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Quality Assurance Tester

Quality assurance testers find bugs and problems in computer software before it reaches people using it. They test apps and websites thoroughly to make sure they work properly and are easy to use.

Quality Assurance Tester

65

Digital & Technology

AI IMPACT
AI CAN DO65%moving to95%
THE DOOR, NOWC
THE DOOR, 20 YRSE
STARTING PAY£22,000 - £27,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
This work is being absorbed by AI
AI already does much of this work and nothing structurally requires a human: no licence, no physical task, no relationship at the core. Expect fewer people in higher-judgment roles: enter as the person directing the tools, not competing with them.

The role

As a quality assurance tester, you are responsible for catching problems before customers find them. You test new software and apps by using them the way a real person would - clicking buttons, entering data, checking that things work on different devices. When you find a bug, you document it carefully so that the programming team can fix it.

Your day involves planning what to test, creating test cases, and running through them methodically. You might test the same feature dozens of times in slightly different ways to find edge cases the developers missed. You use testing software tools that can run some checks automatically, so you can focus on the trickier manual testing. You need to think like both a user and a problem-solver - wondering how a real person might break the app or get confused. You work with developers and product managers, so you need to explain clearly what went wrong and where. As you progress, you might lead a testing team or specialise in performance testing - checking if an app can handle thousands of users at once.

Daily responsibilities

  • Design and execute comprehensive test plans and test cases.
  • Identify, document, and track software defects using bug tracking systems.
  • Collaborate with developers and product managers to understand features and requirements.
  • Perform regression testing to ensure existing functionality remains intact.
  • Utilize automated testing tools to streamline testing processes.
  • Conduct performance testing to evaluate software responsiveness and stability.
  • Review and analyze system specifications to ensure thorough testing coverage.
  • Participate in Agile ceremonies, providing input on quality-related topics.

Does a degree help here?

A UK degree, particularly in Computer Science or Software Engineering, equips candidates with a solid foundation in programming and analytical skills, making them highly desirable to employers. UK universities are renowned for their rigorous curricula and industry connections, giving graduates a significant edge in the job market.

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