Alternate Careers For Software Testers1. Software developer / engineer: Aside from werewolf hunter, this is probably the most obvious career alternative, as great testers will eventually acquire the skills and understanding needed to succeed as a developer. But as a blog reader recently brought to my attention, this works both ways. He said that at his former place of employment, developers aspire to be testers, NOT the other way around. He writes, “ the Tester/QA path is the destination/pinnacle of the career path in SW development. You start out as a Jr. Programmer then… Sr. Programmer then… eventually Architect/System Designer…then…you eventually make it to Testing. Their thinking was that you can’t adequately test until you have proper understanding of the development process. In other words, you are truly considered an expert by the time you get to that level.”
2. Detective: Much like a detective, a tester’s bug-hunting prowess will depend largely on intuition – i.e. knowing the right questions to ask and having a sixth sense for odd irregularities. Testers are already possess the other traits found in successful detectives, including sound logic, analytical skills and patience. The only thing they are missing is an assistant named Watson and a trench coat. Both are available on Craigslist.
3. Journalist: There’s a very thin line between a tester and an investigative reporter. Like their journalistic counterparts, QA professionals must ask tough questions, dive deep into complex issues and report them to the layman in a clear, concise and objective manner. The hours stink and the pay is terrible, but there is some downside to the job however.
4. Actuary: As an actuary, it’s your responsibility to prepare and protect your client from risk in the financial world. Replace “financial” with “software” and you’ve got yourself a tester. Like QA pros, actuaries evaluate and quantify possible outcomes in order to minimize losses associated with uncertain undesirable events (like showstopper bugs). In this profession, you’ll need analytical skills, an understanding of human behavior and of the vagaries of information systems. Does that sound like it’ll be a problem?
5. Demolitionist: Sometimes, software testing really is about “breaking things.” So if testers can thrive while breaking web, desktop and mobile apps, it’s not much of a stretch to see them enjoy wrecking houses, office buildings and stadiums. And like real demolionists, testers must wield the virtual wrecking ball carefully, so as to not damage the surrounding structures.
6. Professor: As evidenced by the thousands of blog posts, forums chats, webinars and other mediums, testers have shown an amazing willingness to pass on what they have learned. A few notable testers who have already served in this role of professor (or course instructor) include James Whittaker, Cem Kaner, James Bach, Michael Bolton, Gerry Weinberg and dozens of others.
7. Architect: The same traits that would enable testers to thrive in demolishing buildings would also help in constructing them – that being knowledge of safety standards, usability and design, functionality, etc. As they say, “If you can build it, you can break it.”
8. Psychologist: Testers are often masters at understanding the mindset of their users. Not only do they know how the typical user will navigate a website; perform certain actions; respond to error screens, etc. – they know why they are likely to do it. So if you ever become bored with the mind of the everyday software user, perhaps you could try your hand at the mid-life crisis guy or those suffering from Apeirophobia (fear of infinity). For this job, you’re going to need a more comfortable couch.