institute on Java (core and advanced). After joining this class only I suddenly got confident in Java. I have interest in Data structures as its on "Logical reasoning". I have good and/or may be sufficient knowledge of Java to crack the interview, but do not have that confidence about practical exposure in organization (I am good in Linked lists, analytically but have not coded a single project i.e. more lines of code in Java by own ).

Recently, I prepared for Software testing online (SDLC, fundamental concepts, importance, types - I have only this much awareness of this domain), when I went for an interview on Testing profile.
I read all the posts on this site.
I found this interesting.

And started to think of this as my Career. But had so many confusions between these two domains.

I read all posts on this portal and many myths and doubts in my mind got cleared.

My question is it suitable for me if I go to Testing job( with this much knowledge of Testing ) ?
I am not able to decide sir, please help me.

P.S. - I am in a great need of a job as there is no other source of income at my home.
What I wish is to become a well promoted Software Engineer in my career.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Feb 16, 2014

Whether you are truly interested in software development or not is easy for you to figure out. Do you enjoy solving programming challenges? Have you learned any programming languages just for fun? Have you developed any software project on your own? If you answered yes to any of the above questions - you are interested in software development. It's the question only you can answer correctly and honestly.

You must have already had enough information about the kind of career you can expect as a software testing engineer. If you think you love software testing more than development; go for it with all your might. The industry respects experts.

Getting promotions, earning high salary and having a satisfying job is easy to achieve; provided you understand the game well. Being satisfied at the job and commanding high salary is a function of your expertise & skills. Getting promotions is all about maintaining good relationships with your bosses and managers. It also depends on the company you are working for.

So first work on your 'first confusion', pick up a career line and then dedicate yourself to it. If you go for Java; then make sure that you get certifications and you become a Java expert over a period of time. If you go for testing; master both manual and automation testing.

I hope this helps. If you have any specific questions; you may ask them below or start a new discussion in this section.
vivekgawari

@vivekgawari-PqS5cb • Feb 22, 2014

Thank you sir for such a helpful interaction.
You almost simplified my confused thoughts and indirectly increased my confidence.

I'll surely let you know about my career and keep updating you accordingly.

Thank a lot sir 😀
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Feb 22, 2014

vivekgawari
Thank a lot sir 😀
Well, here's the deal : you got helped through this forum and we'd expect you to help others on this site. There're are lot of interesting discussions happening on CE where you can contribute 😀
hardik.ez

@hardikez-zBc629 • Feb 23, 2014
Hi Kaustubh,

Let me introduce myself. I am Hardik from Nagpur, India. I have 5+ years of experience in the software industry. I started my career as a software developer in IBM then moved to Philips, worked on telecom and healthcare domain. Been in to development side for 4 years. After that due to personal reasons I had to move back home and assist my family in the business and out of interest I started my own side work which allowed me gain to experience in software sales & marketing.

Now my situation has changed and I would like to move back to mainstream software industry. I always had this inclination towards Testing & QA, wanted to develop and excel myself in this field. I would like to have your advice on this as to how should I do this? I don't mind going back in to developer's role but I am taking this as an opportunity to change my role to do something which I always wanted to.
My questions,
1. I am not sure where should I start from?
2. Will it be a new beginning for me?
3. I am not sure if the industry will accept me?
4. Are ex developers in testing role accepted?
5. Is it wise to do?
Your advice on this will surely help me.

TIA
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Feb 23, 2014
Looks like I've become a professional career counselor 😀. I'm glad people find my advice useful & helpful.

@#-Link-Snipped-# - Welcome to CrazyEngineers. I've already stated that anyone with a background the development and sound knowledge of programming will find it easier to make a career in software automation testing.
- I am not sure where should I start from?
K: Not sure what exactly you mean here. Switching from development background to testing should not be very difficult, provided you justify what you are doing and 'why' you are doing it. With IBM and Philips on my resume; I'd apply to various IT companies and look for the job.

It also means you will have to prepare for a testing interview and have a sound knowledge of how testing works, most basic <a href="https://www.crazyengineers.com/threads/software-manual-testing-interview-questions.40153">Software (Manual) Testing Interview questions</a> & also make yourself familiar with automation testing. Give yourself good 2 months to make yourself ready for the QA profession.
- Will it be a new beginning for me?
K: Depends on how you present yourself. It's all about the art of convincing the people that you're a great choice for the role they are looking for. Of course, it's going to be a new beginning for you in the QA domain. There's a hell lot of content to learn.
- I am not sure if the industry will accept me?
K: Industry accepts people who can deliver the job. Why not give it a sincere try than seeking people's opinion? There's a lot of fun in proving everyone wrong, you see. Make the industry accept you! Leave them no choice to reject you.
- Are ex developers in testing role accepted?
K: ...and why not? There's no discrimination in general in the industry, as you might be aware. I'd try to get in touch with my ex-bosses and colleagues to get into the industry again.
- Is it wise to do?
K: Again, you've gotta know what you're looking for! If you really want a career in IT / QA - go for it. You already have exposure to how the industry works. Whether it's wise for you or not - you'll have to decide. Can't advise on it.

PS: Be around on CE. You will learn a lot from our fellow engineers.
hardik.ez

@hardikez-zBc629 • Feb 23, 2014

Hi Kaustubh,

Thanks a lot for such quick response.
Agree to your points...I will be around CE as it is filled with lot of info.

Thanks again
Anoop Kumar

@anoop-kumar-GDGRCn • Mar 5, 2014

Sapient is a awesome company for Java development. Ask them if you can switch to development side?
OR, what are the automation tools they are using, if Selenium Webdriver then you are in somehow in Java.
sneha24april

@sneha24april-2Bb0sG • Mar 9, 2014

Hi Kaustubh,
This is Sneha, i have done MCA and have 2 year exp. in Quality process (This is totally different process as compare to S/W Testing ), now i want to switch my career in S/W testing with my Quality exp.
So please let me if it is possible and advise me this is my right decision or not for my future in SA/W testing.
P.s. - What is the future of S/w Testing.

Please please advise...
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Mar 9, 2014

@#-Link-Snipped-# - Could you tell us a bit about "Quality Process"? Not familiar with it.
sneha24april

@sneha24april-2Bb0sG • Mar 9, 2014

Kaustubh Katdare
@#-Link-Snipped-# - Could you tell us a bit about "Quality Process"? Not familiar with it.
Hi..
Mean performing on SLA and quality of product, report generating, short the data in excel with vlookup and hlookup.
This is not related with s/W.

So please advise on my above qs.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Mar 9, 2014

Thank you for the information, @#-Link-Snipped-# . I think you have experience in technical documentation (correct me). I'd recommend looking for a s/w testing project in your current organisation and see if you have a knack for it. It'd be advisable to take a short course in software manual testing & automation to build up your profile in your own organisation.

I've put my thoughts on career in software testing in the first post of this discussion and whether the career is right for you is totally up to you. There are opportunities for growth for those who are skilled. I've stated that it's the automation testing that will open ample job opportunities for QA folks. Sticking to just manual testing isn't advisable. Plus Automation testing is quite fun to work in (provided you enjoy writing scripts/code).

Software testing will continue to exist as long as software continue to exist. It may change form - from desktop based software applications to web-based testing of services to the latest mobile app testing; but software testing will continue and no one should have any doubt about it. You can't simply launch a half-tested product or service. It's similar to saying that even an experienced cook will 'taste' her dish before serving it.

Do go through the first post in this discussion and if you have any specific questions; post them below.
sneha24april

@sneha24april-2Bb0sG • Mar 9, 2014

Hi...
Many thanks for you reply... it would be really help me.
Yes at this time I have some knowledge of Manual testing. So just want to know it is possible to move in automation in future?
As per my work this is not much technical. I can take some knowlege of manual testing from any institute and express my work in manual testing with my quality exp. I dont think manual testing is so hard. But please advise Manual testing is a good option or not.
Thanka..

Kaustubh Katdare
Thank you for the information, @#-Link-Snipped-# . I think you have experience in technical documentation (correct me). I'd recommend looking for a s/w testing project in your current organisation and see if you have a knack for it. It'd be advisable to take a short course in software manual testing & automation to build up your profile in your own organisation.

I've put my thoughts on career in software testing in the first post of this discussion and whether the career is right for you is totally up to you. There are opportunities for growth for those who are skilled.

Kaustubh Katdare
Thank you for the information, @#-Link-Snipped-# . I think you have experience in technical documentation (correct me). I'd recommend looking for a s/w testing project in your current organisation and see if you have a knack for it. It'd be advisable to take a short course in software manual testing & automation to build up your profile in your own organisation.

I've put my thoughts on career in software testing in the first post of this discussion and whether the career is right for you is totally up to you. There are opportunities for growth for those who are skilled. I've stated that it's the automation testing that will open ample job opportunities for QA folks. Sticking to just manual testing isn't advisable. Plus Automation testing is quite fun to work in (provided you enjoy writing scripts/code).

Software testing will continue to exist as long as software continue to exist. It may change form - from desktop based software applications to web-based testing of services to the latest mobile app testing; but software testing will continue and no one should have any doubt about it. You can't simply launch a half-tested product or service. It's similar to saying that even an experienced cook will 'taste' her dish before serving it.

Do go through the first post in this discussion and if you have any specific questions; post them below.
Kaustubh Katdare
Thank you for the information, @#-Link-Snipped-# . I think you have experience in technical documentation (correct me). I'd recommend looking for a s/w testing project in your current organisation and see if you have a knack for it. It'd be advisable to take a short course in software manual testing & automation to build up your profile in your own organisation.

I've put my thoughts on career in software testing in the first post of this discussion and whether the career is right for you is totally up to you. There are opportunities for growth for those who are skilled. I've stated that it's the automation testing that will open ample job opportunities for QA folks. Sticking to just manual testing isn't advisable. Plus Automation testing is quite fun to work in (provided you enjoy writing scripts/code).

Software testing will continue to exist as long as software continue to exist. It may change form - from desktop based software applications to web-based testing of services to the latest mobile app testing; but software testing will continue and no one should have any doubt about it. You can't simply launch a half-tested product or service. It's similar to saying that even an experienced cook will 'taste' her dish before serving it.

Do go through the first post in this discussion and if you have any specific questions; post them below.
yrn

@yrn-tvJDk9 • Mar 11, 2014

Hi Kaustaub,

I went through your post its very helpful and most of my doubts/myths about software developer and tester got cleared 😀.

I did my B.Tech in ECE , having 2+ years of experience as a software developer.
Due to frequent changing of projects,teams and working on internal tools didn't able to learn and expertise in a particular technology which will be of use outside the current company.

I'm interested to go to software testing field.
But I'm still in dilemma 😕:
As I'm having 2+ years of experience will it be a right decision to switch from developer to tester and will it be difficult for me to get the testing job ?

If I can go for testing job please suggest how should I prepare ( like tools, courses etc.).
Nitesh Nayak

@nitesh-nayak-qu5sdn • Mar 15, 2014

Hi Kaustubh,
I did my BE in EXTC. I got an offer from one of the E-learning company as a Software Tester. I have one doubt. If I joined this company which basically develops E-learning products, after 2 years experience would I be able to grab a job in software industry where there are different domains like Banking & Insurance, Finance, Healthcare etc......Would this experience in E-learning field be counted?
daganeha99

@daganeha99-4o4dc1 • Mar 18, 2014

Hi, I am an MCA (2009 passed out) and then after had abt 2 yrs of exp in developing (JAVA, jsp servlets) then after due to some reasons I need to switch to non IT field. But now I want myself to get back into IT but as its a long time of abt 2 yrs that i haven't write a single line of code I am scared of coding so want to switch in testing. For this I am thinking to do some testing course. Please suggest me that I should move to testing or should upgrade myself in developing....
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Mar 18, 2014

Nitesh Nayak
Hi Kaustubh,
I did my BE in EXTC. I got an offer from one of the E-learning company as a Software Tester. I have one doubt. If I joined this company which basically develops E-learning products, after 2 years experience would I be able to grab a job in software industry where there are different domains like Banking & Insurance, Finance, Healthcare etc......Would this experience in E-learning field be counted?
What project you work on does not matter; as long as you can comfortably do manual and automation testing. I'm assuming you're testing web application; so you should have no problem in switching job. You can always say that the company provided you with a unique opportunity to work on e-learning projects.

daganeha99
Hi, I am an MCA (2009 passed out) and then after had abt 2 yrs of exp in developing (JAVA, jsp servlets) then after due to some reasons I need to switch to non IT field. But now I want myself to get back into IT but as its a long time of abt 2 yrs that i haven't write a single line of code I am scared of coding so want to switch in testing. For this I am thinking to do some testing course. Please suggest me that I should move to testing or should upgrade myself in developing....
Don't switch to testing because you are scared of coding. Testing will need fair bit of coding too. You already have 2 years of experience and I think picking up pace should not be very difficult. You'll always have CEans to help you with.

I'd recommend reading my first post in this discussion. That should help you decide whether you should take up software development or software testing.
sneha24april

@sneha24april-2Bb0sG • Mar 20, 2014

Hi...
Waiting for your suggestion. .

Many thanks for you reply... it would be really help me.
Yes at this time I have some knowledge of Manual testing. So just want to know it is possible to move in automation in future?

As per my work this is not much technical. I can take some knowlege of manual testing from any institute and express my work in manual testing with my quality exp. I dont think manual testing is so hard. But please advise Manual testing is a good option or not.

Thanks
Nitesh Nayak

@nitesh-nayak-qu5sdn • Mar 21, 2014

Hi Kustubh,
Thank you for your valuable advice!!!!!!. 😀
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Mar 21, 2014

sneha24april
Yes at this time I have some knowledge of Manual testing. So just want to know it is possible to move in automation in future?
The reality is that no one can tell you whether you'll be able to switch to automation. It all depends on the opportunities that come your way and how prepared you are to step on. Since you can't control what opportunities will strike; you should work on making yourself comfortable with automation. You can join any reputed institute in your area and get started with the concepts and tools in automation. The rest can be developed through self-study and some hands-on experience.
Pratik J

@pratik-j-CHbKMa • Mar 30, 2014

daganeha99
Hi, I am an MCA (2009 passed out) and then after had abt 2 yrs of exp in developing (JAVA, jsp servlets) then after due to some reasons I need to switch to non IT field. But now I want myself to get back into IT but as its a long time of abt 2 yrs that i haven't write a single line of code I am scared of coding so want to switch in testing. For this I am thinking to do some testing course. Please suggest me that I should move to testing or should upgrade myself in developing....
You did Coding for 2 years and you are afraid of it ? 😀 lol ,i last drove cycle 7 years ago,but today ,i can still drive it without any problem,Its your confidence which is making you nervous,Boost it !😀
JANE123

@jane123-mvc7v5 • Apr 8, 2014

hello Sir...
I would be MCA in coming July...
I have developed Projects on .net,but I feel its too vast..YOU hve to got to learn hell lot of functions to make your Website work...
Is this same in Testing....Is testing albout indepth knowledge of TOOlS
Also I want to know whether it would require me to have lots and lots of knowledge as needed in ASP.net
rfpchar

@rfpchar-mgOTI8 • Apr 11, 2014

Hi Sir Kustubh,

First of all thank you for this thread, now I have more insights about being a software tester or developer. Thankfully, I've been hired in a company and they've given me a job in the field of software testing.
I ask if what preparation do testers need in the start of their career. I've only done manual testing and a little in automation testing (Selenium) but I don't think it's enough knowledge to start with. There will be a training in the first few months of my job, and I want to come prepared with knowledge and skills so I can somehow impress my employer.
I really have a passion in coding but somehow, being a software tester interest me and I hope I have decided the right career path. You've said that a tester with a good knowledge of programming would be a great combo and I hope this will interest me to learn more.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Apr 11, 2014

#-Link-Snipped-# - I'm yet to be knighted; so you need not attach 'Sir' in front of my name 😀 .

You do not need any special preparation. If you wish, you should brush up your skills in any programming language of your choice, read as much as you can about various testing related tools/technologies and blogs. Ask questions (on CE) and keep learning new things. I'd recommend developing expertise in Selenium or any other tool that your company wants you to work on. That should give you a good head-start over others.
iamanands

@iamanands-ApZ8Bz • Jun 23, 2014

Hi Kaustubh,

I'm working in an IT firm as Junior software engineer(Web application development) and currently i'm getting trained on web technologies like HTML5 , CSS & Javascript. My passion is however, into testing, to be specific in Automation testing. Is it possible to get into testing domain after gaining 1 or 2 years of experience from this company?

I can get QTP or Selenium certification from NIIT or any other providers, and get training in the weekends. Will that help actually?
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Jul 2, 2014

#-Link-Snipped-# - Totally missed your post.

If you read all the above posts, you'd know that a background in development would definitely help in switching over to software testing. Whether you'll get a job or not is a different question - because it depends on so many factors. All I can say is that the experience you gain in development (~2 years) will be a big help if you decide on switching to testing domain.

Be sure to build your case and have a strong reason to switch to testing; because any interviewer would be interested in knowing why you want to make the switch.

At the same time, you will have you build a strong foundation in software testing - so make yourself at ease with concepts of manual and automated testing. It'd be a HUGE PLUS if you could get a certification and proficiency in any of the popular software automation tools - viz. QTP, Selenium and others.
shyam1990

@shyam1990-Jgbxv5 • Jul 4, 2014

Hi kaustubh,
Iam an MTech (IT) 2014 passout. I got recruited through campus into a top Indian MNC. Last week I received my joining letter which mentions that my domain would be "Testing". My aspiration is to be a Java developer. I also have an OCP (Oracle Certified Profession) certificate in Java. I had Software Testing as a subject in my curriculum and I used to hate it.
If I join the company and work as Tester for 1 or 2 years, would it be possible for me to switch to development domain? Or Should I quit the job and search for a developer job?
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Jul 4, 2014

#-Link-Snipped-# - if you are determined not to make a career in software testing, do not take up a job in that domain. Switching from testing to development isn't easy; but not impossible as well. I'd advise you not to take chances. Instead, start looking for jobs in Java domain and if possible, get yourself certified in any leading Java technology.
shyam1990

@shyam1990-Jgbxv5 • Jul 4, 2014

Kaustubh Katdare
#-Link-Snipped-# - if you are determined not to make a career in software testing, do not take up a job in that domain. Switching from testing to development isn't easy; but not impossible as well. I'd advise you not to take chances. Instead, start looking for jobs in Java domain and if possible, get yourself certified in any leading Java technology.
Sir I already have an OCP in Java. Sir, which should should be given more importance? desired domain or good company?
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Jul 4, 2014

shyam1990
Sir I already have an OCP in Java. Sir, which should should be given more importance? desired domain or good company?
Desired domain, always. You can get into your dream company if you are excellent at your preferred domain.
shyam1990

@shyam1990-Jgbxv5 • Jul 4, 2014

Kaustubh Katdare
Desired domain, always. You can get into your dream company if you are excellent at your preferred domain.
Thank you sir.
Ashucomp

@ashucomp-J62gaZ • Jul 13, 2014

To get the job as a software tester, Is it necessary to get the certification from the institutes that provide software training? and if yes then which type of certifications are required?
And as a fresher what should be my preparation for interview?
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Jul 14, 2014

#-Link-Snipped-# - It's not necessary; but a company may decide to recruit only those who've the certification. In any case, certification will always give you an edge.

This should be a great starting guide: <a href="https://www.crazyengineers.com/threads/software-manual-testing-interview-questions.40153">Software (Manual) Testing Interview questions</a>.
Ashucomp

@ashucomp-J62gaZ • Jul 14, 2014

Kaustubh Katdare
#-Link-Snipped-# - It's not necessary; but a company may decide to recruit only those who've the certification. In any case, certification will always give you an edge.

This should be a great starting guide: <a href="https://www.crazyengineers.com/threads/software-manual-testing-interview-questions.40153">Software (Manual) Testing Interview questions</a>.
Thank you kaustubh sir for your reply....
One more doubt sir:-I am a fresher and don't know a bit of testing but i have learnt the languages like C, C++, C#, asp.net, html, css, javascript also i have learnt core java.
Then what should i prefer, to go for testing or for development?
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Jul 14, 2014

Without doubting your capabilities of learning; I want to ask you - have you 'really' learned so many languages? Because you'd not have the question whether you want to go for development or testing. It'd be right-out development for you. But if you just know a few bits of every language you mentioned above, you need to sit down and think what is it that you really enjoy doing. Try reading about manual testing and automation testing; and also find out information about the kind of career you'll get if you choose development.
Ashucomp

@ashucomp-J62gaZ • Jul 14, 2014

Then what should I do sir?
I have learnt hese languages in first and second year of Engineering. And I know at least something about those languages. But about testing I don't know anything. I heard this 'testing' word directly in final year. Then what will be better?
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Jul 14, 2014

Knowing 'at least something' doesn't help much. What's stopping you from gaining in-depth knowledge of the programming languages you love? In order to understand 'testing', please read the <a href="https://www.crazyengineers.com/threads/career-in-software-testing-vs-software-development.67131">Career In Software Testing Vs. Software Development</a> in this discussion.

Also read: <a href="https://www.crazyengineers.com/threads/the-top-mistake-fresh-computer-science-it-graduates-make-in-their-resume.75814">The Top Mistake Fresh Computer Science / IT Graduates Make In Their Resume</a>
Ashucomp

@ashucomp-J62gaZ • Jul 14, 2014

Sorry sir I understood my mistake. I have learnt these languages but I have worked only on html, css , and c languages. I must master these languages and then only it will be better to add these languages in my resume.
Ashucomp

@ashucomp-J62gaZ • Jul 14, 2014

But what about salary issue sir. You mentioned in your post that companies offer less salary to tester's as compared to developers.
Anoop Kumar

@anoop-kumar-GDGRCn • Jul 14, 2014

Ashucomp
But what about salary issue sir. You mentioned in your post that companies offer less salary to tester's as compared to developers.
For testing you need to be domain expert first. Believe me all developer think tester suck their job because most of them focus on small issue rather than broad picture.
I find very less tester who are expert in the project domain.
Become domain expert while keep learning automation tools to expertise and management will pay you on your terms.
Ashucomp

@ashucomp-J62gaZ • Jul 14, 2014

Anoop Kumar
For testing you need to be domain expert first. Believe me all developer think tester suck their job because most of them focus on small issue rather than broad picture.
I find very less tester who are expert in the project domain.
Become domain expert while keep learning automation tools to expertise and management will pay you on your terms.
@ Mr. Anup: - thanks. PLEASE suggest me the tools that i should learn for testing...
Anoop Kumar

@anoop-kumar-GDGRCn • Jul 14, 2014

Ashucomp
@ Mr. Anup: - thanks. PLEASE suggest me the tools that i should learn for testing...
I am not in testing but it seems QTP is a hot cake in current market.
But, if can extends in some programming learn Selenium.
For, automation testing VB scripting and C++ will add value to your profile.
Peppy

@peppy-cvxTUV • Jul 15, 2014

Hello Sir

I have been Working as a software tester in one of the smallest IT Organization but here they give me Associate Supoort Executive Profile for testing.So will it affect on my career whenever if i want to switch to new Organization? also i wanted to ask can you post job links of software testing profile mumbai location..please
Rajan Duggal

@rajan-duggal-sG255i • Jul 20, 2014

Hi Kaustubh,

I recently joined IBM and got my domain as automation testing. I was requesting for them to assign me Java as i am interested in development, but they wont approve that.

I am from ECE background and do not have much programming experience. I have already read all the old comments and now I am convinced that testing is a very good career option too if i keep on developing my skills on different testing tools and gain expertise. But still, should I just stick to testing or should I keep on getting development certifications and then switch to development after 2-3 years (either by staying in the same company or changing company too). And what obstacles are going to be in my way if i try to switch from testing to developing?

I am good at logical thinking and reasoning so I think I would be good at development. But I am also good at finding loopholes which makes me think towards testing too.
Please help me decide and plan ahead.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Jul 20, 2014

#-Link-Snipped-# - welcome to CE. It's a pleasure to have you with us. We'd never rate any domain better over others. There can't be a generic answer. What we have - are all facts which can be verified. That said, whether you should be in testing or development is something that you'll have to find yourself and we can only answer questions based on facts. Find out whether a career in testing looks appealing to you and something that you'd enjoy doing.

Switching from testing to development has been traditionally difficult but not impossible. You'll have to keep looking for the right opportunity do so. During lateral placements, you'd be evaluated on your past experience and it might be difficult for you to justify and be considered for a development profile with a background in software testing. What I've tried to say is that if you have a flare for development; you can use it to your advantage to make a kick-ass career in software testing (automation testing). Not many software testing engineers are comfortable with coding or scripting and that's where you can have an advantage.

Logical thinking and reasoning is what you'd need in testing as well; but you'll also have to combine it with a lot of common sense. If you decide on making a career in testing, equip yourself with mastery in various automation tools; by learning to script and code for the most used tools. Learn Pyhon and get a command over server side, db testing. That should open a lot of new prospects for you in coming future.

The decision part, however, will have to be decided entirely by you. If you are stuck with any question in your decision making process, our fellow CEans would love to help you out. But the final decision has to be yours. We simply can't tell you whether you should make a career in development or testing. I hope this helps.
knani8208

@knani8208-ONTWtk • Jul 21, 2014

Hi i am a 2012 passed out worked as an android developer for 8 months in a start-up with very less salary. Later i got opportunity in an mnc as desktop support l2, so i have changed my stream and i worked there for 2 months while everything going fine i met with accident and it took me totally 10 months to recover and now after some trails i got a job as fresher into development again in other company, except me everyone in my company are experienced guys(more than 2 years), as there are no testers in our organization they asked me to work on testing and i got good appreciations from management for my work as a tester. It was nearly 4 months i have started my career as a tester but now each and every one is suggesting me to jump into development as they are saying like u will be getting less salary in testing(currently i am working for 8k). I am very much confused to make decision as i have already wasted 1 year with my bed rest, please suggest me a good advice thanks in advance
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Jul 22, 2014

Dear #-Link-Snipped-# - welcome to CrazyEngineers. Your situation is interesting; but you're much better positioned than others who're still looking for jobs.

You are experienced and have exposure to both development, support and testing. The first step in solving your confusion is to explore the domains - testing and development and find out which one looks interesting. As is evident from various posts in this discussion, there are opportunities in both the domains. If you think testing domain is more interesting - with a mix of coding and overall domain knowledge - then stick to testing and try to build as much experience and skills-set as you can in your current job.

Salary - either in testing or development is a function of the overall value you provide to the organisation. There are several testing engineers who earn a lot more salary than developers with equal amount of experience in years; and vice versa. There are no set rules, you see.

The key here is to becoming awesome as a developer or a tester and then switch jobs. If you build your expertise as a software tester - with unparalleled skills in manual and automation testing - I don't think any big company will deny a great salary package to you in the next 2 years. You need a good mix of experience+skill-set to command a better salary.
Madapu Shashank

@madapu-shashank-hGsAMX • Jul 23, 2014

Hi,

Basically, I am B.tech graduate (2010) and worked in BPO sector. Currently i'm not working and decided to move into IT sector. I have some knowledge of Manual testing and should i learn automation tools like selenium, QTP and loadrunner also or manual testing is enough.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Aug 1, 2014

#-Link-Snipped-# - Did you read the first post in this discussion? You need to be master of some and jack of many. 'Some knowledge' of manual testing won't help. You need to be VERY GOOD at manual testing and and also get knowledge of automation testing. You never know what the recruiters are looking for.
Shankar@CE

@shankar-at-ce-bYYAaD • Aug 1, 2014

Sir,

Hello I came across Crazy Engineers and I found it really helpful and informative. My scenario currently is: I passed out B Tech in ECE in 2011 and I had a few backpapers and I finished them by December 2013. Since I wanted to get into the IT industry I learnt Core Java, JEE and Oracle SQL from NIIT.
I completed it and started searching for a good opportunity but in vain. The reason being the industry only wanted freshers(only 2013/14 passouts) and I am a 2011 passout.

I have skills in Java and coding (say, beginner). Recently I came across this software testing training in manual testing and automation. (Including the tool Selenium)

Since in the development domain they are only taking in freshers I am now thinking of taking the career in software testing. With ample exposure to Java and JEE, would this be good decision for me? My other option would be take up a job in a small organisation and work my way up through with experience and then switching, which I dont really want to.

I came to know that after taking up software testing I would be able to get into a good placement at the training institute.

So should I go ahead with this plan? Any advices would be welcomed and appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Aug 1, 2014

#-Link-Snipped-# - Welcome to CE. Are you 100% sure that there's no company in the world that will recruit you for your Java and Coding skills? If yes, then you definitely work on your coding skills and look for the right opportunity.

You also need to read the first post in this discussion and get a glimpse of what a career in both the domains (testing vs. development) offers and find out for yourself which one is for you. We simply cannot tell you which domain will be better for you. In fact, no one in this world, except you, can decide which is the best career for you. You seem to be hell bent on getting a job in a 'BIG' company. All I can say is that you need to be flexible about achieving what you really want to achieve. First step in the direction is discovering what career path you want to choose for yourself.

Discover where your heart lies - in development or testing.
Shankar@CE

@shankar-at-ce-bYYAaD • Aug 1, 2014

Kaustubh Katdare
#-Link-Snipped-# - Welcome to CE. Are you 100% sure that there's no company in the world that will recruit you for your Java and Coding skills? If yes, then you definitely work on your coding skills and look for the right opportunity.

You also need to read the first post in this discussion and get a glimpse of what a career in both the domains (testing vs. development) offers and find out for yourself which one is for you. We simply cannot tell you which domain will be better for you. In fact, no one in this world, except you, can decide which is the best career for you. You seem to be hell bent on getting a job in a 'BIG' company. All I can say is that you need to be flexible about achieving what you really want to achieve. First step in the direction is discovering what career path you want to choose for yourself.

Discover where your heart lies - in development or testing.

Sir,

Thank you for your advice. I wanted to ask you another thing too.

Is is possible to switch from testing to development. I saw that you replied its difficult but not impossible.

So what is it that I have to keep doing during I work as a tester to have a chance at being a developer? And speaking in terms of salary, would the testing domain be hand in hand with the salaries in development?
Saandeep Sreerambatla

@saandeep-sreerambatla-hWHU1M • Aug 2, 2014

@@Shankar@CE Switching is easy , difficult and impossible.

That depends on you. If you work as a software tester for 2 years and my package will be say 5 laks, then if you want to switch into development initially you need to work with less package. Compaines will not pay you 5 laks for being a fresher in development.

So it is possible , but only if you are willing to do it.

Switch in less than 2 years, or else you will find it more difficult with companies not very interested in that.

Next coming to pay,

If you are only doing pure manual testing , gone are the days that people can just survive with manual testing.

You need to have some or the other skills. Software testing itself is a big thing you have wide variety of domains in that.
Saandeep Sreerambatla

@saandeep-sreerambatla-hWHU1M • Aug 2, 2014

1. Manual testing for SAP application this is also called SAP testing. Where in you will have in depth knowledge in SAP domain thats one of the best paid skill.

2. Automation testing: This again has many tools , but now QTP and Selenium knowledge is expected out of anyone and everyone. These tools are quite easy to learn as well.

3. Performance testing: You have load runner, and Jmeter. This is the highly paid skill and you have to master yourself in analysing the test results and suggesting the improvements to the application performance. This skill is rare in India as of now.

4. Security testing : I dont know much information: but this is again a well paid domain.

There might be other sections as well.. but broadly these are the ones which I have in my mind.
Shankar@CE

@shankar-at-ce-bYYAaD • Aug 2, 2014

Saandeep Sreerambatla
1. Manual testing for SAP application this is also called SAP testing. Where in you will have in depth knowledge in SAP domain thats one of the best paid skill.

2. Automation testing: This again has many tools , but now QTP and Selenium knowledge is expected out of anyone and everyone. These tools are quite easy to learn as well.

3. Performance testing: You have load runner, and Jmeter. This is the highly paid skill and you have to master yourself in analysing the test results and suggesting the improvements to the application performance. This skill is rare in India as of now.

4. Security testing : I dont know much information: but this is again a well paid domain.

There might be other sections as well.. but broadly these are the ones which I have in my mind.

Thank you very much for the information Sir.
Shankar@CE

@shankar-at-ce-bYYAaD • Aug 4, 2014

Sir,

On an unrelated note, I would like to pose a question to which I have got various answers. I am hoping you could give me the right one.

I am a 2007-2011 batch in BTech ECE. I had some backpapers. i wrote them and I cleared the last one in June 2013. So my question is, Am I a 2013 btech passout? or 2011?

In my consolidated marklist the year of passing the last exam is given as June 2013 (as in s1s2 is given as passed year-2013, because the last paper I wrote is a math paper of first year).

Please do let me know the correct answer. Much appreciated.
Bhargavi A Kulkarni

@bhargavi-a-kulkarni-L2YeZB • Aug 4, 2014

Shankar@CE
Sir,

On an unrelated note, I would like to pose a question to which I have got various answers. I am hoping you could give me the right one.

I am a 2007-2011 batch in BTech ECE. I had some backpapers. i wrote them and I cleared the last one in June 2013. So my question is, Am I a 2013 btech passout? or 2011?

In my consolidated marklist the year of passing the last exam is given as June 2013 (as in s1s2 is given as passed year-2013, because the last paper I wrote is a math paper of first year).

Please do let me know the correct answer. Much appreciated.
What is the year mentioned on ur Degree certificate provided by the University? This is what really matters.
So check it and ur confusion will be cleared.
Raghu K

@raghu-FyFPgd • Aug 10, 2014

Hi sir,

From past 4 years I have been working as developer.even some times I feel that testing jobs is much comfortable than developers job.because as a developer I have to ensure code works fine and nothing breaks.A important thing is issues can from tester at any time and as a developer I have fix it either by staying late night in office or working on weekends.this makes developers life miserable.please give your opinions.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Aug 10, 2014

#-Link-Snipped-# - your opinion seems to be based of your own experience in the past 4 years. I'd not generalise, however. I think the job of QA engineers is extremely important because if things go wrong - the blame usually goes to the QA engineers for not ensuring the quality.
Raghu K

@raghu-FyFPgd • Aug 10, 2014

Thank you for your valuable opinion Kustubh.what do you think from developers point of issue.
Anoop Kumar

@anoop-kumar-GDGRCn • Aug 10, 2014

#-Link-Snipped-# :
I agree and disagree both, that developer always blamed and have to work for long hour for last minute problem. It's depends on what kind of methodology/team you are working on.
I have face the your situation for blaming developer all the time, while working in Waterfall development. It's sucks management ware so conservative mindset that they demand for 0 bugs after unit testing.
But, working in Agile/Scum it's team responsibility that work is delivered with quality, test team are expected to have perfect product knowledge while development team more focused on code quality (even a single indentation). Let the bug come and resolve it.

Don't worry for blame game, stay out of it.
Here is your moral booster, hang following lines on your desk and let the test team go crazy

"As a developer, I always leave bugs in code so that testers can survive.😁"
Raghu K

@raghu-FyFPgd • Aug 11, 2014

#-Link-Snipped-# :
Thank you very much Anoop for understanding my problem and providing deep insight into it.I really like your moral booster.I am definitely going to put your lines on my desk which keeps motivating me.
Anonymous Anonymous

@anonymous-anonymous-4AhzpC • Aug 12, 2014

Hi Kaustubh,
I have roughly around 6 years of experience in software development. I have always been treated as an underdog in my team and i dont see it change in near future. I was thinking of a career in testing since people in my team always snub me saying i am not fit for development.

What is required if i want a shift from development to testing?
Is there any certification required?
Will companies hire me as a tester and if so what experience will they consider?
How about the package that will be offered?
Saandeep Sreerambatla

@saandeep-sreerambatla-hWHU1M • Aug 12, 2014

Anonymous Anonymous
Hi Kaustubh,
I have roughly around 6 years of experience in software development. I have always been treated as an underdog in my team and i dont see it change in near future. I was thinking of a career in testing since people in my team always snub me saying i am not fit for development.

What is required if i want a shift from development to testing?
Is there any certification required?
Will companies hire me as a tester and if so what experience will they consider?
How about the package that will be offered?

What technology you were working in for past 6 years?

Since after 6 years of experience its a bit difficult to change the career. But there is no straight answer all rite!

These things are dealt case to case basis, if you are working in your project for more than a year or 2 if it is services and more than 3 to 4 years if its a product based company. Then necessarily you will have complete functional knowledge of your application.

If you satisfy the above condition, you can move into Automation testing provided that is available in your team.

If you have to go to another company into testing, then you need to have very good knowledge in your programming language since that helps in building selenium framework for the team.
ayan

@ayan-bd4qxe • Aug 12, 2014

Hello @#-Link-Snipped-#
I've an overall experience of 10.5 years spanning across Software Testing, Test Automation (using QTP-VBScript, Selenium-Java, SoapUI, Coded UI-C#, LoadRunner, JMeter, Ruby) and Field Support. Right now I'm working as a senior test engineer in a product based technology company since last 6.5 years. In my present organization the scope for "vertical" growth as a test engineer, especially in long term, is very limited. So there are two choices - either leave the organization for a better opportunity (to work as a test automation architect/ test manager) or switch to development. Would it be a wise decision to switch to development at this juncture? I'm always open to learn new things, be it a new technology, a new language or a new tool. And I believe (as my fellow team members and also the dev manager believe) switching to a developer role won't be a big challenge for me. But will this change be really "value adding" to my career or is it just a set back? Please share your opinion. Thanks in advance!
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Aug 12, 2014
#-Link-Snipped-# - Welcome to CrazyEngineers. Just be careful while tagging users ' Kaustubh and Kaustubh Katdare are two different users 😀

10.5 years is a pretty long time in a domain. It appears that switching to another organisation for a better role and opportunity would be more logical step because it leverages your current skills set and experience.

I'd not say switching to development will be a set-back or even a value add to your career. You'll have to evaluate the opportunity cost keeping in view the long term goals you might have set for your professional career. You might consider answering following questions -
- Why do I want to make the switch (the domain | organisation)?
- If growth is what I'm expecting; does switch to development domain help me achieve the growth I'm looking for?
- What are the financial implications of my decision?
I think the first question among the lot, will help you arrive at the decision quicker.

If you decide on trying out your hand in development; will you continue to work in the current organisation? If yes, will it give you the growth? If no, what are your chances of getting accepted at a senior position in another company, as a developer?

My personal choice, had I been in your situation (with the information you provided) would have been to switch to other company than switching the domain.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Aug 12, 2014

A related thought : Why not try out development as a part-time hobby? You could always make it a value add to your resume. For example, if you develop a project or software in your part-time; you can very well make it shine in your resume.
ayan

@ayan-bd4qxe • Aug 14, 2014
Kaustubh Katdare
#-Link-Snipped-# - Welcome to CrazyEngineers. Just be careful while tagging users ' Kaustubh and Kaustubh Katdare are two different users 😀

10.5 years is a pretty long time in a domain. It appears that switching to another organisation for a better role and opportunity would be more logical step because it leverages your current skills set and experience.

I'd not say switching to development will be a set-back or even a value add to your career. You'll have to evaluate the opportunity cost keeping in view the long term goals you might have set for your professional career. You might consider answering following questions -

Why do I want to make the switch (the domain | organisation)?

If growth is what I'm expecting; does switch to development domain help me achieve the growth I'm looking for?

What are the financial implications of my decision?

I think the first question among the lot, will help you arrive at the decision quicker.

If you decide on trying out your hand in development; will you continue to work in the current organisation? If yes, will it give you the growth? If no, what are your chances of getting accepted at a senior position in another company, as a developer?

My personal choice, had I been in your situation (with the information you provided) would have been to switch to other company than switching the domain.
#-Link-Snipped-# Thank you very much for your valuable comments. It was very helpful for me to take a decision. Thanks again!
Rahil kumar

@rahil-kumar-T7qIIE • Aug 17, 2014

Hello sir,

I am doing CRM development but right now i am not interested in development because sometime writing a code looks like craking a nut for me
so i Want to switch in Testing domain.......
I like programming but i am not hard core programmer
but many of my seniors are saying to don't switch to testing domain because future opportunities, salary is very less in testing
future salary provide to testing is:
= no of experience * 1.5-2

future salary provide to Development is:
= no of experience * 3
Alfurqan

@alfurqan-sso6LM • Aug 22, 2014

Hello Sir,
I seriously need your advice on this.

I spent my last nearly 2 years in a small company in development and and i enjoyed a lot doing coding , solving problems its just that i love spending time with code and learning any technology.

Then i got offer from two companies at the same time. Comapny A offered me development role with 100%(expected) hike in salary and Company B offered me in automation testing with 300%(not even imagined) hike. I accepted offer from Company B and joined thinking that i would be able to write scripts and all that stuff like development work.

But now i have spent two months here and see very less chance of doing scripting, most of the work involve manual testing web service and even my seniors who has spent around 2 years in this company doing the same manual work. i feel like i have taken wrong decision in my career 😔.

And i don't want to talk this issue with manager as they will tell me that spent 1 year in this role and then u will get chance to move to development, after all 1 year is a big time. i thougt of leaving this company and start searching in development but the salary i am getting here is taking my steps back.

can u please tell me what should i do now as i am getting frustrated day by day due to there is no coding and scripting is involved. And i am feeling like i lost all my confidence and style.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Aug 22, 2014

Anonymous Anonymous
Hi Kaustubh,
I have roughly around 6 years of experience in software development. I have always been treated as an underdog in my team and i dont see it change in near future. I was thinking of a career in testing since people in my team always snub me saying i am not fit for development.

What is required if i want a shift from development to testing?
Is there any certification required?
Will companies hire me as a tester and if so what experience will they consider?
How about the package that will be offered?
Looks like I missed your post.

First things first - my response is going to be based on what you've written in your post. It looks to me that your reasoning for switching to testing needs a review. You need not switch your domain just because your team treats you as an underdog. I personally do not see it as a 'strong enough' reason to decide on switching from development to testing.

I'd recommend analysing your own situation and finding out the real problems - which could be manageable. For example, if your team treats you an underdog because of lack of skills or confidence as a team member; then you need to improve on that. If team's overall attitude is the problem you should try switching to another team; or just look for a new job.

However, if you are convinced that you should switch to testing; I'd recommend reading the first post in this discussion. My recommendation is to look for an opportunity in testing in your current organisation. A certification will be an added advantage; but you should be able to pick up the basics of testing just by reading appropriate sources on the Internet. We've a good bunch of experienced testing engineers on CrazyEngineers who should be able to help you with all the technical difficulties.

But before you do anything - I recommend finding out the root of the problem.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Aug 22, 2014

Rahil kumar
Hello sir,

I am doing CRM development but right now i am not interested in development because sometime writing a code looks like craking a nut for me
so i Want to switch in Testing domain.......
I like programming but i am not hard core programmer
but many of my seniors are saying to don't switch to testing domain because future opportunities, salary is very less in testing
future salary provide to testing is:
= no of experience * 1.5-2

future salary provide to Development is:
= no of experience * 3
Instead of your seniors, you should talk to those who've been in the testing domain for a long time and hold senior positions. Salary is a function of your skills, your responsibilities, position and the organisation you are working for; and I can only laugh at people who say testing engineers will always make lesser salary than their peers in development.

You haven't told us what the problem is and I assume that you are confused about switching to testing. I'd say you should do a survey and find out what salary is being offered to engineers who've similar experience as yours. Your first check might be in your current organisation itself. Just talk to HR guys about the possibility of switching to testing.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Aug 22, 2014

Okay, I'd want #-Link-Snipped-# and #-Link-Snipped-# to read this -

Alfurqan
Then i got offer from two companies at the same time. Comapny A offered me development role with 100%(expected) hike in salary and Company B offered me in automation testing with 300%(not even imagined) hike.
Companies are offering 3x for testing role! Should clear all the doubts from your heads about the salary being offered to testing engineers.

Now back to #-Link-Snipped-# 's query : -

First of all, congratulations on getting the salary beyond your expectations. I'd ask you to control your impatience and enjoy the money you're making. Nothing's gone wrong and you are reacting too early! 2 months is just too short a period to decide whether you've made right or wrong decision. You are currently into manual testing does not mean that you will do the same job forever. My recommendation is to keep looking for opportunities within your current organisation and keep building your expertise in automation testing.

Instead of worrying, why not build your profile by adding various tools and technologies to it? I'm sure you can use your free time to build expertise in QTP, Selenium, Rational Tools, PERL, RUBY, JScript and other languages, tools that are HOT in the QA markets? Keep bugging the HRs and managers for opportunity in testing; and also keep looking for a job in testing, so that you are prepared to grab the next opportunity that comes your way.

By the way, you can always quench your thirst for developing/scripting via participating in open source projects. Enjoy the money, keep building your skill-set and also keep looking for opportunities - within your organisation and outside as well. All the best!
iamzero

@iamzero-noTPcj • Aug 23, 2014

#-Link-Snipped-#,

Hello, i have read your post again and again, and i know you will understand my mind wont be at peace unless i get some clear answer.

Okay i am a recent graduate, from a okay kind of engineering college with 0 placements.

However i kept oin doing onlinr activities always and haf an experience in website dev, SEO and blogging with being testers for many mobile apps and some very good features of a famous INTERNET company.( yes your guess is right)

So i got a Manual testing job profile (QA) via in a mobile app company and it has been 3 months. Here is so far background.

Now my query:

I am a money minded person and want to earn as much as i can. I have been researching a lot over the web and everywhere it says DEV salaries will and always be higher and career growth will be more.

Now i know C,CPP, DSA, CORE JAVA, along with client side testing and yes not so confident about CODING but i can learn it out if trained on what a company would work in, like a fresher training which should i get.

It has been hell time for me looking for jobs and i am in dilemma over QA and DEV. I had no choice so i did get into QA but now want to know how to go about.

My college never got any company for us and i had to be content with since my CV was inclined more towards testing than dev. I want to know what are your advised and how to go about future.

Now i can switch if possible since i am still new in the market but dont want to wadte time. What do you guys suggest?

I have deep understanding of how to go about managing and excelling a product on my personal analysis, but that would require 5 years min to be at position where i can be heard as in a PM or TEAM LEAD.

Any help at any level will be much appreciated.
Anoop Kumar

@anoop-kumar-GDGRCn • Aug 23, 2014

You are already in job so I would like to give abstract answer here.
There is always a dilemma which switching jobs or company. I recently been through sleepless days about thinking which direction to go. Because these decisions impact your whole career and probably life.
In starting of career upto 5-7 year, I suggest you to choose what you love and enjoy working, even on little less money. If you love your job, you can get any level of payment next time. Probably not in A organization then in B or C alphabets goes upto 26 numbers. There are lots of opportunity for good candidates. It's just matter of some time.
Trust me, take advice from all around but choose what your mind is saying. You only know what exactly you like to do. QA/Dev doesn't matter.
SASIKUMAR_K

@sasikumar-k-7I52Fn • Aug 23, 2014

Hello Sir,

I am 2014 pass-out from Electrical and Electronics Stream.I am looking for a job.I didn't get any opportunity as software developer,so i decided to take up the software testing. Is it good for me to start a career in Software Testing.My coding skills are average in C++ and also like to develop my skills in coding.My plans are also include that i want to pursue MS in 2016.So please help me out what are all the career opportunities that i have in MS after i have 2 years of expertise in software testing domain.
Thanks in Advance
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Aug 24, 2014

#-Link-Snipped-# - Welcome to CrazyEngineers. Hope you will enjoy being in our company 😀

If you want to make money, you need to be excellent at the domain of your choice - and the only way to do that is to absolutely love what you are doing. Your first step should be to identify where your interests are - in testing or in development. And love does not see money!

It is possible to make a lot of money (just using your own words) in both testing as well as in development. As I've said multiple times, how much money you earn is going to be a function of a lot of factors; which you will figure out as you gain experience in the industry. Unfortunately there is no short-cut to it.

The only way to make money 'fast' is to start a business - and make it successful. You can do it if that's the line you want to pick up 😀
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Aug 24, 2014

A general thought:

We like helping people; but I find it rather strange that those who ask question and get help here; do not even come here to tell us whether they found our advice useful or just drop a 'thank you'. Not that we expect it; but it keeps us motivated to write long replies to your queries, guys!

Anyway, back to business! Next Question Please?
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Aug 24, 2014

SASIKUMAR_K
Hello Sir,

I am 2014 pass-out from Electrical and Electronics Stream.I am looking for a job.I didn't get any opportunity as software developer,so i decided to take up the software testing. Is it good for me to start a career in Software Testing.My coding skills are average in C++ and also like to develop my skills in coding.My plans are also include that i want to pursue MS in 2016.So please help me out what are all the career opportunities that i have in MS after i have 2 years of expertise in software testing domain.
Thanks in Advance
You got into testing because you could not get into development. What's your plan if we say it's not good to start career in testing? Will you quit your job?

The fact is that you can start your career as a software testing engineer OR as a developer - and in the longer run; it absolutely DOES NOT MATTER!

If your coding skills are average; you should be more worried about improving your programming skills in general and developing expertise in the programming language of your choice.

No one stops you from making a parallel career in open source domain as a developer as a tester - and trust me any employer would absolutely LOVE to see that you are actively involved in open source projects. Your development skills will definitely be useful in testing domain; and you can use your testing know-how in development - to write better code, maybe.

No one in the world can tell you what the career opportunities will be 'for you'. Just be assured that there are more jobs in the world than there are skilled people (engineers). Even at CrazyEngineers, we'd love to hire a developer - but we simply can't find the one who can impress us.

If you choose to opt for MS in CS related course; your chances of getting a job as a QA engineer or a developer will be more - and it totally depends on the recruiter what profile they are looking for; and find you suitable for.

The final line - pick up a domain for yourself, preferably the one you enjoy, and build your skills-set that impresses yourself and others. You will get a good job and recruiter will be able to offer the money you demand.

How do I know? If you are just GREAT - we at CrazyEngineers will hire you. If you aren't - your options are always open.
Rahil kumar

@rahil-kumar-T7qIIE • Aug 26, 2014

ok kaustubh
Is automation testing need skills like hard core programmer?
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Aug 26, 2014

Rahil kumar
ok kaustubh
Is automation testing need skills like hard core programmer?
There are no set benchmarks. It all depends on the complexity of the project you are working on.
Nisha27

@nisha27-CKYtRz • Aug 26, 2014

Hi Kaustubh, nice to see your post... I am in dilemma too.. I have done C++ development for about 10 years now.. I am not that great in coding..But till date whatever job i have taken I have performed well. Now I want to do something different (ie less hectic job).As I have a kid I need to balance between job and family. I have worked in different industries..started with telecom, finance and now airline..
In my current company we have two teams..development and testing.. I worked in development for 2 years then asked to move to testing..my manager was ok with it.. so he asked me to try it for some time and then decide..In testing here we do just manual testing.. dont use any tools..I like doing testing..I have done it just for 3 months now... but a bit worried...As its a airline industry will I be stuck with it forever? As for a tester functional knowledge is the key thing.. will I get job as a tester in other industry? As we do not use any kind of tools or scripting language..Is this experience even useful for me??? I dont want to go back to coding.. to be honest I havn;t got much knowledge about the industry..Even in testing I guess there are many options..performance tester, integration tester, automation tester.. I have no idea what skills are required for these..How do i go about it??? I am very confused.. and sometimes even I think am i too old for this change 😀... Hope to get some clarifications from you....

Thanks,
Nisha
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Aug 26, 2014

Welcome to CE, #-Link-Snipped-# . I hope you will enjoy CE and become an active contributor here. CE will keep you up to date about stuff that matters.

You've a solid background in coding and that should make it easier for you to pick up any scripting language. It's no rocket science and given a background in development; it should be a cakewalk for you even with self study. Do not bother about getting exposure to automation.

Manual testing, as you'd have figured out by now, is one of the basic stages of testing and therefore manual testing jobs will always be there in the industry. Functional testing would definitely help; and it's entirely up to you to make the best possible use of your experience. Nothing should stop you from getting exposure to automation tools. Learn Python, QTP, Rational Tools, Selenium, UNIX and all the tools/techniques/technologies used in automation testing.

I'd recommend getting experience in manual testing in your own organisation for some time and also see if you can drive your project to include automation. Too old or not - that's all about how you think. Just do what you enjoy or enjoy what you're doing and the rest will take care of itself.
Nisha27

@nisha27-CKYtRz • Aug 26, 2014

Thanks a lot Kaustubh.. I am planning to do ISTQB course..was just not sure whether to stay in current organisation for sometime or to move quickly...But then with 3 months of testing experience no one would offer me a job..I have taken Python course....and i already work in Unix..so all i need to learn is few more skills..
I was in dilemma who to ask this question..at last googled it and got your post..didn't know you people are so active.. Thanks a lot for your reply.. 😀
Thanks,
Nisha
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Aug 26, 2014

#-Link-Snipped-# - You're in the company of awesome people 😁 on the planet (and you're one of us now).

ISTQB should be good start. You should not move from your current organisation just yet. Stay at least 1 year and make sure that you've a good exposure to manual and if possible, automation testing. If you wish to look for a new job; do a survey of the typical requirements posted on job portals. You will get an idea of the skills that are in demand.

Stay around and contribute. I'm sure you can help a lot of people here; and get help for all things testing from the QA folks on CE.
Indu29

@indu29-SCAqDO • Aug 30, 2014

Hi @#-Link-Snipped-#
Even my case is so similar to the other posts over here.I am basically a .net developer and have almost 4.5 yrs experience in that.I can rate myself as a good analyst but I never get a chance to work on latest technologies.Always I worked on Basic stuffs and did well in that.recebtly I attended some job interviews and I felt difficult in answering the latest technologies.Even though I got good feedback in basic oops concepts and .net knwoledge ,i lacked the confidence in latest stuffs.Last one year I am doing manual functional testing and so far I got good feedback on testing work from my peers and managers.Now seeing my coding skills my manager offered me automation/performance testing project.Meanwhile I have another opportunity from a different unit on developement (.net) project.But I dont have any idea on what tools I am going to get a project on.Right now I am in dilemma whether I should take up the automation project or return to my core stream development.
Basically my doubts are:-
1.Is it a right decision to change the career stream from development to testing at this point of time(right now total exp is 5.5 yrs)
2.compared to development whether automation or performance testing has good opportunities in the market?
3.If I change to automation will it be possible for me to shift to different organization in a year or so in testing itself with very less testing experience compared to overall exp.
sudhasanju

@sudhasanju-q3Ueeg • Sep 22, 2014

Hi..i want to know whether software testing having openings or not which platform is good for career ..im not much familiar with coding so pls suggest me..iam an computer science student.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Sep 22, 2014

Indu29
1.Is it a right decision to change the career stream from development to testing at this point of time(right now total exp is 5.5 yrs)
If you enjoyed testing and think that you can make a good career, you should switch. But think out the entire move well. Not being comfortable in .Net should NOT be the reason to switch to testing.

Indu29
2.compared to development whether automation or performance testing has good opportunities in the market?
Opportunities will continue to exists for for people who are excellent at what they are doing. It just cannot be generalised. Opportunities will exist for both QA and Dev folks.

Indu29
3.If I change to automation will it be possible for me to shift to different organization in a year or so in testing itself with very less testing experience compared to overall exp.
The new company will hire you based on your knowledge. It all depends on how much you develop your skillset in testing before applying to new job.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Sep 22, 2014

sudhasanju
Hi..i want to know whether software testing having openings or not which platform is good for career ..im not much familiar with coding so pls suggest me..iam an computer science student.
As a student, your first duty should be to prepare yourself for the subjects taught in CS course. Also develop your skillset such that you can crack the aptitude tests and technical interviews. Be open to career opportunities that come your way.
Akshata4031

@akshata4031-JOsRqM • Sep 25, 2014

Hi Kaustubh,

I would like to get a strong suggestion from you.

I've done BBA in 2011, and currently I've 2.3 years experience as a NON-IT, working in a very big IT company. But my work is not challenging
and it's true there is no growth with this work in future.

I thought of doing Testing course both manual and automation. My brothers are development engineers as we stay altogether, so got interest and asked them that can I switch to IT from NON-IT? The answer was Yes and it is Testing.

My question is:
1) Can I switch to IT from NON-IT. If yes, then which are the domains I can switch to.
2) Testing domain doesn't require any Education stream right? it just requires Graduation?
3) How about SAS Business Analytics? for a BBA student?

I would appreciate your strong response.

Regards,
Akshata
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Sep 26, 2014

#-Link-Snipped-# - Welcome to CrazyEngineers.

Akshata4031
) Can I switch to IT from NON-IT. If yes, then which are the domains I can switch to.
Yes you can; and you can switch to any domain you want. It may require hard work in the initial stages; and you should be able to switch to any domain of your choice - development, testing, networking, security. No one, but yourself, can stop you from making the switch. You will need to spot the right opportunity to do so, though.

Akshata4031
2) Testing domain doesn't require any Education stream right? it just requires Graduation?
Totally depends on the recruiting company. At CrazyEngineers, we don't pay attention to degrees / certificates. Again, you will have to spot the right company that is willing to offer you a job based on your current knowhow than degrees or certificates.

Akshata4031
3) How about SAS Business Analytics? for a BBA student?
Again, it's a question that only yourself can answer. Typically, you should make a career in the field that interests you a lot. I'd strongly recommend that you should do a study of the topic, the kind of jobs available, whether you feel excited about it etc. I'm an electrical engineer who's working with computers and Internet than designing electrical systems. 😀
Akshata4031

@akshata4031-JOsRqM • Sep 27, 2014

Thanks Kaustubh for your valuable guidance.
Pradeep Paul

@pradeep-paul-jk2FR5 • Sep 28, 2014

Hello ,
This is my first post , and i have a query that my company has provided me two options either go for development or testing and from last 9 months i was working in db maintaining scripts using sql server and it is almost normalized. So for which profile i should go. I had done coding in my college days but not at good level and there is knowledge gap in coding also.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Sep 28, 2014

#-Link-Snipped-# - Do go through some of my earlier responses in this discussion. You should get your answer. If you still have the query, I'll respond with an answer specific to your case.
suresh18

@suresh18-Dp1ntF • Sep 30, 2014

Hi sir, good afternoon. I am Suresh completed my B.Tech(EEE) in the year 2013 and i am job less.Now I am thinking to shift to IT(software testing), is it the right decision at this time? and it would be helpful to my career?
I got more worried,because of my one and a half year gap after the completion of my B.Tech.

waiting for your reply sir.
suresh18

@suresh18-Dp1ntF • Sep 30, 2014

I completed my B.Tech(EEE) in the year 2013.I am job less and now i am preferring to shift for IT (software testing).Did I take the right decision and how far it's helpful for the growth of my career?
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Sep 30, 2014

suresh18
I completed my B.Tech(EEE) in the year 2013.I am job less and now i am preferring to shift for IT (software testing).Did I take the right decision and how far it's helpful for the growth of my career?
Please read the first post in this discussion. It was written exactly to answer your question.
ShSK

@shsk-KZZqr8 • Oct 4, 2014

I have completed 2 years in IT and a year in manual testing and plan to continue with testing.I attended a automation training session in QTP and now learning the same on my own.As for manual testing experience, I was involved in test scenarios design and execution,direct client interaction to know requirements,worked with Dev teams on defect remediation using HP QC and ALM tools,preparing test summary reports,seeking sign-offs and planning QA phase activities with the onshore team and worked as back up team lead as well.
What all should i go for to enhance my skills?Can i make a switch on the basis of the pure knowledge of QTP and no real time experience on the same?
Please guide me on the same.
Rohini Ghanate

@rohini-ghanate-esF8LV • Oct 7, 2014

I am rohini 2013 B.E. in IT passout. Currently Associated with B.E.S.T. in Mumbai as Assistant Programmer.Now I am triying to search job in Software Testing.Is it need to do Software Testing Course? If Yes please suggest institute Name.and help me for searching job.
PKR123

@pkr123-3WLpgr • Oct 10, 2014

Hello Sir,
I am Pooja , I am electrical engineer, i have passed out in 2013. From last 1 year i am working as electrical design engineer, but what i feel is due to less growth in this field and less salary growth i am loosing my interest. Can you suggest me whether i should go for software testing? will it be good for my career?
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Oct 10, 2014

Rohini Ghanate
I am rohini 2013 B.E. in IT passout. Currently Associated with B.E.S.T. in Mumbai as Assistant Programmer.Now I am triying to search job in Software Testing.Is it need to do Software Testing Course? If Yes please suggest institute Name.and help me for searching job.
Software Testing course is optional, but a course or certification from a reputed institute will definitely be an advantage. You may use your programming knowledge to develop expertise in automation testing.

You should begin your search through job portals.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Oct 10, 2014

PKR123
Can you suggest me whether i should go for software testing? will it be good for my career?
It's a personal decision. If you think software testing will offer a rewarding career, you should go with it. There cannot be a general answer that fits everyone.

You should read the first post of this discussion which talks about career in software testing and development. If you have specific questions; you may ask here and we'll be happy to help.
PKR123

@pkr123-3WLpgr • Oct 10, 2014

precisely whether electrical engineer can do software testing? whether it require any software knowledge?
harish dondetti

@harish-dondetti-spDf3P • Oct 13, 2014

Hello Sir,
I am 2013 passed out B.tech CS guy working in a company from 9 months as Java Developer and my manager shifted me to android development from past 5 months. Due to some reasons he wanted me to move to testing department. And also for me writing code is somewhat difficult, but understanding the code is very easy for me.So,please help me in choosing my career in correct path.
Rajat Bhardwaj

@rajat-bhardwaj-YtIlC1 • Oct 15, 2014

Hello kaustaub,

I completed engineering from ECE 2013 and i want to make career in software testing but i heard someone that in testing work saturation occurs. is it true.and there is some any other courses which could help me of building my career.I am confused that which course should i opt please help

Hello Sir,

I completed engineering from ECE 2013 and i want to make career in software testing but i heard someone that in testing work saturation occurs. is it true.and there is some any other courses which could help me of building my career.I am confused that which course should i opt please help and what about automation.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Oct 15, 2014

PKR123
precisely whether electrical engineer can do software testing? whether it require any software knowledge?
An electrical engineer can do anything he/she wishes - includes software testing, code writing, climb Everest, SCUBA dive. Electrical Engineering doesn't make one feel inferior.

PS: I studied electrical engineering to but I never let it interfere in my career 😉 .
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Oct 15, 2014

harish dondetti
Hello Sir,
I am 2013 passed out B.tech CS guy working in a company from 9 months as Java Developer and my manager shifted me to android development from past 5 months. Due to some reasons he wanted me to move to testing department. And also for me writing code is somewhat difficult, but understanding the code is very easy for me.So,please help me in choosing my career in correct path.
Deciding your career path is not very difficult. Just pick up what you are very comfortable with and interested in. Read the first post in this discussion about what careers in software testing and development offer. Do your own research and see if software testing looks interesting to you.

PS: The information you provided does not give us a clear ida of the background. Therefore we are unable to provide the best help that we can.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Oct 15, 2014

Rajat Bhardwaj
I completed engineering from ECE 2013 and i want to make career in software testing but i heard someone that in testing work saturation occurs. is it true.and there is some any other courses which could help me of building my career.I am confused that which course should i opt please help
Could you please explain what 'saturation' means?
Rajat Bhardwaj

@rajat-bhardwaj-YtIlC1 • Oct 15, 2014

sir my senior says -that u will get bore cause u have to do same work every time
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Oct 15, 2014

Rajat Bhardwaj
sir my senior says -that u will get bore cause u have to do same work every time
Only you know whether you'll get bored or not. You need not form your opinion based on the experiences of others. There are several people who are totally bored in development / networking / testing / management. This is one prime reason I always that you need to find out what field you find extremely interesting!
Rajat Bhardwaj

@rajat-bhardwaj-YtIlC1 • Oct 15, 2014

ok sir.is there any other course like animation,automation and any other have good scope and i could get job easily.cause sir i dnt have too much money and time as i already 2013 pass out.
Upasana@CE

@upasana-at-ce-VII4BS • Oct 16, 2014

At first, I was in dilemma whether the testing career is right for me or not but after going through so many posts and blogs related to the same topic i finally got my answer.. Yes I will go in Testing

@Mr. Katdare I need advice from someone and I think you can help me by just clearing my some doubts...

I completed my graduation in IT in June 2014 and getting a opportunity to join a testing company as a manual tester. I am not much aware of the kind of growth and the work for this.and as I want to be a Project lead/Manager in my coming few years(4-5) and so i have doubt whether I am opting this career right or not.... because as per the company's policy for 1-2 years they will hire me as Tester only so it hardly seems me jump in my profile to new post....

So does it create any negative impact later on my career as i started with testing and not development..... does the pace of my career growth will be slow(in testing)??? ..... as right now i am not offered very good package so is this also effects later on when i would apply somewhere??
ajinkyajoshi91

@ajinkyajoshi91-DYQoyy • Oct 22, 2014

HI KAUSTUBH.. I AM AJINKYA.. 2014 GRAD IN COMPUTERS....ACTUALLY I DON'T KNOW WHETHER I AM INTERESTED IN TESTING OR NOT. UNLESS I JOIN SOME TESTING, IT WILL BE DIFFICULT TO FIND MY INTEREST.. I HAVE HEARD ABOUT SEED INFOTECH CLASS, WHICH GIVES TRAINNG IN MANUAL AND AUTOMATION TESTING.. WHATS YOUR OPINION ON IT..
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Oct 22, 2014

Upasana@CE
I want to be a Project lead/Manager in my coming few years(4-5) and so i have doubt whether I am opting this career right or not.... because as per the company's policy for 1-2 years they will hire me as Tester only so it hardly seems me jump in my profile to new post....
I think you should have a word with the HR officials in your organisation about the typical growth plan a testing engineer can have in your company. That will give you an idea whether you can expect to be a manager / team lead in the next 4 to 5 years.

Any person's growth in the company depends upon a lot of factors - including your skills, your overall worth to the projects you've worked on and largely to how your bosses see you. The last one, unfortunately holds more importance these days. If you maintain good relations with your immediate bosses (who are responsible for your appraisals), your chances of getting promoted will increase. The corporate appraisal systems are completely flawed and you've to ensure you can sail through.

Upasana@CE
So does it create any negative impact later on my career as i started with testing and not development
I don't see any reason why it should. If you are good at what you are doing - you should get opportunities in your current organisation and also elsewhere. I'd recommend working in your current organisation for 2 years and gather as much experience and skills you can - and then apply for a job in some other company. You will be able to negotiate a lot of things for your new job/role.

I hope this answers your question.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Oct 22, 2014

ajinkyajoshi91
HI KAUSTUBH.. I AM AJINKYA.. 2014 GRAD IN COMPUTERS....ACTUALLY I DON'T KNOW WHETHER I AM INTERESTED IN TESTING OR NOT. UNLESS I JOIN SOME TESTING, IT WILL BE DIFFICULT TO FIND MY INTEREST.. I HAVE HEARD ABOUT SEED INFOTECH CLASS, WHICH GIVES TRAINNG IN MANUAL AND AUTOMATION TESTING.. WHATS YOUR OPINION ON IT..
First of all, I strongly recommend that you should FIX THAT BROKEN CAPS LOCK KEY ON YOUR KEYBOARD!

You can find out whether you have interest in something only by doing it for sufficient time. You may start learning about testing field, kind of jobs it offers, the kind of work software testing engineers do et al and make your decision. Joining a software testing class is also a way to find out. I cannot recommend any specific class / institute.
Upasana@CE

@upasana-at-ce-VII4BS • Oct 26, 2014

Kaustubh Katdare
I hope this answers your question.
Yep.. to some extent.. Thanks a lot for your time!!
Dido

@dido-ZxZvGf • Oct 26, 2014

Hi Kaustubh,

Like to see your post here... It is really helpfull ... I had an 1.6 years experience on JAVA/J2EE, Spring,Hibernate,AJAX,JAVA SCRIPT,SQL/PL-SQL in a small company... and now I am currently working in IBM as a tester(manual testing and automation in RFT) for 10 months... I have some query here...
1)How is the future of RFT outside of IBM? Should I go for QTP or Selenium?
2)According to my profile in which domain my career growth will be propebly good(development or testing)?

3)IS there is any advantage for me to be a tester with development background or to be a tester with testing knowledge...? I want know the demnd and future opportunities accordting to my profile.

Please give your view opon it... it will be very usefull for me and my career..

Thank you
Saandeep Sreerambatla

@saandeep-sreerambatla-hWHU1M • Oct 26, 2014

Dido
1)How is the future of RFT outside of IBM? Should I go for QTP or Selenium?
Future of RFT outside IBM is also good. There are many companies which use RFT for testing, as they use a bundle of products from IBM.

And, If i am not wrong you use javascript or some other language in RFT for your testing.

So switching to QTP or selenium is just a language change and the logic remains as is. So it just a 1 - 2 month job to learn any new tool if you are good with any tool.

2)According to my profile in which domain my career growth will be propebly good(development or testing)?
Growth depends on your skills. Not development or testing.

Seeing your skills - as you are also good with Java why not try learning selenium using java ?

3)IS there is any advantage for me to be a tester with development background or to be a tester with testing knowledge...? I want know the demnd and future opportunities accordting to my profile.
An Automation tester always needs coding skills. A tester is expected to have domain knowledge as well. So understand your product well.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Oct 26, 2014

I agree with what #-Link-Snipped-# said. You should listen to him because he's been a successful QA engineer. Here's my view -

Dido
1)How is the future of RFT outside of IBM? Should I go for QTP or Selenium?
2)According to my profile in which domain my career growth will be propebly good(development or testing)?

3)IS there is any advantage for me to be a tester with development background or to be a tester with testing knowledge...? I want know the demnd and future opportunities accordting to my profile.
You can check for demand for any tool/technology just by going to a job site and performing a search. You may always upload your resume to a job site and see if you get interest from the employer. As a QA engineer, you should NOT limit yourself to just few tools. Equipped with the knowledge of RFT, you should also start educating yourself on Selenium and QTP. Try to be the dream hire for any QA role that suits your profile.

We do not have all the information to advise you on this. But any domain that makes you immensely interested in it is guaranteed to give you a successful career. That's a very generic answer, but is 100% true.

You will need coding skills and it's all up to you how you implement your skills. Knowledge of programming language can never be an 'issue'. The knowledge will come handy when learning new automation tools and technologies.

I hope you found this answer useful.
Crystle Sequeira

@crystle-sequeira-nWHjRI • Oct 31, 2014

I joined an IT company in 2013 and was trained in .NET domain there. After this I got into a development project and was put in testing team. Here i worked on automation(internal tool framework developed by the IT company), manual testing (HP QC). After completion of this project, I wish to switch to development as I am very interested in .NET stream. I have very good technical and coding skills. What should I do , stick to testing or development?
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Nov 1, 2014

Crystle Sequeira
I joined an IT company in 2013 and was trained in .NET domain there. After this I got into a development project and was put in testing team. Here i worked on automation(internal tool framework developed by the IT company), manual testing (HP QC). After completion of this project, I wish to switch to development as I am very interested in .NET stream. I have very good technical and coding skills. What should I do , stick to testing or development?
You said you want to switch to development; but did not specify any reason that's stopping you from switching. If you are interested in programming on .Net platform, go for it. All the best!
minm

@minm-9MUv32 • Nov 25, 2014

Hello Everyone ,
I am in dilemma that whether I should keep working as a software tester or I should try my luck in Java.Currently I am working as a Associate Quality Analyst in a Product based startup .Earlier I had worked in another startup as a software developer .I am a 2014 passout(B.tech cse).My interest lies in testing and java .I quit my previous job(developer) coz I was asked to work on 2 different technologies in 2 months but I wanted to work in just one technology coz I din't want to become jack of all trades but master of none .It is my perspective that If I keep on working on different technologies then I won't be able to get into any MNC as they hire people who have >2 years experience in one technology .As you can't say no to your employers so I was not left with any other option except to quit that job .Meanwhile when I was working there I used to find out a lot of bugs in my own code and used to fix those bugs so I decided to become a software tester as being a software tester you won't be asked to work on different technologies. I put up my resume on a job portal and I got a job in a product based startup as an Associate Quality Analyst.Now I feel like I am trapped again as there are very few vacancies for software testers in mnc's(except for those who have > 3 years experience) in Delhi-Ncr so even now I won't be able to get into any Mnc . My ultimate aim is to get a job in an Mnc and I want to work particularly in these 2 fields Java development or software testing.Reason why I want to get into an mnc is "Job security" "salary is more".I don't know what to do now . I have read that software testers are paid less than software developers.I am totally confused what to do.
sumnel

@sumnel-SOd4o4 • Nov 27, 2014

Hi,
I am working as a java senior software developer. I would like to switch my career from programming to testing. Usually i do manual testing in our projects. i have java exp so i can easily learn selenium tool right?.
I worked on linux,html,css,js,jquery,php,java,Bugzilla for bug tracking

How hard it will be to switch the career? what concepts should i focus more on manual testing?

as a women i have to manage my job and family as well with less pressure on work.

please suggest me.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Nov 27, 2014

sumnel
How hard it will be to switch the career? what concepts should i focus more on manual testing?
It won't be difficult provided you've made up your mind and convinced that you can make a better career in software testing. I'd recommend taking a short course in software testing to make yourself familiar with the domain and know what to expect.

Begin with manual testing and start learning about the most popular tools and technologies used in automation testing.

sumnel
as a women i have to manage my job and family as well with less pressure on work.
You should be careful. Testing domain does not guarantee that you will have work with less pressure. You should speak with your managers and team leads to see if you can get a project where the pressure isn't much.
Radhika Deshpande

@radhika-o4Adk0 • Nov 27, 2014

Manual Testers are expected to have expertise in product domain. You should know your product well. Plus you have some development experience. So it will easy for you to change.
Independent software testing services is growing rapidly with growing technological advancement in IT sector.So it expected that lot of interesting trends will come to software testing domain.
Some of them already trending are - Testing in Agile Development Environment, Security Testing , Mobile testing, Context-driven testing. You can sometime go through on these.
minm

@minm-9MUv32 • Nov 28, 2014

#-Link-Snipped-# Sirji I had read this line somewhere in this thread that "people come here with their queries and we provide them solutions but they never thank us" . Sir ji what about my query. Even I had posted a query here but no one replied so I have decided that it would be my last post on this website .Signing off from crazy engineers .Thank you very much for not replying .I will find a solution on my own.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Nov 28, 2014

minm
I will find a solution on my own.
That's what we want you to do. All the best!
Anoop Kumar

@anoop-kumar-GDGRCn • Nov 28, 2014

Frooty
Manual Testers are expected to have expertise in product domain. You should know your product well. Plus you have some development experience. So it will easy for you to change.
Independent software testing services is growing rapidly with growing technological advancement in IT sector.So it expected that lot of interesting trends will come to software testing domain.
Some of them already trending are - Testing in Agile Development Environment, Security Testing , Mobile testing, Context-driven testing. You can sometime go through on these.
Couldn't be agree more . A manual tester expected to be a Ninja of product knowledge otherwise (frankly speaking), there is no value. In testing field if you know your product as well as tools you are like god.

#-Link-Snipped-# : I don't know if you are reading this of not. The way you have described, it's like you have crush on two girls but you have to choose one, so flip a coin and you will know which one to choose. No one going to tell you development is better or testing is .
But, since you have worked as java developer and if you choose testing. You might have edge for tools like selenium.
But I feel that, You are not in dilemma which field to choose but how to get more money as soon as possible. If you are confident about your work quality, why worry about job security.
PS: I really want to know about your big "MNC" name you would like to work with. If anyone her from those organizations they might help you to find out what exactly they look for, in a candidate, either in development or testing.
Saandeep Sreerambatla

@saandeep-sreerambatla-hWHU1M • Nov 28, 2014

Today i had been to HTSC testing conference. pardon me if the name is incorrect.

Its organized by Step-in. There came a lady Shalini MD from Accenture. She was saying that testing, i love testing. i eat , breathe, drink and think about testing . So be passionate about testing . It doesnt matter if you are into dev or qa.

and never come into qa because your dev dream failed. Everything is valuable and budgets into testing increased from 28% to 35% in 2014 and that still increasing so expect more and more testing jobs.
sapna reddy

@sapna-reddy-Pkma5R • Nov 29, 2014

#-Link-Snipped-#
i am trained in android app and web apps development but now am posted in testing games where we cant see any codes,just test games, but i was very much interested in development. as am testing only games ,is there anything to worry about my career.

i was an ECE student and there is nothing technical in my game testing project.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Nov 30, 2014

sapna reddy
#-Link-Snipped-#
i am trained in android app and web apps development but now am posted in testing games where we cant see any codes,just test games, but i was very much interested in development. as am testing only games ,is there anything to worry about my career.

i was an ECE student and there is nothing technical in my game testing project.
You wrote the answer yourself. You are interested in development and your current job does not provide you with what you like. It's time to look for what you want; so start hunting for job that puts you directly into development or into automation project where you can use your testing knowledge and coding knowledge together. What say?
kaustubh sinha

@kaustubh-sinha-0UZUlS • Dec 13, 2014

Hi kaustubh,
I have 2 yrs of exp in java development.Though I am trying my level best to develop interest in it as i don't like the Advanced java, frankly speaking i havn't.
I want to change my domain to Automation or performance testing.But when i go for advice to my seniors they say that in near future each and every company is going to built a platform/frameworks/ORMs which will be will be automatically efficient in terms of performance.Hence there will not be any significant role of a performance test engineer at that time as the application will itself be better performance wise.Hence stick to development.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Dec 13, 2014

#-Link-Snipped-# - Don't you think they'll need to test these platforms/frameworks/ORMs which will do all the 'automatic' stuff? 😀 Can you see how big an opportunity your seniors are hinting at (much to their own dislike, maybe)?

I'd advise not to make decisions based on what will be 'hot' in future. No one knows. Future predictors and plain ass dumbos.

Make a career in the things / domain you love doing and are genuinely interested in. That's the proven, time-tested, sure-shot, awesome, kick-ass way of developing one's career. Do NOT pick up testing because you aren't interested in Advance Java. Know what you dislike about Advance Java. Find out if there's something that draws your interest.

PS: Stay active on CE and help others. That's all I'm asking in return of my advice 😀
Ramya.c

@ramyac-f35KeU • Dec 17, 2014

Hi,
I Joined a MNC company 4 years back. i was put up in java domain, initially for 1 year i din do any coding, it was more of manual testing but after that i was given development, i am not much comfortable with development, i see testing is more intresting than development, so i want to switch to testing, but am dilemma whether its a right time to switch to testing bcoz 4 years i was in development, if i need to switch for testing what and all i need to be familiarize with. please suggest me on this. I joined a new firm a month back the same development but since its a support project i find it difficulty am not liking to proceed career here.
Saandeep Sreerambatla

@saandeep-sreerambatla-hWHU1M • Dec 18, 2014

If you are ok at Java, you can start learning selenium with java and be an automation tester.
There is no wrong time to switch a career if you are really interested in something (testing here)
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Dec 18, 2014

Ramya.c
but am dilemma whether its a right time to switch to testing bcoz 4 years i was in development, if i need to switch for testing what and all i need to be familiarize with. please suggest me on thi
Start with the concepts of manual testing and then proceed towards Selenium, QTP and other tools that are used in the project.
Ramya.c

@ramyac-f35KeU • Dec 19, 2014

Thank u 😀
Nitin0790

@nitin0790-DuksQZ • Dec 21, 2014

Hi
I m 2014 passout.!!.
I have done MCA and i want to do job in software development field.After 6 months of completion i still not get any job in Software development.So m thinking of switching to software testing.I dont know about software testing much and decided to have training in testing.So plz help me what to do.I m in very stress about my career.Its about 6 months and still not getting somethink.Plz plz help me or suggest me some useful advice.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Dec 22, 2014

Nitin0790
.I dont know about software testing much and decided to have training in testing.So plz help me what to do
Start with the basics of manual testing. A starter course in software QA would be of great help. Given your background in MCA, you should be able to understand things real fast and grasp the automation testing concepts sooner. All the best.

Nitin0790
So m thinking of switching to software testing
If you want to get a job into development; you're bound to get totally bored in QA. Ultimately, you will be at square 1 a few years or months down the line. Choose your career wisely. I hope you have read the first post in this entire discussion thread.
GMORE6

@gmore6-fZmXva • Dec 26, 2014

hi kaustub..
i m working in an mnc for 1yr. m working on various technologies like mysql, linux etc..
bt doesn't find a better carrer in future. if i go for a testing course nd join as a tester then current exp of mine vl b considered ?? since the exp is not in testing.. vl i get a better package than wt m getting now
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Dec 26, 2014

GMORE6
hi kaustub..
i m working in an mnc for 1yr. m working on various technologies like mysql, linux etc..
bt doesn't find a better carrer in future. if i go for a testing course nd join as a tester then current exp of mine vl b considered ?? since the exp is not in testing.. vl i get a better package than wt m getting now
Why not apply and find out for yourself? It totally depends on the recruiting company whether to consider your work experience as 'experience' per se. Also, whether your package will be better depends on how useful you seem to the recruiters.
GMORE6

@gmore6-fZmXva • Dec 26, 2014

But if I join any institute by paying high fees nd vl not get d job with expected CTC then ???
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Dec 26, 2014

GMORE6
But if I join any institute by paying high fees nd vl not get d job with expected CTC then ???
Don't quit your existing job. Only when you get a new job, resign from your current job.
abhi.bubna29

@abhibubna29-TIlRq8 • Jan 4, 2015

I am Electronics and communications Engineer 2014 pass out. Want to start to start my career in IT sector. so could you please suggest which is the good s/w developing or testing. Also which is good place in pune or mumbai to do the classes for same. Also currently i am working with Wipro (Third party) as a desktop support engineer. So shall i continue over here or start course in software course and then do job
Ankita Katdare

@abrakadabra • Jan 4, 2015

#-Link-Snipped-# Did you go through the various responses mentioned in the posts above? Did you find any answers among them?
Koushal Patel

@koushal-C6mEgp • Jan 4, 2015

Just FYI, Hyderabad is a place where various software courses are not only cheapest but also the best (As per my close friend's review, he studied and was able to click decent job). City's PG services are not that bad and costlier). Let me know if someone wants to go to Hyd!! 😀
Ankan27

@ankan27-ZWSiwM • Jan 6, 2015

Hi,
I am 2013 pass out working as a manual mobile tester with less salary in small scale company with 8 months of experience which not followed the actual process which needed in testing field...
I am fear about my career that's why i am thinking about to learn QTP tool but i don't understand from where i have learned it because its licensed version not getting easily for downloading.
So please help me and suggest some better so that i will do something better for groom my carrer
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Jan 6, 2015

#-Link-Snipped-# - You should learn QTP from any reputed training institute in your city. If that's not possible, check if your current company can get it for you.

If both of the above options are not possible, focus your attention to Selenium and other tools that are most frequently being used in the testing domain. That should help you make a switch.
Ankan27

@ankan27-ZWSiwM • Jan 6, 2015

Yes its possible i am in Noida..
So when i got complete my course then will company hire 1 year experience guy who only work as manual tester and going for automation with no experience .

Kaustubh Katdare
#-Link-Snipped-# - You should learn QTP from any reputed training institute in your city. If that's not possible, check if your current company can get it for you.

If both of the above options are not possible, focus your attention to Selenium and other tools that are most frequently being used in the testing domain. That should help you make a switch.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Jan 6, 2015

Ankan27
Yes its possible i am in Noida..
So when i got complete my course then will company hire 1 year experience guy who only work as manual tester and going for automation with no experience .
Keep looking for job. It's likely that your job search will take some time even after you complete your course. Keep making yourself awesome at QTP and keep looking for opportunities. There are enough companies in India that work in automation testing domain who'll need QTP trained professionals.
Ankan27

@ankan27-ZWSiwM • Jan 6, 2015

Kaustubh Katdare
Keep looking for job. It's likely that your job search will take some time even after you complete your course. Keep making yourself awesome at QTP and keep looking for opportunities. There are enough companies in India that work in automation testing domain who'll need QTP trained professionals.
thanks...
Saandeep Sreerambatla

@saandeep-sreerambatla-hWHU1M • Jan 6, 2015

#-Link-Snipped-# : Go for any good training institute learn either online or through class room training. Once that is done you will get the trial download for a month and that is more than enough for learning basics.

If you have a QTP team in your current company ,you can ask them for the license etc as well. To practise at office.

My suggestion: Dont pay so much money for people who say placement gurantee 😀
Ankan27

@ankan27-ZWSiwM • Jan 15, 2015

#-Link-Snipped-# For 1 year experience which automation tool is best to enter in automation currently i m in manual testing and 9 months of experience and want to learn automation tool.
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Jan 15, 2015

Ankan27
#-Link-Snipped-# For 1 year experience which automation tool is best to enter in automation currently i m in manual testing and 9 months of experience and want to learn automation tool.
Start with any that you can immediately use. QTP and Selenium seem to be in demand across the industry.
Ankan27

@ankan27-ZWSiwM • Jan 15, 2015

I heart that opening for QTP is more in 3+ experience not for 1+. So that's why i am thinking of learn QTP but i want to learn QTP..
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Jan 15, 2015

Ankan27
I heart that opening for QTP is more in 3+ experience not for 1+. So that's why i am thinking of learn QTP but i want to learn QTP..
Start learning today so that you can master it in the next 2 years. You'll be much ahead of the competition by then. All the best.
Boon Jin Ooi

@boon-jin-vDZq89 • Jan 23, 2015

Hi #-Link-Snipped-#,

Is there a job position where he is a software engineer/testing engineer? If yes, what will his job scope be?
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Jan 23, 2015

Boon Jin
Hi #-Link-Snipped-#,

Is there a job position where he is a software engineer/testing engineer? If yes, what will his job scope be?
I'm not aware of any specific jobs that demand such roles. Job scope, role and responsibility will be decided by the project managers. There can't be a general answer.