9 answers
Martín Gerardo
Student
Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
1
Question
Asked
1440 views
What were some of the difficulties QA professionals used to face before graduating vs. nowadays How can I excel at quality assurance? #Spring25?
This goes specially in software but open to other areas.
I'm currently a Junior in Computer Science and it's been a long road to get to this point, even admitting that I don't like coding that much. I've realized however that I do enjoy Quality Assurance and testing. I was wondering how professionals have overcome and even got to the point where they realized they liked QA and would like to build their career around it.
#Spring25
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9 answers
Tyler Landas
Accessibility Program Manager
1
Answer
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Tyler’s Answer
I haven't worked in QA, but I've had the pleasure of collaborating with some amazing people in that field and truly admire their approach and mindset!
First off, congrats on realizing that coding isn't your passion! It's a tough but important discovery, especially if that's where you began. I spent over 20 years as a Software Developer. While I enjoyed solving problems, the coding part often felt long and unfulfilling. I'm grateful for my coding background, but I find much more happiness as a Program Manager now. I wish I'd had the courage to explore different paths sooner.
Secondly, having coding knowledge is a great asset for everyone! My wife works in Customer Service, and though she doesn't code, her Python courses helped her understand what software can and cannot do, which is really valuable.
Lastly, from what I've seen, QA is moving towards full automation, or sometimes being phased out with those tasks shifting to Software Developers (which isn't always the best move, in my opinion). Learning automation and exploring how AI can help with test code and cases is a smart step. Your coding skills will definitely be useful, even if coding isn't your main focus.
First off, congrats on realizing that coding isn't your passion! It's a tough but important discovery, especially if that's where you began. I spent over 20 years as a Software Developer. While I enjoyed solving problems, the coding part often felt long and unfulfilling. I'm grateful for my coding background, but I find much more happiness as a Program Manager now. I wish I'd had the courage to explore different paths sooner.
Secondly, having coding knowledge is a great asset for everyone! My wife works in Customer Service, and though she doesn't code, her Python courses helped her understand what software can and cannot do, which is really valuable.
Lastly, from what I've seen, QA is moving towards full automation, or sometimes being phased out with those tasks shifting to Software Developers (which isn't always the best move, in my opinion). Learning automation and exploring how AI can help with test code and cases is a smart step. Your coding skills will definitely be useful, even if coding isn't your main focus.
Thank you so much for your answer, Tyler. I agree, definitely having a coding background has helped me even now to try to be more automated focused.
Martín Gerardo
Naman Mehta
IT Quality Assurance
3
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Naman’s Answer
To be successful in a QA role, it's important to have a strong understanding of the domain. To build this understanding, ask questions about why things are done a certain way. Certifications from ISTQB can help you gain basic domain knowledge. In QA, automation requires good coding skills. If you don't like coding, you can focus on manual QA instead. Nowadays, AI is important in many jobs, and figuring out how to validate LLM models is a challenge that needs solving.
Mark Eagle
CTO
54
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Mark’s Answer
AI impacts every job. Learn how it will change what you enjoy doing and how you earn money. A degree in Computer Science is great for learning QA. Figure out what you dislike about coding, whether it's a lack of skill or something else. Logical thinking and problem-solving are key for QA, and documentation is more important than coding. Consider a QA internship; they're not often advertised, but companies welcome extra help testing their products and never look outside the box for help . With computer skills, you might be good for DevOps or DevOps engineering. Utest offers testing credentials and lets you test real sites. I've found bugs for companies like Costco and Target through volunteer work. Jobs will evolve, so start trying things to see what you like to do.
Craig Milne
Operational Efficiencies
4
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Craig’s Answer
Hi Martín,
Don't worry too much about coding. New AI technology is making it easier for everyone, even if coding isn't your strong suit. With a basic idea of what you want to achieve and how a program can assist, AI can help you create the code you need. Think about how things have changed: programmers once had to deal with complex settings and binary code, then came more advanced languages. Now, you can simply ask an AI tool in plain language to help build a program for you. This is where AI can really make a difference. You just need to know what you want to accomplish and how to check it, but coding is now much less of a hurdle. Good luck!
Don't worry too much about coding. New AI technology is making it easier for everyone, even if coding isn't your strong suit. With a basic idea of what you want to achieve and how a program can assist, AI can help you create the code you need. Think about how things have changed: programmers once had to deal with complex settings and binary code, then came more advanced languages. Now, you can simply ask an AI tool in plain language to help build a program for you. This is where AI can really make a difference. You just need to know what you want to accomplish and how to check it, but coding is now much less of a hurdle. Good luck!
Jacqy George
Software consulting and support
3
Answers
Cave Creek, Arizona
Updated
Jacqy’s Answer
Hi Martin,
I've worked in QA on and off for many years. I'm not a developer, and now there are many testing tools that don't need coding. Check out some AI and NLP tools. For me, understanding the business side is crucial since I focus on business applications. You need to know how the industry works. QA requires a unique person! It's all about finding and fixing problems. Critical thinking is essential. Try to get an internship or job shadowing opportunity. Also, think about roles like product owner or support/help desk to get started. Having various skills will show you can adapt to the changing world.
I've worked in QA on and off for many years. I'm not a developer, and now there are many testing tools that don't need coding. Check out some AI and NLP tools. For me, understanding the business side is crucial since I focus on business applications. You need to know how the industry works. QA requires a unique person! It's all about finding and fixing problems. Critical thinking is essential. Try to get an internship or job shadowing opportunity. Also, think about roles like product owner or support/help desk to get started. Having various skills will show you can adapt to the changing world.
Vishnu Vardhana Bhandari
Quality Assurance
2
Answers
Sanford, Florida
Updated
Vishnu Vardhana’s Answer
Today, automation and AI speed up routine work such as monitoring trends, flagging anomalies, reviewing documentation, and supporting audits. That might sound like a big shift, but it is actually good news as it means entry-level professionals can spend less time on mechanical tasks and more time on higher-value work like problem-solving, process improvement, risk awareness, and communication.
The key is to see AI as a tool, not a competitor. In quality assurance, the human side still matters a great deal. AI can identify patterns, but people decide what those patterns mean. Automation can catch exceptions, but humans still need judgment, ethics, empathy, and context — especially in healthcare, where quality affects patient outcomes, safety, and trust. The students who will stand out are the ones who are both tech-comfortable and people-focused. To prepare for QA internships, focus on four things:
Learn the basics: quality systems, compliance, documentation, audits, root cause analysis, and process improvement.
Build practical skills: Excel, data organization, reporting, dashboards, and familiarity with automation or AI tools.
Get relevant exposure: internships, campus projects, research, volunteering in healthcare settings, or operations-related student roles.
Practice your story: be ready to explain how you solve problems, notice details, work in teams, and adapt to new tools.
My advice: do not feel pressured to know everything now. Start building a strong foundation, stay curious about AI, and keep developing the human skills technology cannot replace. That combination will make you a strong QA candidate.
The key is to see AI as a tool, not a competitor. In quality assurance, the human side still matters a great deal. AI can identify patterns, but people decide what those patterns mean. Automation can catch exceptions, but humans still need judgment, ethics, empathy, and context — especially in healthcare, where quality affects patient outcomes, safety, and trust. The students who will stand out are the ones who are both tech-comfortable and people-focused. To prepare for QA internships, focus on four things:
Learn the basics: quality systems, compliance, documentation, audits, root cause analysis, and process improvement.
Build practical skills: Excel, data organization, reporting, dashboards, and familiarity with automation or AI tools.
Get relevant exposure: internships, campus projects, research, volunteering in healthcare settings, or operations-related student roles.
Practice your story: be ready to explain how you solve problems, notice details, work in teams, and adapt to new tools.
My advice: do not feel pressured to know everything now. Start building a strong foundation, stay curious about AI, and keep developing the human skills technology cannot replace. That combination will make you a strong QA candidate.
Milan Aggarwal
Program Management
4
Answers
Ellicott City, Maryland
Updated
Milan’s Answer
Quality Assurance is a key process that makes sure products and services meet the right standards and what customers expect. If coding isn't your thing (and that's perfectly okay), you can focus on manual QA testing. But if you're open to learning a bit, automation could be an exciting path, even if it involves some coding.
Another great option is to become a product owner, especially as the IT world shifts from waterfall to agile methods. This role lets you meet customer needs and enjoy quality assurance and testing in a new way.
Good luck on your journey!
Another great option is to become a product owner, especially as the IT world shifts from waterfall to agile methods. This role lets you meet customer needs and enjoy quality assurance and testing in a new way.
Good luck on your journey!
Vanam Srilakshmi
6
Answers
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Updated
Vanam’s Answer
QA has been the core of my career, I am passionate about Quality Assurance and I have contributed to the world of QA for over 20 years.
Based on my journey through the industry transition, I would certainly look for opportunities around QA - automation and keep it as open source scripting. With the exposure into the field, the newer and much easier tools that are available for enthusiasts to explore, QA is a highly thriving area and is here to stay.
Based on my journey through the industry transition, I would certainly look for opportunities around QA - automation and keep it as open source scripting. With the exposure into the field, the newer and much easier tools that are available for enthusiasts to explore, QA is a highly thriving area and is here to stay.
Liz Gardner Howe
IT QA
5
Answers
New Hartford, Connecticut
Updated
Liz’s Answer
The QA position piqued my interest when I was supporting insurance underwriters and field office agents on the help desk. I also created a help file within the application to reduce common questions coming to the help desk. Reporting issues from the help desk meant I would have to test the fix. In addition, because of passion for being curious and understanding our users' frustrations with the app, I was asked to test new features. When a QA role was available at the corporate level, I went for it. I've worked in a QA role for 20+ years.
A good QA has similar skills as developers: analytical thinking, problem solving, tech curiosity, attention to detail, understanding requirements and business needs, and communication & collaboration.
What I like the most is looking at the software from multiple perspectives. I try to think like a customer, a dev, product owner, and business stakeholder when vetting the software features. My role is to identify risks by collaborating with all stakeholders, ask questions nobody else considered, & prevent problems before they reach production. QA doesn't just test - we help teams deliver better apps & better customer experience.
QA offers many different career paths: manual testing, test automation, performance testing, security testing, accessibility testing, test leadership & strategy, and product & process improvement.
QA is changing rapidly in today's environment. It has evolved from test executor to quality advocates/engineers. To remain relevant, I recommend:
-Always be curious & learn new tools & technologies.
-Join an AI and/or Automation guild or community to get the latest on tools and solutions.
-Be part of the AI journey and use it ethically in your daily work.
-Once employed, participate in any automation and AI training, communities, and knowledge share that are offered.
-Share your knowledge with others.
-Be in tune with the business and customer behavior when they use the software you're supporting.
-Understand risk-based testing to focus on what matters most.
-Alway look for ways to improve processes and workflow to prevent defects, not just find defects.
-Broaden your knowledge of automation, Agile practices, cloud technologies, and the business domain.
A good QA has similar skills as developers: analytical thinking, problem solving, tech curiosity, attention to detail, understanding requirements and business needs, and communication & collaboration.
What I like the most is looking at the software from multiple perspectives. I try to think like a customer, a dev, product owner, and business stakeholder when vetting the software features. My role is to identify risks by collaborating with all stakeholders, ask questions nobody else considered, & prevent problems before they reach production. QA doesn't just test - we help teams deliver better apps & better customer experience.
QA offers many different career paths: manual testing, test automation, performance testing, security testing, accessibility testing, test leadership & strategy, and product & process improvement.
QA is changing rapidly in today's environment. It has evolved from test executor to quality advocates/engineers. To remain relevant, I recommend:
-Always be curious & learn new tools & technologies.
-Join an AI and/or Automation guild or community to get the latest on tools and solutions.
-Be part of the AI journey and use it ethically in your daily work.
-Once employed, participate in any automation and AI training, communities, and knowledge share that are offered.
-Share your knowledge with others.
-Be in tune with the business and customer behavior when they use the software you're supporting.
-Understand risk-based testing to focus on what matters most.
-Alway look for ways to improve processes and workflow to prevent defects, not just find defects.
-Broaden your knowledge of automation, Agile practices, cloud technologies, and the business domain.