Quality assurance is a broad field, and it is essential in almost every industry. Professionals in quality assurance jobs are responsible for discovering errors in products and services before they reach consumers. The specific requirements for these jobs differ widely from industry to industry, and professionals interested in quality assurance have a lot of freedom when choosing a career path. For IT professionals and those with a background in technology, software quality assurance jobs can be a compelling option. In this blog, we explore the basics of software quality assurance jobs, including some of the requirements and benefits of these types of positions.

Specialty Quality Assurance Jobs: Software QA

While the general idea behind quality assurance jobs is the same in most fields, software quality assurance is slightly different. Rather than spotting errors or defects, SQA professionals are tasked with trying to “break” the products they test. QA engineers must find every possible way for the software to fail before presenting their findings to the software’s developers. From there, the developers create solutions that will improve the product and fix any problems.

Becoming a QA Engineer

Because software quality assurance jobs require a bit of specialized knowledge, QA engineers must often possess a specific set of education, skills, and experience. The International Software Testing Qualifications Board offers certification and training for aspiring QA engineers, and many educational institutions provide similar services. Working with an SQA mentor is another way to gain valuable skills and experience. Of course, some QA engineers simply teach themselves. Plenty of resources are available online for those who wish to learn more about SQA, but a background in coding (or, better yet, a degree in computer science) is often necessary for successful self-teaching.

Benefits of Software Quality Assurance Jobs

Why  endure all of the trouble to become a QA engineer? For starters, many professionals in software quality assurance jobs genuinely enjoy the work they do. Instead of finding a way to create code that works, QA engineers get to find ways to break code. QA engineers provide a valuable service for all kinds of tech companies, making them a valuable resource. While the pay varies widely by region, many entry-level SQA professionals typically earn a decent income. Entry-level QA software testers also have a wide range of potential career paths and goals. They can work to become QA directors and managers or pivot into careers in development and piloting.

About Lewis-Price & Associates Inc.

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