The first steps in setting up a solid QA process: expectation and reality
For many IT seekers, QA seems to be an easy process to set up, as well as find the right quality insurance specialists. Moreover, many schools and courses offer affordable training designed for different levels of initial training. However, my experience shows that reality does not always live up to expectations, which is fraught with frustration due to the loss of time and money.
Therefore, it seems to me that it is useful for everyone who is thinking about a career in QA to get acquainted with some important stages of becoming a profession.
1. Training the team
The first step is to take a training course, and it doesn’t matter if you study offline or online. A good course can provide basic knowledge of basic testing processes and methods, basic programming skills, working with databases and test documentation. It is possible that at this stage you will realize that this profession is not suitable for you: many of those who enroll in courses, the process seems too complicated or not so interesting. In order not to waste time, it is good to analyze your own motives in advance: whether you decided to go to QA solely for money, whether you are driven by a desire for change or interest in technology. It is good if the motivation is complex and based on a combination of these factors.
2. Interviewing candidates
Prepare for a long series of challenging interviews, which will be followed by a certificate of completion of the course. It is very important not to lose motivation after several unsuccessful attempts – getting rejections, especially in the beginning, is perfectly normal, it should not stop you. During the interview, do not hesitate to ask the most important question: “How can your company help my professional development?” If you can find a mentor in a new place that you can trust, your path to the profession will be much easier and more interesting.
3. First first tasks for internship
Usually, the attractiveness of a company as a first place of work or internship is determined by its popularity and scale. But much more important than any reputation is the question of whether there is a suitable mentor for you. Throughout my career, I have achieved the best results when there is a good leader who is able to motivate, guide and set the right goals. An experienced mentor or manager can point you in the right direction, and sometimes take you out of your comfort zone, contributing to your development.
4. Salary: expectations and reality
It would be good to look at your own financial prospects realistically from the very beginning. Look at your first job or internship as an investment in your own future, for which you are willing to compromise on pay and working conditions. If you are interested in QA only because, as you have heard, you are well paid, keep in mind that you may have to work for the minimum wage at first. Everything can change only when you gain experience.
5. From control to quality assurance
Although all courses promise to prepare you for Quality Assurance, there is, of course, only Quality Control. The transition from QC to QA is usually only possible after a year or two of practical work. Unfortunately, most curricula do not have a proper definition of quality and how to ensure it. Trainings and courses are mainly focused on the technical side of the work, but the next step is to understand that QA is much more than just testing software.
6. Attention to processes
The more experience you gain, the clearer you realize that quality assurance is definitely not a list of defects. It becomes obvious that the concept of Quality affects everyone regardless of their role in the organization, and its analysis becomes a way of thinking. The role of a QA specialist is to ensure that all employees of the company follow the right set of processes that ultimately create a quality product.
It’s not just about testing: it’s important how business requirements are collected and written, how the development process works, what the user manual looks like, etc. I advise you not to be afraid to ask for changes in any processes if you think they are negative on the quality of the result.
7. Formation of “quality thinking”
Nevertheless, the notion of quality remains subjective. No matter how much we try to estimate it with the help of formal metrics, such coverage is possible only to a certain extent. For example, the customer may be dissatisfied with the user manual, although there are no errors.
That is why every QA should try to build the so-called “quality thinking”, both for themselves and throughout the organization. When all colleagues realize that quality depends not only on the QA team, its level in the software product developed by your organization is constantly increasing. If at least one person neglects quality (no matter if it is a CEO, business analyst, developer or marketer), it will be very difficult to achieve a positive result.
Conclusion
I have been working in QA for ten years and I can confidently say: I love what I do. Over the years, I realized that with hard work and perseverance, you can acquire any technical knowledge and skills. This will allow you to easily and quickly enter the QA area and understand it well. But everyone is changing the construction of “quality thinking” and the transition from QC to QA – it is at this stage that work becomes a real passion.
