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Hi all,

I am a recent graduate with biochemistry major. My GPA is more that 3.7. I have always done very well in mathematics and logic courses. I am really interested in entering software industry . I have heard that it is relatively easy to enter computer field as a QA analyst. I was wondering if it is possible to do any certification in software testing and try to find a job? Does anybody know if there is any good certification or other education?

I’ve done QA work as part of another position, but I gave up looking to transition full-time to QA.

What I found is that math and logic skills are not going to be valued unless potential employers see what they really want, which is seniority in one of the major test packages, like Mercury WinRunner. My QA experience has meant nothing, because I didn’t use one of those packages.

I spoke with a senior level QA professional who had worked for a few companies, and this person solidified my view.

Perhaps moving into QA would be easier via internal transfer. I would expect scripting to be involved in one of these positions, so at least look into taking some programming courses if you don’t already know how, unless you can find more specific scripting training.

If you can find a manual testing job doing grunt work with a company that will look to train and promote, go for it. I think those jobs are few and far between, unless companies fill those internally, in which case I wouldn’t even know where to start.

I don’t think it’s so easy to break into QA, but it is possible. Your best bet would probably to see if there’s an industry where your biochem background would be of interest, as that could help you edge your way into the software field. You would also be helped by picking up QA experience. To do that, seek out open source software projects, which are often looking for people to test software. That way, you can say you’ve done this professionally, that you understand what it’s about, and you might also be able to pick up some recommendations or contacts that would help out.

Allan Hoffman Tech Jobs Expert

A QA analyst usually either executes or develops test scripts to test software related to a project. As a junior QA analyst, you are probably going to do more executing scripts than developing them. Sine you have a 3.7 GPA in BioChem, I am concerned a QA analyst position would probably not be very fulfilling.

Unless you have developed a real dislike for BioChem, I recommend you pursue a Ph.D. in Bio Chem and work for a pharmaceutical company. A Ph.D. is a lot of extra work, but you will be utilizing the skills (and talent—considering your GPA ) you already have. It will also give you a number of career options.

A previous entry is correct, experience in the field of QA and the related tools is what companies look for. Getting your foot in the door may be tough if you have no previous record of working in that field.

PP80,

I was in a similar situation as you a few years back. I got my Bachelors and Masters in Civil Engineering and after 2 years in the field I realized that I hated engineering and really wanted to get into the software industry. The fact that this was 1996 or so and that was the place to be at the time fueled my interest.

The way I broke into the field was through working with a small startup that developed engineering software. I worked in Application Engineering, helping customers use the software on their own projects. I also started up the company’s QA department. Beleive me when I say that domain knowledge is more important in QA than programming skills. You really need to fully understand how the software is expected to operate if you are going to write effective test cases. The scripting part is easy.

There are a lot of biochem software companies out there. One that sticks out in my mind is Pharsight (www.pharsight.com). I think you will need to find them rather than searching the boards for openings.

I currently work as a Six Sigma Black Belt specializing in Software and IT. The reason why I moved out of QA is because frankly after a while I became bored to tears. Personally I think a 3.7 biochem major will end up that way too. The work is long, demanding and you are always in the doghouse. Its kind of like the cable company. No one says anything when the cable is working fine, but that one day the cable is down, everyone complains. Same thing with testing. No one will ever remember all the hundreds of bugs you caught during testing, they remember the one bug that went out to the field.

Also, all the interesting stuff (like model based testing, for example) is pretty much not considered worthwhile by development managers. Test it now and test it fast – that is the motto of most shops.

In software, there are pretty much three groups in the company. The developers, the salespeople and the help. If you go into testing, prepare to be the “help”.

Hi pp80,

I agree in part or even in whole with many people who replied you. In addition, in my opinion, entering computer arena as QA is an easy but almost dead end. Manual QA relates to real computer expertise so-so. Automated QA is mostly using specific programming tools without visible demand outside of QA. If, at some time, one wants to make a jump off QA board, he/she will understand that previous experience brings not a much value. General programming area is degrees richer than QA and will bring you more possibilities to apply your biochemical knowledge, just try it.

So think twice. I wish you good luck!

Nikolai

PP80:

Of course, an important question to ask yourself is, will you enjoy the work? Will you be motivated, day after day, or find yourself just going through the motions pretty quickly. WIll it be a “Natural Vocation” for you? How well does it match your own “personal career vision” for what you want to and should be doing?

One of the most important factors to consider are natural abilities.

As a QA analyst, you do a lot of repetitive work that focuses closely on details. Not only must your scores in Concept Organization and Observation be high, but you should be low in Idea Productivity. (Note, these are not certification scores, but scores from natural ability testing, such as the Highlands Ability Battery).

Best of luck,

Steve Bohler The Oxford Program of Career Change, Director/Head Career Coach http://www.TheOxfordProgram.com