Software Testing isn’t rocket science unless you’re testing rockets, of course. Testing is a challenging job requiring testers to learn and understand a system, analyze its functionalities, and consider the ways it could be misused by the end-user. Although it may be a challenging role, being passionate about testing can make all the difference.
The Challenges of Software Testing
Testing software is a difficult task, in part because we don’t know if the product we’re testing was created by a talented developer or an unskilled one. It’s essential to be prepared and adapt ourselves to constantly shifting challenges in our work.
To perform software testing, vast knowledge and expertise are required. Testers are responsible for prioritizing the testing areas based on their probability and cost. Afterward, they must test the system to identify any potential issues and bugs. Testers must support their findings by explaining their significance and impact on the team. They frequently need to make assumptions regarding projects with limited knowledge and help the team deliver products that will satisfy both organizations and their end-users.
An Emotional Rollercoaster
Like other professions, testing can be challenging, tiring, and frustrating. There have been several times when I've lost my temper because of issues related to my testing tasks. I've been frustrated to the point of hitting walls. There have even been instances when anxiety made me feel physically ill.
Still, there can be periods of great satisfaction, such as discovering an issue that would have severely damaged a project or caused a setback, or reproducing a bug that made a developer go mad with frustration. Other times, simply being a part of a strong team of talented, dedicated people involved in creating innovative products makes the world a better place.
The Importance of Being Passionate
There is one piece of advice to help you manage this emotional rollercoaster of a job called testing: be passionate about it! The best testers are those who approach their tasks as intellectual challenges, as intricate puzzles to be solved rather than menial, simple, or unimportant.
By bringing passion into their work, testers can attack their tasks quickly and efficiently, looking for areas of improvement, and bringing added value to the team. This earns the respect of colleagues and managers, as they witness the efforts and professionalism that are applied to their work. Most importantly, testers can handle frustration or job-related stress better because they feel that they’re making a difference in the world.
To be a great tester, be passionate about your testing. It not only improves your personal growth but also benefits your company and team, making you a highly professional and productive colleague. This is the main key to succeeding and elevating your career to the next level.
