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Posted By: Staff Editor In: Information Technology
Conventional wisdom tells the job-hunting public that companies are outsourcing quality assurance engineer (QAE) jobs and the niche offers very little in terms of a career path. But is that really the truth?
Conventional wisdom tells the job-hunting public that companies are outsourcing quality assurance engineer (QAE) jobs and the niche offers very little in terms of a career path. Is it the truth?
The Shifting Tide for QAE Jobs
Rumor has it that there is a downturn in QA engineer jobs and there's no future in the industry, but if you actually take into account the broader picture, the future job prospects for quality assurance engineers remain alive and well.
The Argument For and Against Outsourcing
For years leading up to the recent downturn in the U.S. economy, it's been argued that continued outsourcing of quality engineering jobs would put an increasing number of Americans out of work. While it's true that a number of employment opportunities have found their way offshore, there is also a counter argument that the opening up of the free market could eventually lead to the importation of similar jobs by multi-national companies looking to take advantage of the resources, experience and capabilities of American workers. Discussion also abounds that by outsourcing low-paying jobs, U.S.-based companies will have the opportunity to increase their profit margins and ultimately focus on technological advancements that will result in the creation of localized technology jobs.
Education, Potential, and the Freedom to Break Stuff
Software quality assurance engineers are in the enviable position of being able to obtain an education in the programs they test simply by virtue of their job description. Their work with business and technology groups can garner them a high level of visibility in the companies they work for, which can come in handy down the line when reaching out to their network in search of advancement opportunities. QA testers are required to think outside the box by understanding the ins and outs of the software programs they test, and discovering their weaknesses. They are, perhaps, the only group of workers whose salaries increase in direct proportion to the number of things they break.
Tips for Becoming a Great QA Tester
The education of a quality assurance engineer is never really complete. The field can be competitive, yet highly rewarding. There are a few ways to maximize your potential as a quality assurance engineer:
- Take computer science and software design classes. The skills you'll learn will help you better understand the software development process.
- Develop your analytical acuities by testing systems outside of your area of study. Breaking out of your comfort zone can help sharpen these skills.
- Work on your leadership skills. Learning how to be a team player is an essential first step. As you begin your career, you’ll most likely be working with other testers in a deadline-driven environment. If you can stand out as a leader among your peers, your chances for advancement will be greatly increased.
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