What career to pursue: Manual or Automated QA Tester?

In today’s fast-paced, competitive IT world, ensuring the quality and reliability of applications is more than crucial. QA testing plays a pivotal role in this process, ensuring that software functions as expected before it reaches the end-users. But, if you are new to QA or want to secure a long-term career in the IT world, you might be wondering: Will I ensure a better future with a career as a manual or automated QA tester? In this blog post, we will explore the differences between these two approaches and help you decide which path will bring you the most benefits.

 

Manual QA Testing: The Hands-On Approach

 

Manual QA testing involves human testers who interact with software applications just as end-users would. This approach requires a deep understanding of the application’s functionality, allowing testers to identify issues that might be overlooked by automated scripts. Manual QA testing is particularly valuable for:

  1. Exploratory Testing: Where creativity and intuition are required to uncover unexpected issues.
  2. User Interface (UI) Testing: Where visual and usability aspects are critical, and human judgment is essential.
  3. Ad-hoc Testing: When tests are unplanned and conducted without any specific structure.

Manual QA testing is an excellent starting point for beginners in QA because it provides a strong foundation in understanding how software works, how to think critically about user experiences, and how to document and communicate findings effectively.

However, nearly every job role is evolving to incorporate automation, which is gradually reducing the demand for purely manual QA testers. While manual testing is invaluable for exploratory and UI-specific scenarios, it can be time-consuming and less efficient for repetitive tasks or large-scale projects. That’s where Automated QA Testing comes in:

 

Automated QA Testing: The Power of Technology

 

Automated QA testing involves using tools and scripts to perform tests on software applications automatically. This method is ideal for tasks that are repetitive, time-sensitive, or require large-scale testing. Automated testing is particularly beneficial for:

  1. Regression Testing: Ensuring that new code changes don’t break existing functionality.
  2. Load and Performance Testing: Simulating thousands of users to see how the application performs under stress.
  3. Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) Pipelines: Automating testing as part of the development process to catch issues early.

Automated QA testing is highly efficient and can save a significant amount of time and resources, especially in projects with frequent updates or large-scale applications. However, it requires a will to understand programming languages and tools, making it more suitable for those with a technical background or those willing to learn a little bit of coding along the way.

 

Which QA Course Should You Choose?

 

In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, the demand for QA professionals is shifting significantly towards automation. While manual QA testing provides a solid foundation and is an essential skill for understanding the intricacies of software behavior, the reality is that the rise of automated tools, driven by advancements in AI and machine learning, is reducing the need for purely manual testers. Companies are increasingly looking for Automated QA testers who can work with automation tools to efficiently test at scale, speed, and with a higher degree of accuracy.

Manual QA testing can still be a valuable starting point, especially for those new to QA. It helps you build a deep understanding of software behavior, user experience, and the nuances that automated tools might miss. However, in an AI-driven era, relying solely on manual QA testing may not secure a long-term career path as demand shifts towards roles that blend both manual insights with automated execution.

Automated QA testing is rapidly becoming the industry standard. As AI and automation tools become more sophisticated, the ability to develop, maintain, and run automated test scripts is in high demand. This skill set not only increases your efficiency as a tester but also makes you a vital asset to any development team. Those who embrace automation are better positioned to meet the evolving needs of the market, ensuring a future-proof career in the tech industry.

With the tech industry leaning heavily towards automation, it’s clear that building skills in automated QA testing is not just beneficial—it’s essential for staying relevant in the field.

 

Introducing Automaticity’s QA Course

 

At Automaticity, we understand the importance of both manual and automated testing in the QA process. That’s why we offer a comprehensive QA Course designed to equip you with the skills needed for a successful career in QA automation.

Our QA course spans 96 interactive lessons over three months, providing a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. You’ll work on real projects from our portfolio, gaining practical skills that you can apply directly in the field. The QA course is designed to take you from the basics of coding in JavaScript to mastering some of the most widely used QA automation tools, including Playwright, K6, Postman, and GitLab.

One of the standout features of our QA course is the opportunity for the top-performing students to secure a one-month internship with potential employment at Automaticity. Additionally, thanks to our extensive network within the industry, we can also recommend successful graduates to other leading companies.

Whether you’re just starting your QA journey or looking to advance your skills, our QA Course is an excellent way to prepare for a successful career in this dynamic field. 

For more information and to secure your spot, visit our QA Automation Course page 

 

Conclusion

 

Choosing between manual and automated QA testing depends on your interests and career goals. Both paths offer valuable skills that are in demand in today’s tech industry. If you’re ready to dive into the world of QA automation, consider enrolling in Automaticity’s comprehensive QA Course, where you’ll gain the knowledge and experience needed to excel in the field.

Ready to start your QA journey? Learn more and register today to secure your future in the IT industry!