New to QA: Looking for advice and insights from experienced testers

[eddiexo (Eduardo Adrian Gallifa OChoa)]

Hi everyone!

I’m new to the QA world and looking for some guidance. Here’s where I’m at:

• How should I get started in this field?
  What’s the best way to break into QA as a career?
• Is it well-paid?
  Considering that I live in Mexico, I’d like to know what kind of opportunities are realistic for me.
• Remote work for the US:
  Is it possible for someone in Mexico (fluent in English) to work remotely for US-based companies? If so, what do I need to focus on?
• Your advice:
  If you were starting all over again in QA, how would you approach it, and why?
  What resources, paths, or skills helped you the most?
• TripleTen courses:
  • I’m currently taking a course with TripleTen, but honestly, I’m unsure whether to finish it or not.
  • I don’t feel like I’m learning much, to be honest.
  • The real reason I bought it was because they promised to help me land a job after completing it.
  • What do you all think? Are these programs worth it? Or should I focus my time and energy elsewhere?
  • I also see a lot of hate online about bootcamps in general, haha. What’s your take?
  • What are the pros and cons of taking a bootcamp, besides paying a big chunk of money upfront?

Thanks a lot in advance for your advice!
I’m eager to learn from your experiences and appreciate any recommendations.

[kristof (Kristof Van Kriekingen)]

@eddiexo

How should I get started in this field?
What’s the best way to break into QA as a career?

30 Things Every New Software Tester Should Learn

This is a good starting point

@eddiexo

Is it well-paid?
Considering that I live in Mexico, I’d like to know what kind of opportunities are realistic for me.

I think this is a very local-based question. It also depends on expertise. So I can’t answer this based on where you live since I live in Belgium

@eddiexo

Remote work for the US:
Is it possible for someone in Mexico (fluent in English) to work remotely for US-based companies? If so, what do I need to focus on?

Remote work is doable, but it’s less and less done these days. Especially for junior profiles. Fully remote will mostly only work/be doable for experienced profiles. (from what I see)

@eddiexo

Your advice:
If you were starting all over again in QA, how would you approach it, and why?
What resources, paths, or skills helped you the most?

Well, I started doing stuff when I was a teenager soo I don’t have the clear path written out as I came from school and followed X or Y/

@eddiexo

TripleTen courses:

• I’m currently taking a course with TripleTen, but honestly, I’m unsure whether to finish it or not.

I never even heard of this. ISTQB is basically a standard certification that will be required. I’m not saying ISTQB is great but it’s often a requirement for companies. + It’s good some good learning points for starters.

@eddiexo

The real reason I bought it was because they promised to help me land a job after completing it.

That’s great though! Make sure to check vacancies around you in order to see what they demand.

@eddiexo

What do you all think? Are these programs worth it? Or should I focus my time and energy elsewhere?

Make sure to check out this community called “Ministry of testing” it has a lot of great people and content too!

@eddiexo

I also see a lot of hate online about bootcamps in general, haha. What’s your take?

Bootcamps as in 2 weeks trainings in a company before getting the job? I think it’s a great opportunity for people to get into testing. We used to offer bootcamps of 2 weeks fully paid even.

@eddiexo

What are the pros and cons of taking a bootcamp, besides paying a big chunk of money upfront?

It didn’t cost anything, companies (consultancy often) will hosts bootcamps and pay you to follow it, with the requirement of you joining their company as a tester

[eddiexo (Eduardo Adrian Gallifa OChoa)]

Hi Kristof,

Thank you so much for your detailed response and the helpful insights! I really appreciate the resources and advice you’ve shared, and I truly value that you took the time to answer all my questions—it means a lot to me.

• The “30 Things Every New Software Tester Should Learn” article sounds like a fantastic resource. I’ll definitely check it out.
• Your advice about checking job openings in my area really hit home—it’s something I hadn’t thought of, and it’s super helpful to see what companies around me are looking for.

I think working would be amazing, but I’m not too excited about the idea of moving to another city right now. I’d prefer to explore job opportunities here in my current city and see if there’s something local or even remote.

One of my main motivations for starting work is to help with household costs and contribute to my family’s well-being. It would be great to find something where I can stay close to home for now.

On bootcamps, I agree with your take—they seem to offer a fast track, but I’m still weighing the cost vs. benefit. If I may ask, what would you recommend as an alternative for someone on a tight budget but eager to learn QA thoroughly?

Oh, and one more thing—what do you think about paying for LinkedIn Premium? Is it worth it for finding QA jobs or building connections? Just curious if it’s something I should consider.

Thanks again for your advice—it’s been super motivating! If you have any more tips or resources to share, I’d love to hear them.

[ramanan (Ramanan Prabakaran)]

Hi @eddiexo ! Welcome to the QA world—it’s great to see your enthusiasm and curiosity. Let me address your questions one by one based on my experience:

1. Getting Started in QA
Start by mastering the basics of software testing concepts like SDLC, STLC, defect life cycle, and different types of testing (manual, automation, performance, etc.). Hands-on experience is crucial, so try tools like Jira for bug tracking, Selenium for automation, and SoapUI or Postman for API testing.

2. Breaking into QA as a Career

• Begin with manual testing to build a solid foundation.
• Gradually explore automation testing by learning Selenium, Python/Java, and CI/CD tools like Jenkins.
• Gain some knowledge about databases (SQL) and version control (Git/Bitbucket).
  Practical projects or internships can help bridge the gap between theory and practice.

3. Is QA Well-Paid?
Yes, QA can be a well-paying career, especially as you grow your skills in automation, performance testing, or specialized areas like API security testing. Salaries vary by location, company, and expertise, but QA roles often come with a stable income and growth opportunities.

4. Opportunities in Mexico
Mexico’s tech industry is growing, and many companies (both local and international) hire QA testers. Look for roles in multinational companies with offices in Mexico or remote positions. Local networking events and tech communities can help you connect with opportunities.

5. Remote Work for US Companies
Absolutely possible! Being fluent in English is a huge advantage. Focus on:

• Building a strong portfolio with test scripts, automation frameworks, and API testing examples.
• Networking on platforms like LinkedIn to connect with US-based professionals.
• Researching legal and tax requirements for working remotely with US companies.
  Certifications like ISTQB or hands-on experience in popular tools can make your profile stand out.

6. Starting Over in QA
If I were starting again, I’d:

• Focus early on building a mix of manual and automation testing skills.
• Join QA communities (like Tricentis ShiftSync) to learn from experienced professionals and share challenges.
• Practice frequently by testing open-source projects or contributing to GitHub repositories.

7. About TripleTen Courses
Bootcamps like TripleTen can be hit or miss. They’re great for structured learning, but the value depends on how much you put into it and the quality of their career services. If you don’t feel like you’re learning, you might consider:

• Free resources like Test Automation University and Ministry of Testing.
• Online platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or Pluralsight for affordable, high-quality courses.
• Engaging directly with QA professionals through LinkedIn or mentoring platforms.

Bootcamp Pros & Cons:

• Pros: Structured guidance, networking opportunities, career placement services.
• Cons: High cost, potential lack of depth, and the risk of overpromising.

It’s worth evaluating whether the TripleTen job placement guarantee aligns with your goals. Sometimes self-study and targeted certifications can be more cost-effective and rewarding.

Final Thoughts
Dive into learning, stay curious, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help. The QA field is vast, but it’s full of opportunities for those who are persistent and willing to adapt. Good luck!

[kristof (Kristof Van Kriekingen)]

@eddiexo

Thank you so much for your detailed response and the helpful insights! I really appreciate the resources and advice you’ve shared, and I truly value that you took the time to answer all my questions—it means a lot to me.

Don’t worry about it, that’s what we are here for!

@eddiexo

I think working would be amazing, but I’m not too excited about the idea of moving to another city right now. I’d prefer to explore job opportunities here in my current city and see if there’s something local or even remote.

I’m not saying it’s impossible to find a remote job, it’s just going to be harder to find I believe (depending on where you live of course XD)

@eddiexo

If I may ask, what would you recommend as an alternative for someone on a tight budget but eager to learn QA thoroughly?

Look for consultancy companies who offer paid bootcamps. Paid as in they pay you make sure to note down that you are open to take ‘istqb’ on your resume (companies often pay for it)

@eddiexo

Oh, and one more thing—what do you think about paying for LinkedIn Premium? Is it worth it for finding QA jobs or building connections? Just curious if it’s something I should consider.

I would not do that, I personally don’t think it’s needed. I never had it, I think premium is more for recruiters but I could be wrong.

[kristof (Kristof Van Kriekingen)]

@ramanan

Gradually explore automation testing by learning Selenium, Python/Java, and CI/CD tools like Jenkins.

I would not advise him to check out these, I would let him check the market and what’s available there. Because here Selenium & Java is “oldskool” and not wanted anymore (at least where I live).

In Belgium it would mainly be Cypress/Playwright and JavaScript. So he needs to check his current market and find the according language & tools to focus on.

@ramanan

Bootcamp Pros & Cons:

• Pros: Structured guidance, networking opportunities, career placement services.
• Cons: High cost, potential lack of depth, and the risk of overpromising.

It’s so weird, where are you guys seeing all these bootcamps that costs money?
What is your definition of a bootcamp?

Our Bootcamps are:

Inhouse training at a company: you’ll get a contract to work there, you get 2-3 weeks of trainings and then get some certificates like ISTQB and then you start working for that company.

So no cost at all? you even get paid?

I just checked out the TripleTen course and for me that’s just a course, not really a bootcamp (eventhough they call it that…).

I would never invest in such a thing.

[cassandrahl (Cassandra H. Leung)]

Hello, and welcome! You’re already on a great path in having found the MoT community. I explored a lot of different resources when I first got in to testing, and MoT is the only one I still trust and engage with. I’ve been testing for almost ten years now.

• How should I get started in this field?
  • Step by step. There are so many resources and mega lists out there… While they may be useful, I find them very overwhelming. Don’t be in a rush to get through them - take your time, and feel free to spend more time in an area you find particularly interesting, and less in another. This is your opportunity to discover and choose your own path
• Is it well-paid?
  • This is very context-specific, but I would say that having an area of specialism helps
• Remote work for the US:
  • I can’t comment on this
• Your advice:
  • Engage with the community as much as possible; that doesn’t mean limiting your network to only testers, or only people you agree with, but getting involved in conversations, getting different perspectives, provoking thoughts, etc.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions and offer fresh perspectives, even if they seem obvious or too “out there”
  • Don’t neglect core skills - communication, collaboration, conflict resolution, etc. will all prove massively helpful, especially if you find yourself on a project where quality is poor and you have to deliver a lot of bad news
  • Start a tech blog. I started mine (I think) with less than one year’s professional testing experience, and it helped me massively
• TripleTen courses:
  • I’ve never heard of them, so I can’t speak to their credibility, but trust your gut. If you don’t think you’re learning anything, evaluate what it’s costing you (time, money, energy, etc.) and what you’re getting in return (help finding a job, a qualification, exposure to fundamental concepts, etc.) to determine whether the investment is worth the return. Also consider how long you still have left - it may or may not be worth pushing through
  • I’ve never been on or ran a bootcamp before, though I have been on intensive courses. That being said, I think they can be a really good kick-start, but they don’t replace experience and getting hands-on. It sounds like the one you’re on may not be the best, but others might be more useful to you. There are other testing trainings, such as BBST (Black Box Software Testing) and RST (Rapid Software Testing) which you don’t need experience to attend, but I’ve done both, and I would say that it would help a lot in understanding the challenges and contexts discussed if you already have some experience. If not, some of it may end up going over your head, and you therefore end up not getting the most out of it

So where do you get all this great experience? Sure, there are crowd-testing platforms and open-source projects you could contribute to… I actually prefer the software that’s designed for testing, as there’s more to explore and investigate, without time pressure and dependencies. But it also depends on what you’re looking to get experience in. Testing isn’t just testing. It’s also investigating, evaluating, reporting, communicating, time managing, prioritising, influencing… Maybe try mapping out some key skills you want to develop, then target those with specific platforms where you can practice.

I hope that was helpful! Best of luck to you, and I look forward to seeing you around here again

[ramanan (Ramanan Prabakaran)]

@kristof
Thank you for your response.

Could you kindly share the names of the companies that provide in-house training? Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you .

[ramanan (Ramanan Prabakaran)]

@cassandrahl
Thank you so much for the warm welcome and thoughtful advice! Your insights are incredibly helpful and encouraging, especially for someone like me who is just starting out in this field.

I really appreciate your emphasis on taking things step by step and exploring areas of interest at my own pace. It’s a great reminder not to get overwhelmed by the vast resources out there. Your points about core skills like communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution are also invaluable, and I’ll make sure to focus on developing those alongside technical skills.

Starting a tech blog is something I hadn’t considered, but your suggestion makes a lot of sense—what a great way to reflect on learning and engage with the community. I’ll definitely explore that idea further!

Thank you for sharing your perspective on courses and training programs as well. I’ll take your advice to heart and carefully evaluate the value of the programs I pursue. I also appreciate the mention of other resources like BBST and RST—they sound like great options to keep in mind as I gain more experience.

Your suggestions about gaining hands-on experience, such as through open-source projects and crowd-testing platforms, are particularly helpful. Mapping out key skills and targeting them with practice is a strategy I’ll definitely adopt.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your knowledge—I’m truly grateful and look forward to learning more from the community!

[kristof (Kristof Van Kriekingen)]

@ramanan

Could you kindly share the names of the companies that provide in-house training? Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

yea no problem but they are all in Belgium and don’t offer remote though (+ Dutch required), hence why I said to look locally.

These are all consultancy companies which offer bootcamps: AE, M2Q, Agile Testers, CTG, Polteq, Brightest, … the list goes on

I even helped creating the bootcamp for my last employer.

[ramanan (Ramanan Prabakaran)]

Thank you so much, Kristof, for taking the time to share this information and for pointing out the local opportunities and language requirements. I appreciate the detailed list and your insights about consultancy companies offering bootcamps. It’s impressive that you helped create a bootcamp for your previous employer—such valuable expertise! Thanks again for your thoughtful response.

[eddiexo (Eduardo Adrian Gallifa OChoa)]

@cassandrah
Thanks so much for taking the time to reply! Your advice is incredibly helpful, especially as someone just starting in this field. I’ll definitely check out BBST (Black Box Software Testing) and RST (Rapid Software Testing) – they sound like great resources to build my skills.

I also really appreciate the reminder to take things step by step and not rush through everything. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with so many resources out there, so your perspective is super valuable.

Thanks again for sharing your experience and all these insights – they’ve given me a lot to think about.

Have a great day!

[eddiexo (Eduardo Adrian Gallifa OChoa)]

Hi @ramanan,

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply! I really appreciate the effort you put into addressing my questions. I’ll definitely look into ISTQB since it’s something I see mentioned almost everywhere when researching QA.

As for the rest of your advice, I find it incredibly helpful, but I think I’ll lean more towards @kristof’s suggestion of analyzing the skills recruiters are looking for in my area. While I agree that having a broad understanding is great, focusing on the specific requirements of the local market feels like a more strategic approach for me at this point.

Thanks again for your insights and for sharing your experience – it means a lot!

Best regards,
Eduardo

[eddiexo (Eduardo Adrian Gallifa OChoa)]

Hi @kristof,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful advice and perspective! I really appreciate your advice! I’ll definitely take your suggestion to focus on the skills that recruiters in my area are currently looking for. It makes a lot of sense to tailor my learning path to what’s most in demand locally.

Also, I’ll update my LinkedIn to mention that I’m open to ISTQB certifications – it seems to be a recurring recommendation and a great way to build credibility in the field. Thanks for the insight and for taking the time to share your perspective, it’s really helpful!

Additionally, this kind of work is incredibly revealing to me. No offense, but I think I would be the first in my family to pursue this type of career. It feels almost unreal, like something too good to believe. But the best part is that it’s real, and I thank God (Jesus Christ) for it.

I also just submitted my CV today for a QA Tester internship that’s completely remote, and I’m really excited. It’s a great chance to gain the hands-on experience I’m looking for, and I hope I get selected. Let’s see how it goes!

Thanks again for everything. I truly appreciate your guidance.

Best regards,
Eduardo

[kristof (Kristof Van Kriekingen)]

@eddiexo

I also just submitted my CV today for a QA Tester internship that’s completely remote, and I’m really excited. It’s a great chance to gain the hands-on experience I’m looking for, and I hope I get selected. Let’s see how it goes!

Good luck!!! I hope you get it!

[ujjwal.singh (Ujjwal Kumar Singh)]

There is as such no best way to break into QA but yes whatever way one chooses, one can make it as best for themselves through effort and learning. The primary task would be to understand the company’s expectations of you. Since you are very new so connect with your peers and seniors, try to know how the testing process flows, and know about the product you are going to work on.

Before testing the product, it is important to know what you are going to test, try to prioritize the end user’s perspective, and consider how the end user will use the product.

As far as skill is concerned there are a lot of resources you can get help from either from MOT or from other places like YouTube or Udemy. Just search for whatever you want to learn and you will find plenty of resources.

If you are planning for automation testing I would recommend focusing on building a foundation in testing. Also, I haven’t attended any BootCamp so far so I don’t have experience with that stuff but yeah one thing is for sure costly certifications or boot camps will not make you good testers.

The curiosity inside you and your eagerness to learn something new every day will eventually make you good testers. Try to showcase your skills and knowledge through actual projects rather than BootCamp certificates as that will bring more impact.

As far as salary is concerned, there is some gap between testers and development but that also varies countries to country, with automation testing now in demand that gap is eventually decreasing.

also, the number of opportunities for testers is less as there are fewer testers as compared to developers in the team or organization, but still, there are opportunities out there and if you continuously progress you may get some good opportunities.

Lastly, soft skills are also very important for testing, you may have to interact with clients, stakeholders, or other teams on a daily basis, and to make those interactions or conversations effective this skill will be required.

I have used LinkedIn Premium and from my experience, I would say it is not worth at least searching the job because for LinkedIn Premium users they show where they stand among all the applicants. E.g., if the company has 10 requirements for a job and your skills match 8 and there are other 99 candidates out of which 20 also have the same 8 skills the Linkedin premium will show you fall in the top 20% categories, that’s it.

[eddiexo (Eduardo Adrian Gallifa OChoa)]

Hi! Thank you so much for your advice and for taking the time to share it. I’ll definitely keep it in mind.

I wanted to ask if you have any tips for interacting with clients and stakeholders. I’m still not very used to interacting through a camera, and I feel like that might be a challenge for me.

About automation testing, I see it mentioned a lot in posts and discussions. Is it what’s currently in high demand? Would you say it’s the best thing to learn right now to enter the QA field?

By the way, have you ever used any AI tools to help with interviews? For example, I’ve heard of Final Round AI, which supposedly helps a lot with its premium version. Have you had any experience with it or know anything about it?

Also, thank you for sharing your experience with LinkedIn Premium. I was actually thinking of getting it, but after reading your comment, I think I’ll pass on it for now.

Thanks again for all the help and for sharing your insights!

Best regards.

[friga10 (Godwin Friday Archibong)]

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