What it means to achieve our ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level
Ibi and Jason both have quite different backstories. Jason switched from a career in the construction industry to IT. Whereas Ibi came to us straight after his A-levels when he decided university wasn’t for him… Yet the duo have achieved success in equal measures, proving that gaining qualifications and getting on a career ladder isn’t as one-dimensional as some may believe.?
Jason’s experience:?
“The past year, since I embarked on my new IT career after switching from the construction sector, has been great and challenging. There is so much to learn at such a fast pace - but what better way to learn than on the job? The biggest surprise is the comradery on the job. Very akin to that of the crews I’d been part of in construction”?
Transferable skills?
“My previous roles required a good eye to discover existing problems or find new ones that may occur with installations or repairs, which are certainly transferable to my job in testing. Not only that, but the personal skills required for talking through problems and solutions in my current role is something that was also vital in my previous job.”?
That said, this past year has been one filled with new knowledge to absorb and apply. I’m a person who quite often suffers from imposter syndrome, but my newly acquired ISTQB Foundation Testing qualification has boosted my confidence and quashed any self-doubts.”?
I’ve always had an inquisitive mind
“This has been a big advantage in my new IT role. Whenever I have asked something as a software tester, it’s always been met with a willingness to give an explanation and share the knowledge - and that’s only ever going to improve my skills and efficiency.”
In the next 12 months, I want to learn, learn, learn
“I plan to really soak up the knowledge to perhaps even add another qualification from the ISTQB. My long-term goal is to be as versatile a tester as possible.
领英推荐
Not everyone fits the conventional academic setting. A lot of young people and adults struggle in the classroom even if they are applying themselves the best they can. If this is you, it’s important to know that you can’t beat yourself up about it, and appreciate that you just learn differently. I’ve always learned by doing things rather than being in a classroom - on-the-job learning is an incredible way to progress. It’s gotten me to where I am.”?
Ibi’s experience:?
“One year after I began my job in IT following my A-levels, I still find it to be very enjoyable and satisfying. It's not what I anticipated at first; I thought there would be a lot of shadowing but we immediately began running tests on customer sites, and I wouldn't have it any other way.”
Gaining qualifications at work?
“This means a lot to me because I want to continue working as a software tester for the foreseeable future and genuinely enjoy doing it. For me, recently obtaining The ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level is simply the beginning of my professional goals. I hope to eventually hold the positions of Test Lead and other senior positions.
To anyone thinking of choosing an apprenticeship over university, I’d say…?
“I took a risk declining my university options for the apprenticeship, and it couldn’t have paid off better. If I had chosen uni, it would take me to the age of 22 to actually get a job - whereas, by the time I’m 22 I could be in a senior role.
Apprenticeships are often looked down upon and students are told that university is the only way to a glamorous career, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are so many opportunities in apprenticeships, including earning a salary and gaining experience - two things you don’t get from university.
I was told by one of my teachers at sixth form that it was essential to go to university for an IT job - but in a couple of years' time I could be earning more than him.”?