There are often career changers in software testing. The challenges and experiences along the way are varied, the complexity of technical problems sometimes frustrating. But if you have the courage to change, you will be rewarded with an exciting job.
In this episode, I talk to Isabelle Chariot about her exciting career change into software testing. Isabelle originally comes from an online communications background and worked in an embassy for many years. But at some point she decided to break new ground and found her place in software testing. We talk about how she became a tester and the challenges she faced along the way.
"Basically, you have to have a certain amount of courage to embrace change. [...] So if you're curious and have a bit of a desire to get to grips with this stuff, there's no reason to be afraid." - Isabelle Chariot
After more than a decade in online communication, Isabelle Chariot ventured into a new career in IT. At over 40 and as a mother of three, she completed a training course in software testing. Today, she works as a software tester at an insurance company in Vienna and her career shows that it is never too late to break new ground.
Isabelle Chariot, a career changer, shares her experiences and insights as a software tester after making a career change into the IT industry. Her career offers exciting insights into how she got into software testing and the importance of career changes in IT.
This article highlights various aspects that reflect Isabelle Chariot's journey in software testing:
This article provides a comprehensive overview of Isabelle Chariot's experiences.
Isabelle Chariot's software testing training included the "Job plus training" program of the Vienna Employee Assistance Fund (WAF). The training was divided into a theoretical part at the Vienna University of Applied Sciences and a practical phase at the company.
The WAF's "Job plus Training " program offered the opportunity to receive comprehensive training in software testing combined with practical application in a company.
The theoretical part took place at the Vienna University of Applied Sciences and provided basic knowledge about programming, the software development lifecycle and other relevant topics.
The practical phase allowed Isabelle to apply her acquired knowledge directly in the company. This section of the training was crucial for gaining practical experience and familiarizing herself with real test environments.
This structure provided Isabelle Chariot with the opportunity to develop both a theoretical foundation and practical skills in software testing.
The learning curve in the IT industry can present some challenges for career changers:
These hurdles can be overcome through targeted training, internships and mentoring programs to ease the transition into the IT world. It is important to be aware of these challenges and actively work on solutions to successfully gain a foothold in the field of software testing.
The field of software testing is diverse and varies greatly depending on the company. This opens up different career opportunities for a career changer in software testing, ranging from manual black-box testing to automated tests.
Here are some of the different career opportunities in software testing:
Isabelle describes her start as a junior in backend testing in the insurance industry. She still sees a lot of development potential in the direction of technical specialization and test-automated processes. The variety of opportunities makes testing particularly attractive for career changers.
Practical experience in IT career entry plays a decisive role in success as a software tester. There are important aspects to consider here:
Internships or traineeships are essential for gaining practical skills. They offer the opportunity to apply and deepen theoretical knowledge in the real world of work.
Employers value candidates with proven practical experience. Internships allow career changers to demonstrate their skills and stand out from other applicants.
In addition to certificates, active networking with professionals is also very important. Networking provides accessibility to new career opportunities, information and support from experienced professionals in the industry.
It is important to be brave and decide to enter software testing despite possible obstacles
There are numerous development and career opportunities in software testing that allow career changers to develop and succeed in their careers