How can I Become a Software Tester?
How cool would it be to make a living as a software tester? It sounds like a fun and interesting job. However, it requires certain skills.
Companies hire a software tester, or several, to insure the quality of their products and to help find and eliminate any bugs. Precise tests are used to determine the functionality of every aspect of a particular application, and timely testing is important. You don’t necessarily have to have a degree to be hired as a software tester, but those who obtain a computer science degree should have no trouble finding immediate entry level work.
Even at the entry level, a software tester is generally paid close to 20 US dollars (USD) per hour, and the opportunities for advancement and higher earnings are tremendous. Since software is a constantly evolving product, there is job security in being a software tester. Other job markets may be flailing, but a proficient software tester should never have trouble finding work.
If you are knowledgeable about the operational aspects of computers and comfortable with word processing applications, you should be able to learn the necessary testing procedures fairly quickly. Begin now and learn as much as you can about specific testing procedures. A good knowledge of testing requirements and the ability to put them into practice will set you on your way to becoming a software tester. If you have other special skills or talents, be sure to mention these as well. If you speak a foreign language or more than one fluently, you will be in greater demand than those who do not.
As a newbie, do not be afraid to submit your resume to big name companies. They hire more software testers than smaller companies do. The odds are in your favor, since there is a great demand. On the same note, don’t discount smaller companies. You may be able to get your foot in the door and grow with the company. Even as a senior software tester, you’ll make more money, but you may want to broaden your horizons and eventually move toward software development or administration.
Written by Sherry Holetzky
