Technology is becoming more sophisticated, while user demand is skyrocketing.
Programmers are being put under more and more pressure to create new applications and software updates as fast as possible.
However, in order to find issues and ensure high-quality software, extensive testing is necessary.
It's hardly surprising, then, that many organizations employ automated testing to speed up workflows and maximize the efficiency of the quality assurance (QA) process.
Although manual testing will always be essential, automation can help startups and large companies save time and money.
This is where QA Automation Engineers' expertise comes in.
Without a question, becoming an automated test engineer is a worthwhile goal, and if you've decided to go on this journey, we're here to support you.
We previously discussed in-depth what a QA automation engineer does, their roles, and their responsibilities.
We're going over every important topic that you would need to understand before entering the field of test automation.
In this article, we’ll give you some advice on how to become a QA automation engineer.
Is it a Good Idea to Choose Test Automation as a Career?
The automation engineer career path is certainly rewarding.
Test automation is becoming a lot more efficient work; the process has become significantly easier as a result of the growth of automation testing technology.
Although it might appear that manual testing with sufficient business experience could overtake the automation process at any time, this is not the case.
Despite this, the industry now places much higher demands on an automation professional than it did in the past few years.
In essence, anyone could run professionally developed automated test programs. The development of such programs, on the other hand, is a separate milestone.
This requires a variety of skills and significant practical experience that manual testers cannot easily acquire.
Today, rather than focusing on a single automation approach, QA automation engineers must offer businesses a comprehensive automated plan for the entire program or production process.
It is reasonable to assume that this career path is among the most profitable ones available, especially in light of the industry's need and the lack of qualified automation engineers in the market.
By entering the field early, you can benefit from the fact that few people are aware of it.
As technology advances at a breakneck pace, demand for this profession will only grow in the years to come.
How to Become a QA Automation Engineer
Here are some steps you can take to become a QA automation engineer.
Earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field
A bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement for this position.
A degree in computer science or engineering can provide you with a solid foundation in coding and programming, which is beneficial when carrying out quality assurance responsibilities on software applications.
Consider taking courses in software development if your school offers them to better understand how programmers think about developing new programs.
To fill up your skill set, you might also want to enroll in classes in project management, database management, and information technology (IT) security.
Gain experience with software development and testing
You need to have experience in both software development and testing if you want to become a QA automation engineer.
To gain practical experience with coding and testing, look into doing internships or volunteer work at the computer science department of your college or nearby tech companies.
To gain knowledge about the software development and testing process, you can also apply for entry-level jobs in software companies.
Obtain certifications, such as ISTQB Certified Tester
You can further your career as a quality assurance automation engineer by earning certification from the International Software Testing Qualification Board (ISTQB), which is available for software testers.
The Certified Tester credential shows employers that you have the essential skills and knowledge to accomplish testing tasks.
You must pass an exam covering test strategy, test design, test execution, test evaluation, and reporting in order to obtain this certification.
A minimum of two years of experience in software development or testing may be one of the additional requirements.
Develop strong communication skills
Since you collaborate with staff members from a wide range of different departments, communication is a crucial component of the QA automation engineer profession.
Regular practice can help you become more adept at communicating your testing processes and results to others.
You will also be working with clients or managers who have specific software requirements.
It's crucial to pay close attention to their instructions and appropriately communicate them to your team.
Understand the complexities of software development
Software development is a complex process involving numerous people and stages.
As a QA automation engineer, you must have a solid understanding of how software is developed in order to detect any issues before the product is released to users.
In order to do your work effectively and efficiently, you should also be knowledgeable about how automated testing works.
Try your hand at automation testing tools
Tools for test automation are already in use by the vast majority of tech companies. This is mostly due to the advantages they provide to businesses.
That is why it is important that you start experimenting with the market's best test automation tools. You will gain more knowledge about their environment, architecture, and relevance for the application being tested.
Knowing which of these tools best suits your needs for automation testing in a given situation will depend on your expertise with them. This is an important step you should take to advance your testing career.
Stay up to date on changes in technology
Since technology is ever-evolving, it's critical for QA automation engineers to stay informed of the latest developments. For instance, you might be able to test more complex applications if additional programming languages are made available.
Reading tech blogs and following industry leaders on social media can help you with this. To learn more about the most recent trends in software development, you can also go to conferences and seminars.
Join professional organizations like the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
People in the computing industry can network and learn from one another thanks to the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), a reputable organization.
The ACM offers numerous benefits, such as access to journals and online resources, discounts on conferences and workshops, and more.
You can find employment opportunities and keep up with technological advancements by joining this organization or one that is similar to it.
Conclusion
Starting a career in QA automation is exciting since talented engineers can rise quickly in the ranks and receive great praise for their efforts.
Additionally, organizations will invest in test automation as they create ever-more sophisticated apps and systems.
The purpose of automation, as we all know, is to keep up with the rapid rate of change in the world.
This career has a promising future ahead of it.
Did you like this article about QA Automation Engineers?
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