Is Quality Assurance A Good Career Path In 2021?

09 October 2021

Is Quality Assurance A Good Career Path in 2021? How many jobs are available in the quality assurance industry? What are the best paying jobs in the quality assurance sector? Let’s discuss these in detail.

Quality control officers may also be referred to as samplers, inspectors, and testers. A rise in the demand for software products has given a lift to tech businesses like never before. Individuals who are specialized in quality assurance can be guaranteed a steady and reliable job.

The job of quality assurance is to prevent bad software from being seen by customers or users. Quality assurance engineers are responsible for making sure the code other developers write is up to a certain standard. Let’s discuss the same in detail.

What Is Quality Assurance?

What Is Quality Assurance

Quality assurance is the process of evaluating a product to determine its ability to meet requirements. Those individuals who work in quality assurance discover a process for creating and testing products before production or release.

Businesses either small or big, need quality assurance experts in order to meet the needs of the audience. A good quality product can increase your brand visibility and trust in the long run.

Popular firms who are willing to stay ahead in their business cannot afford the absence of quality assurance experts. So they make sure that other developers meet their deadlines and inform other developers of issues in their code.

What Is Quality Assurance Used For?

The main objective of quality assurance is to distinguish bugs and potential problems within the software. The primary role of QA engineers is to:

Document test cases
Track test results
Perform manual and Automated Testing
Identify any issues that users may encounter
Create policies and standards to ensure high-quality code
Discover problems or bugs within a program
Create software test plans
Code automated tests

Types Of Quality Assurance

Quality assurance engineers oversee feature testing and system testing. If you are willing to grow your career path in quality assurance, then you must consider the following types of quality assurance engineers and their duties:

i). Usability Testing

Quality assurance engineers test the usability of the product before its release. This test lets the team view how well the product is received and make all the end changes before the product is launched. Moreover, this test makes sure that the product functions in the way a customer expects.

ii). Feature Testingsting

Feature testing is done before an application is updated. The engineers who are performing this work must find any problems or bad user experiences that come from the updated software.

iii). Integration Testing

Integration testing is another type of Quality assurance that explores the several components of an application. At first, it evaluates how the individual component works and how it is tested as a whole. This is usually done before system testing.

iv). System Testing

This testing is a form of quality assurance that is done on a full project. It is actually the last test done before the product is released into the market. Moreover, it ensures all components of the software function properly.

Is Quality Assurance A Good Career Path In 2021

The answer to this question is an absolute Yes. Quality assurance is a good career path in the long run because this testing is in high demand, and testers get good pay.

If you have good experience in the quality assurance industry, you can upgrade your profile as well as your skills. It is also relatively easy to come back after a career gap. These specialists are very important in an organization because they help in making the reputation of a brand grow and prove its dedication to excellent goods and services.

If you have decided to become a quality assurance, then the first thing you need to consider is how much education you need. You may discover that other jobs can also help you to become a quality assurance.

How Many Jobs Are Available in Quality Assurance Industry?

According to our research, about 55k openings for quality control inspectors are projected each year, despite declining employment. Moreover, demand for Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers is expected to go up with an expected more than three lakhs jobs filled by 2029.

Now, let’s discuss the best paying jobs in the quality assurance industry in 2021.

i). Test Engineer

A test engineer develops assessments that firms use for all production processes. They also create effective plans for evaluation with the design and testing team.

These engineers develop proper documentation guidelines in order to make sure that the teams can replicate results.

ii). Project Manager

Project Manager is another best paying job in the quality assurance sector. These managers oversee the entire production process.

They develop a project plan, goal, requirements, and necessary resources to meet the company’s objectives. At the same time, they monitor their progress, assign project tasks, and plan to their team.

iii). Quality Assurance Tester

A Quality Assurance Tester performs evaluations to identify defects in a product.

They use debugging programs to help identify issues in thousands of lines of code and communicate results to the rest of the team to get the solutions.

iv). Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analyst is one of the best paying jobs in this sector. These individuals oversee the complete testing process for products.

They prepare for possible external audits and executes internal auditing tests. Also, they make sure that the products produce the right results.

The Final Verdict

Is Quality Assurance A Good Career Path In 2021? You have now got an answer to this question with top reasons why you should pursue this industry in the long run. Quality assurance professionals are required by all manufacturers to make sure that all products are of premium quality.

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Externship vs Internship: What Are The Major Differences?

Externship vs Internship – Often many beginners in the job market or students in universities confuse these two terms. Generally, both are short-term professional learning experiences. Moreover, both are professionally valuable for beginners. Hence, knowing the difference between the two is important. In this article, you will learn about the difference between an externship and an internship. Additionally, this article will also explain the benefits of each of these professional experiences. Moreover, you will also learn common myths that persist among students and beginners. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article. Definition Of Externship In an externship, you have to perform job shadowing for a short time span. Basically, the focus here is to learn about a job profile by observing someone’s daily work routine. In general, people who go through externships (externs) are college/University students. However, the college might not choose to give credit to the student for an externship. Moreover, the length of an externship depends on the professional that the student is job-shadowing. In fact, it is the time that the professional can afford to offer to the learner. Basically, the program can last for a day or even eight weeks. Hence, a student can choose to perform multiple externships during a break period. Definition Of Internship An internship is a training program where the student/beginner learns while being on the job. Here, the intern works under an employer and learns by working on projects. Hence, an intern can have employee-like responsibilities. These include working on projects, organizing files, updating information, and more. Moreover, the learner can also earn college credits by working on internships. In some cases, the employer might also offer a small base salary to the learner. However, in other cases, an employer might not offer payments to the learner. For instance, if you are a student or a college grad, you can choose to complete an internship with a company during your school year. Moreover, if you have enough time, you can choose to complete multiple internships. However, you will need to inform your internship coordinator if you have a school semester to prepare for. Both externships and internships are helpful for college students to learn about different careers and job roles. Apart from that, in both cases, students can learn whether they want to pursue a career or not. Externship vs Internship: Key Differences The following are the major differences between an externship and an internship: Factor Externship Internship Compensation You might get no payment in an externship. This is because the work involves only observing a professional for a certain time period. Since you get to work with hands-on experience, you will receive compensation. However, in some cases, an employer might not offer compensation to an intern. Length An externship does not extend to more than eight weeks. In fact, in some cases, the externship can even end in a day. Basically, it depends on the amount of time that the professional you are observing can provide you. An internship requires at least two months and can extend to six months. In some cases, it can require more time. This is because you are learning with hands-on experience. Moreover, you will also find internships that align well with your University schedule. Course Credit Generally, students don’t receive course credits after an externship. This is because the length of an externship is short. In most cases, colleges/universities offer course credits for internships. Moreover, universities even encourage students to work as interns before they graduate. This is because students get good industry experience as they make progress. However, to ensure that your University recognizes your internship, you have to submit proof. Responsibilities In an externship, you do not need to complete any task. Also, there is no supervisor to give feedback on your work. In an internship, you will receive on-the-job training. Also, you have to contribute to the company’s workflow. Moreover, if your performance is good enough, the employer might provide you with a full-time opportunity after your graduation. Externship vs Internship: Major Benefits Here are the major benefits of an externship and an internship: Benefits Of An Externship One of the major benefits of an externship is that you will learn a lot about a particular job role. For instance, as a student, you will understand whether a given career is suitable for you or not. Moreover, if you are a professional, an externship will let you understand a career change better. Basically, with the help of an externship, you will have a good perspective on your career options. For example, if you are a business major and not sure about whether you want to join accounting or finance, you can do an externship in both. Moreover, you will also learn how to prepare for an interview or how to build a resume for the job role. Benefits Of An Internship The most important benefit of an internship is that you will have work experience before you become a full-time employee. In fact, it will be a competitive advantage while you are still in college or University. This is because employers always prefer someone with industry experience to a fresher candidate. Meanwhile, you will also learn the duties and responsibilities of different departments and responsibilities. This will help you a lot in your future jobs. Apart from that, while being an intern, you will get the chance to create a professional network. This will open up options for you after you graduate. Basically, if your internship has been a positive experience for you, you can transition easily to a permanent job. Additionally, if your performance was good enough during your internship, the employer can even consider offering you a permanent role. Externship vs Internship: Which One To Choose? Both externship and internship have their own benefits and opportunities. Hence, you must assess your situation and your future needs to choose the one that suits you the best. For instance, if you are unsure about whether to pursue a career or not, an externship might be the best option to choose. Here, you can check the daily work-life of a professional that you strive to be in the near future. On the other hand, if you are sure about your career path, you must look for an internship with an employer. This way, you will get practical work experience in a field. As a result, it will be easier to find a job after you complete your graduation. However, you will need to consider whether you have enough time to take on a full internship. How To Find Externships And Internships? To find a good externship or an internship, you can use your college’s resources and personal and social media connections. In fact, one of the best ways to find an internship or an externship is by completing your LinkedIn profile. This is one of the best platforms to create a professional network and look for job opportunities. Apart from that, you can also contact your college’s placement cell or talk to your academic counselor to offer some advice. Additionally, you will also learn about internship or externship opportunities through professional networking events. On the other hand, if you are confident enough, you can even try a head-on approach. For example, if you want to work for a particular company that you think can offer you a good opportunity, reach out directly to them. Ask them whether they have an internship or externship opportunity for you or not. Externship vs Internship: Common Myths A common myth of externships is that it does not help much in knowing about a job role. However, the fact is that if you choose the professional properly with the guidance of your academic mentor, you will have a great experience. Thereby, you will know whether a particular job is good for you or not. On the other hand, a big myth about internships is, “Interns mainly do beginner-level tasks…” However, the fact is interns do work on important and complex projects. This helps them gain industry experience early on. Another myth about internships is that only top-performing students get internships. However, the fact is that although internships are competitive, there are many places to look into. All you need is the right set of skills. Final Thoughts Externship vs Internship - Now you know the major differences between them. Basically, if you are unsure about whether to choose a career or not, an externship is helpful. On the other hand, if you want early industry experience, an internship is the way to go. Do you have more suggestions on how to look for externships and internships? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below. Read Also: How Many Jobs Are Available in Consumer Services? Copywriting Jobs 101: Essential Steps To Become A Copywriter How Many Jobs Are Available In Real Estate Investment Trusts?

Top 9 Legitimate Reasons To Call Out Of Work

Many employees feel guilty when they want to take a leave (even when sick). This happens more often for work-from-home employees. Generally, there can be certain reasons to call out of work. Once you take time off respectfully, it will be good for your physical and mental health and the organization. In this article, you will learn about legitimate reasons to call out of work. Also, this article will give you tips that you can call out of work. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article. Are You Looking For Reasons To Call Out Of Work? There are many reasons why you can call out of work. However, these are not “bulletproof excuses to get out of work.” Understand that these are genuine reasons and not excuses. Your employer will understand and approve your request once you have a genuine reason to call out of work. For instance, employers accept medical conditions, emergencies, and personal matters as valid reasons for such cases. However, you must be aware of your employer’s off-time policies. As long as you are not misusing company policies to your advantage, you can reframe calling out of work as a form of self-care. When you are calling out, use the method that your employer prefers. Also, keep your reason brief. Additionally, you can also suggest solutions for missing work. Meanwhile, you must prepare for a return to work soon. This way, you can minimize work disruption. Moreover, try to show commitment to catch up to your projects. Hence, read the next section to learn how to call out of work for personal reasons and emergencies. Here Are 9 Major Reasons To Call Out Of Work You can offer plenty of reasons if you want to miss work or stay at home. However, you must make sure that you are not taking the wrong advantage of your employer’s policies. Thereby, you can reframe your staying out of work as a form of self-care. Basically, when you take enough time to rest and recover your energy, you will feel more productive and focused. Also, you will be able to use your conceptual skills better. This will be beneficial for both you and your employer. Moreover, calling out of work makes more sense if you are sick. When you are not fully fit, despite doing the work, you are not fully present. This will impact on your productivity and efficiency. Hence, it is a better step to call out of work. The following are the top reasons to call out of work: 1. Loss Of Someone Close When a family member, relative, or someone close passes away, you must call out of work. Apart from processing your grief, you must also deal with financial and logistical arrangements for the funeral. In fact, some employers even offer a bereavement leave policy if you have a death in the family. Hence, consider checking your employee handbook or the HR portal to see how to apply for bereavement leave. Also, you can consult with the HR department or your manager directly about the situation and what next steps you must take. Everyone relates to a personal loss, and your manager must understand that you need time to recover and make a comeback. 2. Sickness And Medical Problems You might suffer from a seasonal allergy, common cold, minor headache, etc. Although you might still be able to work partly, it is essential to call out of work. This is because your illness is keeping you from efficiency and high productivity. Also, if you over-stress yourself, you might get sicker and must be called out of work for more days. Moreover, if you must go to the office in person, contagious diseases like coughing and cold can be one of the reasons for calling out of work. However, in such cases, your employer might ask you to show a doctor’s note if you inform them that you are seriously ill. 3. Sickness Of A Dependent Or Someone Close Although you are not sick, a family member might be ill at home. Here, if you are the only person to take care of them, you have a good reason to call them out of work. In this case, you might also need to take them to a doctor’s clinic, give them medication, or pick up a prescription. When there is a family need, there is no way you can stall it for work responsibilities. Hence, you must take a step to take a leave. For instance, you can use your sick time or leave to ensure your family’s well-being. 4. Family Emergency Family comes first, and you must prioritize your family over your job. Hence, when you face a family emergency, you have strong reasons to call out of work. In such cases, your employer will understand, and this is a good reason to look after your family, Generally, during family emergencies, the stakes are high. Your family needs you in such situations, and your boss will understand that. For example, if someone needs urgent surgery, or if someone is injured, or someone has seriously fallen ill, you must call out of work. 5. Doctor’s Appointment If you need to make a medical appointment, you can notify your employer in advance. In such situations, taking a day off is most suitable. However, in rare cases, you might need to call out or take a sick day off. For example, if you are waiting to meet a busy doctor with limited access, you might need to take the day off. In such cases, if you do not take the chance, you might have to wait months to see your doctor. In these situations, it is reasonable for you to miss work for the appointment. However, make sure to communicate properly with your manager. 6. Childcare As a parent, you cannot afford to take a chance on your child’s health. In such cases, you need ultimate workplace flexibility. This is because you need time to raise children in addition to contributing to your job. Moreover, even if you work from home, it does not mean you can care for your child. In fact, if you work from home, you cannot take care of your child properly, nor can you work with good productivity. It is okay if you need some time to work on childcare arrangements. If you talk and explain the situation to your employer, they will understand and grant you leave. 7. Pet Care Your pet is also a part of your home and your extended family. If your pet is in an emergency situation, you have a good reason to call out of work. For example, if your dog/cat gets into the trash and eats something poisonous, it is important to take your dog to a vet. In other cases, your pet might be sick. Sometimes, you must take your pet to a vet appointment. Basically, when there is a pet at your home, taking care of the animal is your responsibility. Hence, when you are about to call out of work, notify the reasons for your leave. 8. Illness Due To Food Poisoning You might feel sick due to food poisoning. This is a problem that wrecks your body and compels you to stay up all night. It happens after you eat something bad, and it causes sickness in your body. In such a case, you might need extra sleep or time to recover from your sickness. Moreover, if the problem is bigger, you might even need medications. Hence, there are enough reasons to call out of work. In these situations, you can inform your manager of your sickness. They will surely understand your problem and allow you to take leave. 9. Personal Day Mental health is something that many people neglect. Sometimes, you must take a break when you have too much. On the other hand, you might be facing physical strain. In such situations, taking a day off is good for your health. In fact, you will feel much better the next day. However, you must not use your day to search for another job. This is straight-out dishonest, and you will put your coworkers in a difficult position. For instance, your coworkers must deal with extra work if you leave at the last minute without a good reason. To attend interviews, you can use your traditional paid time off. Moreover, you must plan in such situations. Call Out Of Work Now The above reasons for calling out of work are good enough to maintain a good image in your organization and get your time off simultaneously. Also, you must inform your manager when you are calling out of work. Do you have more suggestions or reasons to offer on how to call out of work? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below. Read Also: Should You Be Friends With Your Co-Workers? What To Consider When Searching For A New Job 5 Major Tips to Increase Employee Engagement in a Call Centre Industry

Top Interview Skills You Need to Ace The Job Interview

Got called for an interview for that dream job you have wanted for a long time? Well, congratulations for starters! Secondly, are you ready with the top interview skills? Ensuring that you are putting your best foot forward! Do not worry, this doesn’t automatically mean you are underprepared. Your confidence to ace the interview will get half of the job done! However, to improve your interview game, you should know what the experts say about a guaranteed interview win. Especially the skills that can help you achieve that goal! Top Interview Skills – Preparing For A Win A good interview is more than just an opportunity to show off your resume or learn about a new company. It’s about having key interview skills to help you shine above the competition. From communication skills to problem-solving abilities, here are the skills you need to start polishing. Got an interview for your dream job? Great! The tricky part is getting the job. But don’t worry, I’m here to help with your interview prep. Let's begin with the following: The 5 Cs Of A Job Interview Here’s a job interview preparation framework: the 5Cs. Five qualities you should try to convey at your interview to be successful. 1. Confidence Is The Key! Confidence is indeed the key. Employers want to hire people who can perform well under pressure and believe in their abilities. You can come with many skills, but how would they know if you cannot showcase them? However, keep in mind that confidence doesn't have to be loud and on someone's face. There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Be assertive but also respectful and open to learning. How do you express confidence? Start with eye contact, a firm handshake, and positive body language. Know your strengths, but also be ready to discuss your weaknesses and how you’ve worked to improve them. 2. Can You Provide Clarity? Be clear and concise with your words. Stuttering, pausing, or slipping in thoughts will make you appear unconfident. This doesn't mean you cannot pause between your answers. Whenever you feel like you need to take a break, always do so with confidence. It will also give the impression that you didn't memorize the answers but rather know how to have a proper conversation. Take it slow, and do not chew on your words. It makes the interviewer aware of nervousness! Plus, learn how to answer basic interview questions using clear & succinct lines. Don't be absolutely clueless there and take your time thinking. The more focused your answers are, the better you can convey what you think. 3. Curiosity Won’t Kill The Cat Here Be curious about everything and always be ready to learn. Curiosity keeps the mind engaged and open to new ideas and possibilities, making you a better problem-solver and decision-maker. Plus, your curious questions can also hold the conversation better. Show genuine interest in the role and company. It is not a surprise that employers love a candidate who is inquisitive and shows they are keen to learn/grow. Ask questions about the company culture, future goals, challenges, etc. Here are some of the unique interview questions to ask employers. 4. Try To Be Calm! Staying calm is most important in any kind of interview situation. Being mindful, calm, and present are some of the top interview skills out there! I know it is not easy, and you are totally panicking if it is a dream job, and you do not want to mess up! But trust me, thinking and losing your sleep over it will not bring you any positive results. The employer wants to see if the person can think clearly and answer thoughtfully, even if you are nervous. So, take a deep breath, smile, and if you need a few seconds before answering, that’s alright! 5. Are You Competent For The Job Again, it could be a dream job, but do not apply for a role (especially in a higher position) if you are not sure! This is one of the reasons why understanding your competency for the job is crucial. It is not about putting yourself down but knowing your strengths & weaknesses well. If needed, you can also ask the recruiter beforehand to explain the job role in detail. Your experience will show your Competence, skills, and how much you know about the job you are being interviewed for. Read the job description properly and respond in a targeted way, describing how your experience fits the role. Dos & Don’ts Of An Interview Knowing what to do and not do in an interview can make all the difference. Here are some important dos and don'ts to help you present yourself as a true professional. Here is what you should do during your job interview: Do Some Company Research Before you even get to the interview, make sure you know what you’re getting into. You’ll be able to answer and ask questions more effectively if you’ve taken the time to learn about the company’s history, culture, and goals. Do Dress Appropriately First impressions are everything. Dressing appropriately will show that you take the interview seriously and understand the company’s culture. When in doubt, dress business casual unless the culture of the company says otherwise. Do Listen Attentively An interview is a conversation, not an interrogation. Listen to what your interviewer is saying and respond accordingly. Being a good listener is also one of the crucial interview skills. This will demonstrate that you can work well with others in the workplace. Now, here is what you shouldn’t do. Don’t Over-talk Or Interrupt While it’s important to provide thorough answers, you don’t want to monopolize the conversation. Answer the question and then stop talking. Let the interviewer guide the discussion, and don’t talk over them. Don’t Say Anything Bad About A Former Employer Don’t badmouth your former employer Even if you didn’t have a great experience at your last job. Potential employers are looking for candidates who can remain professional and positive in difficult situations. Which Skills Do I Need In An Interview? Interviewing is all about presenting your best self, and that starts with showcasing your skills. You don’t just want to show that you’re qualified on paper. Yes, you also want to demonstrate that you can effectively and comfortably communicate your qualifications in person. So, here are the top six skills employers look for when they interview candidates! 1. Clear Communication Clear and effective communication is key for any successful interview. You need to articulate your thoughts, respond to questions, and share your views in an easy-to-understand manner. Practice speaking clearly and using professional language without unnecessary jargon. 2. Critical Thinking You may be a natural problem solver and excel in critical thinking or need to work on it. If the latter is the case, it is time for you to polish your critical and quick-thinking skills. A good way to do so is by joining a workshop on interview skills. Many employers will want to know how you have dealt with difficult situations in the past. Here is your opportunity to let them see your problem-solving skills. Think of examples when you devised creative solutions to hard problems. 3. Adaptability In today’s ever-changing job market, flexibility is the name of the game. You cannot be afraid of change and think you will fixate on the same skills and the same means for years on end. The whole corporate scene is getting dynamic, which means there is a new change at every corner. Therefore, demonstrate that you can adapt to change and be open to new ideas and challenges. You can also give examples of when you were forced to be fluid and how you thrived in a new environment. 4. The Ability To Lead Leadership skills are essential Even if you’re not applying for a management position. After all, you would want to give the impression that one day you will be capable enough to lead a team. Especially if someone asks you about your five-year plan, this shows that you can take initiative, guide others, and make decisions when needed. Share examples where you demonstrated leadership qualities, even in small tasks or team collaborations. 5. Technical Skills The digital trends are growing at an unsteady pace, and you will need to adapt quickly! For many positions, you’ll also need specific technical skills, whether it’s the ability to use certain software, machines, or tools or expertise in a particular methodology. Familiarize yourself with the technical skills needed for the position and mention them in your response. What's The Best Answer To "Tell Me About Yourself"? Ah, the dreaded “Tell me about yourself” interview question! No amount of interview skills can prepare you for that! This one is tough because it’s so open-ended. Yes, you don’t want to give too much away and tell your life story, but you also need to give a well-rounded answer. Here’s how to nail it. First, give a quick background of your career thus far, including only things that are pertinent to this job application. Briefly mention a few big achievements that might pique their interest (make them want to keep reading!). Then, please talk about your skills and how they relate specifically to this role. Finish your statement by explaining why you’re excited about this opportunity and how you’ll help the company as a result. Here Is A Good Example Of This Question: “I’ve spent the past five years working as a digital marketing specialist, where I helped companies grow their online presence and customer engagement. I got to work on some cool campaigns, like a social media campaign that increased our client’s online sales by 30%. Not only did I learn the ins and outs of SEO, content strategy, and data analytics in my role, but this is also what you’re looking for! I’m super excited to bring my skills to your team and help drive your digital marketing efforts!” You should also read 10 interview questions, for better preparation! Read Also: 5 Tips To Get Started In Your Teaching Career Corporate Hackathon: Benefits To The Employees How Many Jobs Are Available In Industrial Machinery/Components?

Is Quality Assurance A Good Career Path In 2021?

What Is Quality Assurance?

What Is Quality Assurance Used For?