Starting Your Test Automation Journey: A Guide for QAs with automation!
Tags: beginners, career, opensource, codenewbie
Published: 2023-08-05 18:27:17

I want to provide something lighter but yet significant this month, especially for aspiring quality assurance professionals who want to start their test automation journey. This piece was inspired by a recent conversation I had, and even while it may not offer wholly fresh perspectives, it's important to be reminded of the essential stages to begin automated regression testing.

## Practical Steps for Aspiring QA Professionals in Test Automation

- **Actual Projects**: When starting off, don't be discouraged by your lack of business experience. Accept open-source initiatives as your pals. Choose one that appeals to you, then add to it some automated tests. Present your work on websites like GitHub's personal README. Employers (more likely technical recruiters) value seeing real-world examples of your abilities and enthusiasm in action.

- **Code Reviews**: Code reviews are a good way to get advice from seasoned programmers. Discuss and solve issues with others on established open-source projects. Reviewers, who are frequently repository maintainers, will offer insightful criticism that will help you develop your coding techniques.

- **Programming Principles**: *Programming Principles*: Get to know fundamental programming concepts like **SOLID**, **KISS**, and **DRY**. Knowing these ideas makes you stand out as a conscientious coder. Use them to develop readable, maintainable, and well-organized code while writing automation scripts to impress potential employers.

- **Practice, Practice, Practice**: Regression test automation and programming require a lot of practice. Use platforms for programming practice such as "Exercism.io," "Codewars," or "LeetCode" to take on different coding tasks. These websites include workouts to help you hone your abilities and discover frequently utilized coding patterns and automation methods.

- **Project Descriptions**: Don't forget to include detailed project descriptions in your resume and while exhibiting your work on websites like GitHub's PRs. Outline the goals of the project, the tools employed, and the difficulties you faced and how you handled them. For technical professions, it's essential to have excellent documentation and communication abilities.

- **Continuous Learning**: Accept lifelong learning to stay current with technology. Keep abreast on emerging test automation tools and frameworks. whenever possible, participate in webinars, workshops, and conferences. Being passionate about development and progress distinguishes you in the field.

- **Networking**: Create a network of experts and professionals in the field of test automation. Participate in discussions, connect with individuals, and join relevant online groups on sites like LinkedIn. Career advancement and possibilities might result through networking.

Regression test automation requires patience when first starting out, but retain a good attitude and keep going. Don't let rejections deter you; they are a necessary part of the trip. Although your professional path may take some unexpected detours, with perseverance and a growth mentality, you will succeed as a QA professional.

So don't worry if there's no simple answer, as every career path is unique. Embrace the challenges and keep learning and improving along the way. Happy automating! 😊