In the universe of software quality, the role of the Quality Assurance professional has evolved significantly. A few years ago, QA was seen merely as the final validator of the system, but today it is a protagonist in every stage of development.
This evolution requires a new mindset and skill set to stand out in the field. In this article, the Venturus QA community outlines the steps necessary to effectively navigate this journey and highlights the possibilities for this professional.
First steps as a QA
To take your first steps as a QA professional, it is essential to first master the fundamentals of software testing. This includes learning the types of testing, validation strategies, and quality assurance methods to operate across various domains. These foundational skills form the basis for your journey.
This is crucial for developing a broad perspective on the field.
That’s why, here at Venturus, QA professionals say, “Quality is everyone’s responsibility!”
Even if you gravitate toward a specific area, such as mobile, web, or desktop, understanding the pillars of quality will allow you to add value to projects and contexts of all kinds.
Understand the business. Knowing the rules and how the product meets user and market needs transforms you from a technical QA into a specialist delivering real value.
Going Beyond the Basics for a QA
Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, the next step is to expand your competencies. This includes:
- Exploring automation: Tools like Robot Framework or Cypress help optimize processes and create more robust scenarios.
- Understanding different contexts: Dive deeper into the workings of mobile, web, and desktop systems, including backend, frontend, and integrations.
- Testing techniques: Learn methods like black-box testing, equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, and decision tables.
- Scenarios and Test Cases: Master writing scenarios and test cases to achieve maximum coverage.
The willingness to continuously learn is what keeps a QA relevant in an increasingly dynamic market.
Where to Start Studying
Degrees in technology-related fields such as Computer Science, Information Systems, and technical courses help build a solid technical foundation.
Next, certifications like the CTFL (Certified Tester Foundation Level) are highly recommended. These provide a comprehensive view of QA best practices and are valued by companies worldwide.
Additionally, there are plenty of online resources to explore, including courses, workshops (many of them free), and specialized articles, such as those on the Venturus blog.
Good Communication is Essential for a QA
A QA professional always works as part of a team, whether with other QAs or developers. Therefore, assertive and collaborative communication is critical. This includes:
- Being clear and objective: Reports and documentation should be understandable to all stakeholders.
- Empathy: Understanding the challenges and expectations of developers and clients facilitates collaboration.
- Respect: The goal is to find solutions together, not assign blame
REMEMBER: Quality is everyone’s responsibility, and QA acts as a facilitator to achieve it.
Curiosity With Care
Being curious is essential, but curiosity must be applied with focus and responsibility. Before exploring new tools or methodologies, it’s important to master the basics and ensure current processes are optimized.
Think outside the box when imagining user paths, but also ensure the main flows are flawless. This combination of critical thinking and attention to detail makes all the difference.
Becoming a QA Specialist
Becoming a QA specialist is a process of continuous learning. Building a solid foundation, developing interpersonal skills, mastering tools, and deeply understanding the business are indispensable steps.
Be collaborative, organized, and curious in the right measure. The QA market is constantly evolving, and professionals who keep pace with these changes will undoubtedly stand out.
