Software Tester
Careers Explorer:
Make sure computer software programmes and applications operate as they’re intended.
Overview
Software testing involves the analysis of software and systems to avert risk and prevent issues.
You’ll be involved in the quality assurance stage of software development and deployment – playing a key role in ensuring the safe functioning of the software.
You’ll need to be familiar with programming and coding languages, as you’ll be pushing the software to its limits. You’ll conduct automated and manual tests to ensure it’s fit for purpose and any bugs or issues are removed within a product before it’s released for use.
A key part of your role as a Software Tester, you’ll involve documenting and reporting the results of testing activities, so you’ll need a good understanding of the software lifecycle and software development practices.
You could be involved in software security, examining IT systems for potential threats and devising plans for disaster recovery in the event of security being compromised.
Top 5 Tasks
- Carry out stress testing, performance testing, functional testing and scalability testing
- Test in different environments including web and mobile
- Write and execute test scripts and run manual and automated tests
- Write bug reports and present your analysis to the software development team
- Monitor applications and software systems.
Salary
New starters can expect to earn around £24,000, while experienced software testers can earn up to £50,000.
Am I Suited?
- Technically-minded
- Good communicator
- Problem solver
- Attention to detail
- Team player
There is a higher ratio of female to male Software Testers when compared with other IT jobs.
Qualifications
Software Testers generally have a degree in computer science or IT; however, the role is open to graduates from a variety of degree disciplines including chemistry, mathematics and electrical engineering.
You’ll typically need a HND or foundation degree, however a diploma in software, IT, or engineering is also highly regarded by many organisations.
Progression
