Things I wish I hadn’t done as a Junior QA Engineer
Hello, everyone! I’m Maria, with six years of hands-on experience in QA. Starting in a small company without established processes, I learned the ropes through trial and error. Looking back, there are definitely things I wish I hadn’t done — mistakes that, while they taught me valuable lessons, could have been approached differently or even avoided. So, let me share some of these lessons learned from my time as a Junior QA Engineer, in the hopes that they may benefit others navigating similar paths in their careers.
Ignore or dismiss requirements
It’s super important to carefully read and understand what’s needed before you start testing. This helps you know exactly what to look for and ensures you’re on the right track from the beginning.
Skip documentation
It’s essential to write down everything about your tests and any bugs you find. This helps keep track of what’s been tested and what still needs to be checked. Plus, it makes it easier for others to understand what you’ve done if they need to take over or help out.
Assume instead of asking
It’s really important not to guess or assume what’s needed in the project. If you’re not sure about something, it’s totally okay to ask for clarification. This helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures you’re working on the right stuff.
Perform ad-hoc testing without a plan
Ad-hoc testing, where you just test whatever comes to mind, can be handy, but it’s not enough. It’s crucial to have a plan or strategy in place before testing. This helps make sure you cover everything you need to and don’t miss any important parts.
Ignore communication
Ignoring communication is a common mistake in QA work, but it’s crucial for getting things done right. Good communication helps everyone understand what needs to be done. As a QA engineer, ask questions, share updates, and talk about any issues. By staying in touch, you ensure everyone is on the same page, making things run smoothly. So, don’t forget to communicate — it’s essential!
Forget to prioritize
Don’t overlook prioritization! It’s key to successful testing. Remember, not every bug is equally important. Take the time to figure out which ones need attention first. Consider factors like how risky they are, how much they could affect the project, and what the project’s goals are. By prioritizing wisely, you can make sure you’re focusing your testing efforts where they’ll have the biggest impact, helping the team deliver a high-quality product.
Assume your job ends after finding a bug
Don’t think your job is done after finding a bug! As a QA engineer, there’s more to it than that. After spotting an issue, it’s important to follow up. Make sure the problem gets addressed by checking on reported bugs, verifying that fixes actually work, and keeping an eye on the overall quality of the product. Your job isn’t just about finding bugs, it’s about making sure the final product meets the mark.
Lose focus on the end-user’s needs
It’s crucial to advocate for the best user experience. By keeping the end-user in mind throughout the testing process, you ensure that the final product meets their needs and expectations. Your efforts contribute to delivering high-quality software that enhances the user’s experience and satisfaction.
To wrap up, looking back on my time as a Junior QA Engineer has been eye-opening. Sure, I’ve had faults, but each one taught me something important. Remember, mistakes happen — it’s how we learn and grow from them that really matters. So, let’s keep striving for improvement and success in our QA work!
