From QA to Development: 4 Essential Steps for a Successful Transition

If you are a QA or Test Automation professional and considering a transition to Development, there are a couple of things you might want to consider. While the two fields may seem similar, there are significant differences between QA, Test Automation and Development. In this article, I will give you four essential steps that will help you to transition from test automation to development.

Why people may want to switch from test automation to development

There are many reasons why one might want to make the switch from Test Automation to Development. Perhaps they have reached the top of their career in QA and are looking for a new challenge. Maybe they have always had an interest in programming and want to take their career in that direction. Whatever the reason, it's important to understand that the transition from QA to development requires some planning and preparation.

Understanding the difference between QA and Test Automation and Development

Before you start thinking about making the switch, it's important to understand the difference between the two fields.

Developers are responsible for writing the code that makes up software applications, while QA professionals are responsible for testing that code to ensure it meets the required standards. Test automation is a subset of QA that is focused on automating the testing process, but it is still a separate field from development.

Step 1: Talk with your manager

If you are thinking about making the switch from test automation to development, the first step is to talk with your manager. They may be able to provide you with guidance and support. If there're ways to switch professions without changing the company - it may be the path of the least resistance for you.

It's also important to be upfront and honest about your career goals with your manager. They may be able to help you find opportunities within the company, or they may be able to provide you with a recommendation for a job elsewhere.

Step 2: Approach it as switching to a new profession

Making the switch from test automation to development is not something that should be taken lightly. It's important to understand that you are essentially switching to a new profession, and you will need to approach this way.

This also means you will need to invest time and energy into learning new skills and acquiring knowledge about the development process. You may need to take classes or attend workshops to gain the knowledge you need to be successful in your new career.

One of the best ways to find skills you will need to learn is to use some kind of "learning roadmap".

Step 3: Create a portfolio

When making the switch from test automation to development, it's important to have a portfolio of work that demonstrates your skills and abilities. This can include projects you have worked on in your current role, as well as personal projects you have completed on your own time.

Your portfolio should demonstrate your ability to write clean, well-organized code, and your understanding of programming concepts and best practices. It's also important to include examples of your problem-solving skills and your ability to work collaboratively with others.

Step 4: Prepare for the interviews

Once you have completed the previous three steps, it's time to start preparing for the interviews. This is where your portfolio will come in handy, as it will provide you with examples of your skills and abilities.

You will need to prepare your CV - feel free to check the video below to avoid common CV pitfalls.

It's also important to research the companies you are interviewing with and familiarize yourself with their development processes and technologies. This will demonstrate your interest in the field and your willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes.

For example, in the video below I describe how Amazon coding interview works.

Conclusion

Making the switch from Test Automation to Development can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following these four essential steps, you will maximize your chances for success.

With a bit of hard work and dedication, you can make the switch from Test Automation to Development and take your career to the next level.

#testing #testautomation #development #programming