[All Things Quality] If You Don't Really Want A Career In Software Testing - Stay Out!

Stay out!

Over the years, I've heard from a lot of folks that would "like to get into software testing". Usually, I encourage people, tell them what a great profession this is, and help them any way I can.

But sometimes, I sense either directly or indirectly that this is just an interim thing - that it's a stepping stone "because it's easier than being a developer" or "because there are a lot of easy-to-land jobs" or such. For some reason, I've been seeing a lot of that lately. And when it comes to my chosen profession, I'm tired of hearing that! copyrightjoestrazzere

  • If you don't want to work hard - stay out.
  • If you don't want to learn continuously for your entire career - stay out.
  • If you are looking for something simple and easy - stay out.

We don't need you!

  • We need people who want to be professional testers. 
  • We need people who want to work hard at something they care about.
  • We need people who are willing (and hopefully excited) to be a learner for their entire career.
  • We need people who aren't looking for the easy way out.

There was a time back in the late 1990s and early 2000s when software testing was indeed an easy entry job. The world was in the midst of the poorly named "Year 2000 Bug crisis" and lots of software needed fixing and testing. Lots of entry-level testing jobs were available, and people with little or no experience were being hired rapidly.

Those days are over.

For the most part these days, there are fewer and fewer entry-level jobs for software testers. I know that I haven't actually hired an entry-level tester for many years. And those beginner jobs which are available are harder to get, and for the most part are being offered to people who want to be professional software testers.

Here's an excerpt of a commencement address by Dom Capers (the defensive coordinator of the NFL Green Bay Packers):

What I'd like to share with you today is ... what I think are critical to success in any profession. Number one, and maybe the most important: Find something you love. Passion creates fuel. It creates the burning desire to do what we love 'til we go to bed at night. A passionate person with a little bit of talent will almost always outperform a passive person with great talent. The second thing is the law of compensation. The more you give, the more you get in return. It's a simple principle, but it's amazing how many people never figure it out ...
If you really want to be a Software Testing Professional - welcome!  How can I help?

If you are just looking for something quick and easy - Stay Out!


This article originally appeared in my blog: All Things Quality
My name is Joe Strazzere and I'm currently a Director of Quality Assurance.
I like to lead, to test, and occasionally to write about leading and testing.
Find me at http://AllThingsQuality.com/.