Adapting to change: the evolving role of QA Testers

In honor of International Tester’s Day, celebrated on September 9th, we’re shining a spotlight on the crucial role that Quality Assurance (QA) testers play in ensuring the reliability and functionality of software products. Over the past few months, we’ve welcomed several new QA professionals to the Eagerworks team as part of our commitment to excellence and our dedication to delivering top-quality solutions.

As part of our aim to highlight key roles within the software industry and specifically at Eagerworks, we spoke with Pau Dávila , one of our QA Testers. Paula provided us with insights into the dynamic world of testing and the impact QA has on our projects.

Navigating challenges and embracing opportunities

Paula’s path to becoming a QA Tester is quite unique. With a background in academia as a literature professor, she discovered the tech world during her studies and was drawn to the role of QA through a public program.

How would you describe your role as a QA Tester at Eagerworks?

It’s a role with challenges, but it has also given me many opportunities to try and learn new things. The way the company works is quite relaxed; it gives you a lot of freedom and you learn a lot, experimenting with new tools and methodologies, which is crucial for our professional growth.

What are your go-to tools and software for work?

I focus mainly on manual testing, although I'm currently working on an automation project, where I'm starting to use Playwright , a tool with growing popularity. It’s really interesting to see different ways of building frameworks and the possibilities of each tool. Even though I’ve been on the project for a year, I’m still learning new things.

Understanding each project's architecture is vital, which involves the need to gain proficiency in backend tools, API communications, and service integrations as well. This journey has led me to work with tools such as Postman , Beekeeper , AppSignal , and Sidekiq .

How do you balance manual testing vs. automated testing in projects?

Manual testing tasks are an absolute must; there will always be a manual step because it is crucial for thorough verification. However, automation provides efficiency and scalability as projects grow, which makes it important to balance both approaches effectively.

How do you collaborate with other teams to ensure the quality of a product?

Collaboration with other teams is at the heart of effective QA testing. I think communication is key; I try to be as assertive and concrete in what I communicate. Also, being curious, and asking "why" and "what if" questions help deepen my understanding of the business and ensure that we address quality from all angles.

Staying ahead in the field

To keep up with evolving trends and technologies, Pau relies on peer interactions and industry resources. "Sharing with colleagues is highly valuable," she says. Engaging with fellow QA professionals and staying updated through newsletters, such as those from the Ministry of Testing, helps them stay informed about the latest developments.

Key skills for a successful QA tester include communication, attention to detail, and organization. "Communication, being detail-oriented, and organization. I think these are the basics," Pau asserts. These foundational skills are crucial for navigating the complexities of QA testing and ensuring the quality of software products. She adds: "Technology changes a lot, and it always seems like everything becomes obsolete in an instant; skills will evolve, but the soft ones I mentioned will always be crucial."

As the tech industry continues to advance, QA testers will remain integral to ensuring software quality, adapting to new challenges, and leveraging emerging technologies. These insights offer a valuable perspective on the evolving role of QA testers and the essential skills needed to thrive in this dynamic field.