How do I make career in manual software testing?

Making a career in manual software testing involves acquiring the necessary skills, gaining practical experience, and staying updated with industry trends. Here are steps you can follow to pursue a career in manual software testing:

1. Educational Background:

   • While a formal degree in computer science or a related field is beneficial, it's not always a strict requirement. Many successful manual testers have diverse educational backgrounds. However, having a foundational understanding of software development concepts can be advantageous.

2. Learn Basic Software Testing Concepts:

   • Familiarize yourself with the fundamental concepts of software testing, including different testing types (e.g., functional, non-functional), testing levels (e.g., unit testing, integration testing), and testing methodologies (e.g., agile, waterfall).

3. Understand the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC):

   • Gain knowledge of the software development process and understand how testing fits into the overall SDLC. This understanding is crucial for effective collaboration with development teams.

4. Develop Communication Skills:

   • Effective communication is essential for a manual tester. You'll need to document test cases, report bugs, and collaborate with developers and other team members. Clear and concise communication is key.

5. Learn Testing Tools:

   • Familiarize yourself with popular testing tools used in manual testing, such as test case management tools (e.g., TestRail), defect tracking tools (e.g., Jira), and version control systems (e.g., Git).

6. Explore Different Types of Testing:

   • Gain exposure to various testing types, including functional testing, regression testing, usability testing, and performance testing. Understanding different testing approaches will make you a versatile tester.

7. Build Practical Experience:

   • Apply your knowledge by working on real-world projects. This can be through internships, freelancing, or contributing to open-source projects. Practical experience is highly valued in the testing field.

8. Stay Informed and Continuous Learning:

   • The field of software testing is dynamic, with new tools and methodologies emerging regularly. Stay informed by reading blogs, attending conferences, and participating in online forums and communities.

9. Certifications:

   • Consider pursuing relevant certifications to enhance your credibility. Certifications like ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) can be beneficial.

10. Networking:

    • Connect with professionals in the testing community through social media platforms, conferences, and local meetups. Networking can provide valuable insights, job opportunities, and mentorship.

11. Create a Portfolio:

    • Showcase your skills by creating a portfolio that includes details of projects you've worked on, test cases you've created, and any certifications you've earned. This can be shared with potential employers.

12. Apply for Entry-Level Positions:

    • Look for entry-level positions in manual testing. Junior QA Analyst or Testing Assistant roles are common starting points. Be open to learning and gaining experience on the job.

Remember, the field of software testing is evolving, and there's an increasing focus on automation. While starting with manual testing is a good foundation, consider expanding your skills into automation testing as you gain experience in the industry. This can make you more versatile and open up additional career opportunities.