Software Quality Assurance Analysts mobilise “high intentions, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skilful execution” at every stage of a product’s lifecycle to ensure it meets industry standards and customer expectations. Continue Reading
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Explore Career Software Quality Assurance Analysts mobilise “high intentions, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skilful execution” at every stage of a product’s lifecycle to ensure it meets industry standards and customer expectations.
What are the typical responsibilities of a Software Quality Assurance Analyst?
A Software Quality Assurance Analyst would typically need to:
Although they typically work in an office environment, Software Quality Assurance Analysts can undertake remote work a few days every month.
Regular interaction with colleagues who also contribute to designing, developing, and programming effective software is standard. Travel to different locations may be necessary to conduct inspections or audits.
In general, Software Quality Assurance Analysts work full-time for more than 40 hours a week, including evenings and weekends, to meet business needs and specific deadlines.
Research suggests that flexible hours and generous telework policies appeal more than salary to the younger generation. There has been an incremental increase in the number of employers willing to give promising employees the chance to adjust their schedules as per the demands of the job.
Finding a new job may be challenging. Software Quality Assurance Analysts can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts are generally employed by:
Professional associations and organisations, such as The Society of Quality Assurance is crucial for Software Quality Assurance Analysts interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.
Professional associations provide members with continuing education, networking opportunities, and mentorship services. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.
Complete an internship at a software company while in college. You will benefit from tasks outside the classroom that line up perfectly with lessons inside it. One may hear countless stories and obtain valuable hands-on experience from more experienced professionals who can turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.
Some employers prefer candidates with at least two years of practical or classroom-based experience in software coding or testing.
Summer internships, part-time work at an entry-level position, or short-term paid/voluntary work offer a taste of the work, give valuable insight into how a company or institution operates, help build useful contacts, and improve one’s prospects of getting a permanent job.
Prospective Software QA Analysts must accumulate three to six years of experience in the analysis, design, development, testing and maintenance of complex software systems. Some experience in Java development and industry-specific software, such as healthcare software, is useful.
They must have four+ years of experience in an FDA (GxP) regulated industry. FDA compliance includes traceability, accountability, and integrity of data. GxP includes GAMP (Good Automated Manufacturing Practices), which guides companies in creating scalable, verifiable computerised systems in strict compliance with regulations.
Experience with ISO (International Standards Organisation) 9001, ISO 26262, or CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration) software will be advantageous to candidates seeking to ensure functional safety and quality management in the automotive, aviation, industry, machinery, medical and railway sectors.
Employers may favour candidates with previous documented experience with Agile Project Management tools and Microsoft SQL.
Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in software quality assurance to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.
It may be possible to become a Software Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst by acquiring a high school diploma or taking a GED (General Education Development Test).
However, most employers prefer applicants with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer programming, software engineering, IT, information systems, education, engineering, business, science, and mathematics.
Some employers may mandate a master’s degree in the fields mentioned above. Others may accept candidates who have completed a one-year-long full-time certificate course in software quality assurance and test engineering.
Recommended high school courses include IT, computer science, mathematics, and business studies. English and speech classes will help you develop your research, writing, and oral communication skills.
Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee your entry into the profession. Be that as it may, professional qualifications and transferable skills may open up more than one door.
Do your homework and look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a specific programme. Reliable sources that help you make an educated decision include associations and employers in your field.
Software QA Analysts with a Green Belt certification that offers an overview of Six Sigma and the DMAIC (define, measure, analyse, improve, and control) methodology will have the edge over their peers.
Specialist certification in acceptance testing, AI testing, automotive software testing, game testing, mobile application testing, performance testing, and usability testing from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market and carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent.
A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ from region to region. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts may also need to undergo an employment background check, including but not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.
Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Software Quality Assurance Analysts.
You can be promoted to Quality Assurance Lead and then work as Quality Assurance Team Leader before becoming Director of Quality Assurance. With sufficient experience and a strong network of contacts, one can aim to become an independent Consultant.
The desire to accelerate career growth and personal development has an increasing number of millennials choosing to job hop and build a scattershot resume that showcases ambition, motivation, and the desire to learn a broad range of skills.
Studies prove that job hopping, earlier dismissed as “flaky” behaviour, can lead to greater job fulfilment. Employees searching for a positive culture and interesting work are willing to try out various roles and workplaces and learn valuable, transferable skills.
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in computer or software engineering, specialist certification, and significant work experience in coding, testing, ISO, or CMMI software have the best job prospects.
Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Software Quality Assurance Analyst build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.
CPD allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge. It also helps with the regular renewal of desirable certifications. Keep up to date on new tools and computer languages to increase your chances of advancement.
Software Quality Assurance vs Software Testing
Although, the two terms are used interchangeably, software testing is an ancillary process under the software quality assurance umbrella.
Software quality assurance programmes must include software engineering standards, technical reviews and audits, software testing for quality control, error collection and analysis, change management, educational programmes, vendor management, security management, safety, and risk management.
Software testing is responsible only for finding errors, bugs, and defects in the software, not solving them.
Why Invest in Software Quality Assurance?
As a critical component of the DevOps process, software quality assurance prevents costly errors and expensive fixes, patches, and complete upgrades that the company must implement if it releases a flawed application. It also saves the company from developing a reputation for poor quality, buggy software and losing business.
Research shows that it could take up to 150 times longer to fix an error in production than to fix that error in the design stage. Software quality assurance saves the company precious time.
Software quality assurance prevents breakdowns that cost the company money and valuable time while denying the customers access to the product or service. It increases customer confidence in a company that builds a reputation for producing quality releases. High-quality software puts the company in a more robust market position.
When a company uses software quality assurance to get the release right the first time, it can save itself from a costly, time-consuming, never-ending cycle of repairs to a product with chronic defects.
Software quality assurance makes sure that the product factors in cybersecurity and is safe, so the consumers are not vulnerable to catastrophic data breaches. Quality assurance can ensure compliance with the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), opening partnerships and sales opportunities.
Quality assurance can help the company determine customer needs and expectations, so it can design products or services that improve customer satisfaction and increase brand loyalty and sales.
What Makes a Software Quality Assurance Analyst Successful?
Flexible and result-oriented individuals can take the initiative to meet tight project deadlines. Strong interpersonal skills will allow you to work independently and in a team. Well-honed organisational skills, such as attention to detail, will enable you to efficiently complete the task at hand.
Current Scenario
The continued expansion of software development for artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and other automation technologies results in an increased demand for qualified Software Quality Assurance Analysts.
New opportunities come in the wake of many software products, such as consumer electronics, IoT-connected devices, and electric vehicles.
Every Day is a Different Adventure
Software Quality Assurance Analysts find numerous opportunities in their workplace to hone their technical and interpersonal skills. Bugs and unstable work environments are commonplace in the first few weeks of testing. As the first person to interact with the product, you will learn new business and technical jargon, software applications and methodologies.
Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment
Freelancing Software Quality Assurance Analysts have more flexible work schedules and locations. They own the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.
On the other hand, a full-time Software Quality Assurance Analyst has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.
When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best.
Developing and implementing a successful quality assurance plan can be frustrating and awesome at the same time. Dedicated Software Quality Assurance Analysts will take all the issues in their stride so consumers can enjoy a premium product or service.
Streamline processes and eliminate waste to free up resources for other priorities. A well-run quality assurance plan can help you allocate resources efficiently and realistically.
It is a myth that automation eliminates the need for manual testing. Software QA teams seeking good test coverage will always include manual test plans to confirm the results.
What do Software Quality Assurance Analysts do?
A Software Quality Assurance Analyst would typically need to:
Accredited
$124,924
