Each year, aspirants enter the software industry through various roles. Software testing is one of these roles. If you are a beginner or planning to kick-start your career in software testing, this article will take you on a journey to some of the unknown and undiscussed aspects of this industry. We&#8217;ll also travel through the emotional aspects of software testing, exploring the stress, challenges, and strategies for staying sane in a high-stakes environment.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Testing_8211_An_Emotional_Activity">1 Testing &#8211; An Emotional Activity</a></li><li><a href="#Stress_Boosters_in_the_Software_Testing_World">2 Stress Boosters in the Software Testing World</a><ul><li><a href="#Work-Related_Factors">2.1 Work-Related Factors</a></li><li><a href="#Technology_Related_Factors">2.2 Technology Related Factors</a></li><li><a href="#Time-Related_Factors">2.3 Time-Related Factors</a></li><li><a href="#Communication_Factors">2.4 Communication Factors</a></li><li><a href="#Emotional_Factors">2.5 Emotional Factors</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Combating_Stress_with_Emotional_Intelligence">3 Combating Stress with Emotional Intelligence</a></li><li><a href="#Practical_Tips_8211_From_Experience">4 Practical Tips &#8211; From Experience</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-testing-an-emotional-activity">Testing &#8211; An Emotional Activity</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"></figure></div>



So, if you are still wondering whether software testing is a stressful job? 



Yes, it is. 



In a competitive world, a lot of jobs come with stress and pressure. 



So, what makes software testing different? Let&#8217;s look at some of the human aspects that touch the nerves of this profession, making it an emotional activity:



<ol><li>Time: Time pressure is a constant companion in the world of testing, amplifying the emotional toll of the job. As a testing professional, you will often find yourself with tight deadlines to test a new feature before it goes live. Every second counts as you race against time, ensuring that the product is stable and the user experience is seamless. Remaining calm and focused amidst the chaos is a trait, honed through experience and emotional intelligence.</li></ol>



<ol start="2"><li>Emotional Stress: Each bug discovered is a victory for software testers, but it also puts you in a situation where you are the messenger of bad news. When the whole team is cheering for the product to succeed, a tester celebrates finding critical issues in the product. This puts even the most seasoned testers into an emotionally stressful state.</li></ol>



<ol start="3"><li>Blame Game:  In cases when critical failures are found in production, testers are often the first people getting hammered. The pressure to diagnose, resolve, and prevent such slippage can be overwhelming, leading to heightened stress levels among testers.</li></ol>



<ol start="4"><li>Team Differences: Testing is a team game, and like any team, differences in mindset, culture, and interests add a layer of complexity to the job.</li></ol>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Software testers always go to heaven; they’ve already had their fair share of hell.”– Anonymous</blockquote>



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<h2 id="stress-boosters-in-the-software-testing-world">Stress Boosters in the Software Testing World</h2>



Now that we&#8217;ve explored the emotional landscape of testing, let&#8217;s understand the various factors that contribute to stress in the software testing world.



Activity: Use the below factors to calculate your stress score at work. Add “+1” for every factor that you face in your day-to-day work. By the end of this section, we will calculate your testing stress levels. 



<h3 id="work-related-factors">Work-Related Factors</h3>



<ol><li>High Expectations for Accuracy &amp; Coverage</li></ol>



Testing is not limited to writing test cases. It is also about ensuring comprehensive coverage and traceability reports. The pressure to leave no key aspect unchecked and untracked can be immense, leading to high stress levels.



2. Rigorous Attention to Identify Bugs



Testing requires a keen eye for detail and depth, as even the smallest oversight can lead to catastrophic bugs slipping through the gaps. High focus and attention lead to high stress levels.



3. Leaving No Stones Unturned



The fear of missing a critical area or variable in test design can keep testers up at night, driving them to push themselves.



4. High Stakes &amp; Impact on Missing Critical Issues



Today, the world runs on software. This raises the stakes and impact of missing critical issues. These things can have far-reaching consequences for both the product and as well as company&#8217;s reputation.



5. Project Complexity and Client Demands



Navigating complex projects with frequently changing / uncertain requirements or bleeding-edge technology needs can become a source of stress for testers. The situation aggravates when coupled with demanding clients who expect flawless execution amidst uncertainty.



<h3 id="technology-related-factors">Technology Related Factors</h3>



<ol><li>Keeping up with Continuous Learning Requirements</li></ol>



At present time, staying ahead of the curve requires testers to constantly upskill and expand their knowledge base, which is an overwhelming task.



2. Need for Adaptability to New Methodologies



As new methodologies and best practices emerge, like other tech workers, good testers need to be adaptable and willing to embrace change, adding another dimension of stress to the job.



3. Understanding Complex and Diverse Systems



Testing isn&#8217;t just about understanding the system from an end-user perspective; it&#8217;s also about navigating complex and diverse internal details of an application. This can be mentally taxing in certain projects.



<h3 id="time-related-factors">Time-Related Factors</h3>



<ol><li>Frequent Release Cycles Increasing Pressure</li></ol>



The pressure to deliver results quickly can lead to burnout among testers, especially when coupled with unplanned release cycles.



2. Managing Workload During Crunch Times



Shared testers among multiple projects lead to crunch times that can be stressful, as they&#8217;re tasked with juggling multiple deadlines simultaneously.



<h3 id="communication-factors">Communication Factors</h3>



<ol><li>Collaborating with Cross-Functional Teams</li></ol>



Testing involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, each with its priorities and objectives, leading to conflicts and misunderstandings.



2. Effectively Communicating Technical Issues



Documenting and communicating technical issues clearly and concisely can be challenging, especially when dealing with non-technical stakeholders. Lack of this skill can add to the stress levels.



3. Dealing with Conflicts and Differing Opinions



Conflicts and differing opinions are part of any team environment. Navigating these dynamics can be draining leading to cognitive dissonance for testers.



<h3 id="emotional-factors">Emotional Factors</h3>



<ol><li>Perception of Testing as a Less Prestigious Role</li></ol>



For most newcomers in the testing world, there is a common perception of testing being a less prestigious or useful role compared to development, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. While the perception is wrong, it can add to a lot of stress.



2. Sensitivity to Repetitive Tasks and Burnout



Testing can involve repetitive tasks, which can quickly lead to burnout if not managed effectively.



3. Experience and Skill Level



Junior testers may experience heightened stress levels due to a lack of experience and confidence in their abilities. Whereas, Senior testers may face stress from leadership responsibilities, such as mentoring junior team members and making high-stakes decisions.



Activity Analysis: If your score from the above activity is 8 or above, then you are working in a considerably stressful situation. To help you cope with stress, it is important to be conscious of your stress factors and find ways to reduce stress. 



P.S. Seek professional help if you feel stuck in a high-stress environment.



<h2 id="combating-stress-with-emotional-intelligence">Combating Stress with Emotional Intelligence</h2>



In the previous section, we discussed various stressors as well as emotional factors that lead to stressful situations for software testers. Good emotional and personal management can help combat these stressful situations. 



Let’s understand how can emotional intelligence (EI) help you combat stress.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"></figure></div>



So, what is Emotional Intelligence? 



It is the ability to manage both your own emotions and understand the emotions of people around you.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>High Emotional Intelligence (EI)</td></tr><tr><td>Characteristics</td><td>Helps with</td></tr><tr><td>Self-Aware</td><td>Anger Management</td></tr><tr><td>Self-Managed</td><td>Negative Thoughts</td></tr><tr><td>Socially-Aware</td><td>Criticism &amp; Conflicts</td></tr><tr><td>Good at Negotiations</td><td>Pressure and workload management</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Here are some strategies to get better at your emotional management and raising your overall emotional intelligence:



<ul><li>Reflect on your own emotions. Ask others for perspective when in doubt.</li><li>When criticized, don&#8217;t take offense. Instead, ask &#8220;What can I learn or offer?&#8221;</li></ul>



Check out this article by Prashant Hegde about Hanlon Razor available on Testsigma blog to get better at this:<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/why-testers-should-embrace-hanlons-razor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Why Testers Should Embrace Hanlon&#8217;s Razor (testsigma.com)</a>



<ul><li>Use &#8220;The Pause&#8221;. Avoid reacting to things immediately. You can always choose to take a pause instead of reacting quickly. Taking a “pause” creates an opportunity to think and choose a better response.</li><li>Explore the WHY behind stressful situations.<ul><li>Why does this person (subordinate, customer, manager, or teammate) feel this way? </li><li>What are they dealing with that I don&#8217;t see?</li><li>Why do I feel different than them?</li></ul></li><li>Build social awareness &amp; social skills such as:<ul><li>Persuasion. Recommended read:<a href="https://www.satisfice.com/blog/archives/487452" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"> Persuasion for Testers &#8211; Satisfice, Inc.</a></li><li>Influence. Recommended read:<a href="https://www.amazon.in/Secrets-Consulting-Giving-Getting-Advice/dp/0932633013" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> The Secrets of Consulting</a> </li><li>Negotiation. Recommended read:<a href="https://secretsofconsulting.blogspot.com/2006/05/yielding-to-pressure-vs-negotiating.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Yielding to Pressure vs. Negotiating</a></li><li>Leadership. Recommended read:<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/qa-lead-responsibilities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Leading Your QA Team to Success: Insights from a Head of QA (testsigma.com)</a></li><li>Conflict resolution &amp; Effective Communication. Recommended read:<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/effective-communication-for-testers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> How Testers Can Communicate Effectively in Today&#8217;s Business World (testsigma.com)</a></li></ul></li></ul>



<h2 id="practical-tips-from-experience">Practical Tips &#8211; From Experience</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"></figure></div>



Now that we&#8217;ve discussed the concept of emotional intelligence and how you can work towards raising your emotional intelligence, I want to share some practical tips from my own experience. 



I use these tips as a periodic self-reminder in times of stress and crisis. It works!



<ul><li>Every day, you make a choice. Know that it’s always in your control to make a choice.</li><li>Plan for small steps instead of overnight changes.</li><li>Reconsider negative events from a positive perspective: Try to focus on the positive aspects.</li></ul>



Tip: Ask yourself &#8220;What is the opposite of it?&#8221; to formulate a positive statement



<ul><li>Talk about solutions instead of problems<ul><li>Incorrect❌: The reported defects often have missed essential info on how to reproduce it</li><li>Correct ✅: Our bug reporting guide can mention what information is necessary to understand and fix defects. We can share that with our team of testers.</li></ul></li><li>Use Socratic Questioning: i.e., Question the thoughts that contribute to your anxiety. Ask yourself:<ul><li>“Are my thoughts based on facts or feelings?”</li><li>“How would my customers see this situation?”</li><li>“How likely is it that my anticipated risks will come true?”</li><li>“What’s most likely to happen in case of failures?”</li><li>“If this goes wrong, will it still matter in a week? A month? A year?”</li></ul></li><li>Do regular exercise &amp; meditation: There is no golden rule for it. Everyone has their approach and preference. Do whatever works for you but find ways to:<ul><li>Move your body</li><li>Calm your mind</li><li>Avoid straining your body</li><li>Live an ergonomic lifestyle</li></ul></li><li>Remind yourself: You have to spend 40 years here with your career.</li></ul>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">”Don’t sweat the small stuff, it’s all small stuff”Richard Carlson</blockquote>



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Is Software Testing a Stressful Job?Uncovering the Unknown Sides

Last few years, I have been reading and writing a lot on sustainability with performance and resilience testing. I already published 6+ articles and presented in couple of international conferences on this intense topic.&nbsp;



Organizations are now getting matured after digital transformations and already aware of the facts that performance and resilience testing assists in sustainability in below 2 ways:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>First, by making the application or websites faster (if application is faster, then it uses less data to serve the request and eventually it will generate less carbon to the environment)</li><li>Second, by optimizing the server resources (if server resources are optimized, then it consumes less energy which is better from sustainability perspective)&nbsp;</li></ul>



Organizations are also leveraging the benefits of cloud computing for cost savings as well as for sustainability. As a next step, organizations are now thinking about how they can uplift their performance testing process for better sustainability and less cost (in addition with ensuring enhanced end-user experience and confirming consistency).&nbsp;



In this blog, I will talk about my personal perspective on the matured performance and resilience testing for improved sustainability post-digital transformation along with continuous FinOps activities.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#While_Digital_Transformation">1 While Digital Transformation:</a></li><li><a href="#Post_Digital_Transformation">2 Post Digital Transformation:</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">3 Conclusion:</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="while-digital-transformation">While Digital Transformation:</h2>



In my earlier LinkedIn blog, I talked about organizations need to be very serious when conducting full-blown performance and resilience test executions for minimizing carbon footprint. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/organizations-need-very-serious-when-conducting-full-blown-dutta" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Source</a> 



Performance testing absolutely assists in reducing carbon footprint, however executing too many full-blown performance or resilience tests create higher carbon footprint. We all know automated testing is having better sustainability and performance testing is always automated. So, it is having less carbon footprint from that angle.&nbsp;



Then again, performance and resilience testing (load, stress, capacity planning, endurance, volume or game day testing or different kinds of resilience testing) is having a huge workload as it is driven by thousands of users if not millions. For the Internet of Things, there are millions of devices. This huge workload creates a higher carbon footprint.



So, while organizations are in the process of digital transformations and migrating towards cloud, full blown performance testing was necessary to ensure the as-is performance or improved performance for their end-users. Even organizations must think about the ongoing cloud cost (already talked about this in detail in EuroSTAR Huddle back in 2020: <a href="https://huddle.eurostarsoftwaretesting.com/applications-dont-run-fast-in-cloud-without-continuous-performance-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Source.</a>



Continuous performance testing and monitoring is absolutely required for happy end-users, for cost savings and for sustainability. Even, continuous performance testing is beneficial for cloud cost savings (FinOps). Organizations are already leveraging different techniques, processes, or methodologies to make the improved application performance which assists in less carbon footprint.&nbsp;



Adopting optimized resource driven high-availability concepts, application containerization or different web performance optimization practices both on client side and server side etc. are carried out to ensure reduced carbon footprint.&nbsp;



Cloud is using green and clean energy. Organizations are also ensuring green energy for their data centres. Organizations can also think about sustainable capacity planning for reduced carbon footprint, published in Quality Matters magazine. <a href="https://www.quality-matters.org/index.php?page=qm-issues-archive&amp;issue=15" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Source</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="post-digital-transformation">Post Digital Transformation:</h2>



We all know the main objective of performance and resilience testing services is to efficiently use all the system resources and that directly impacts energy efficiency. While with digital transformations, organizations are fully focused on ensuring optimum performance for end-users and optimum utilizations (thus by both saving cost and ensuring sustainability).&nbsp;



Post digital transformations, organizations will be more interested in less carbon footprint for all their SDLC activities along with cost savings without compromising the quality attributes. As performance and resilience testing is having huge workload, it becomes priority for organizations to look closely on performance testing activities to reduce carbon footprint.



First, unnecessary, or unplanned performance and resiliency test execution should be strictly avoided. Second, conducting full-blown performance and resilience testing in very low scalable environment or hardware/software configuration mismatch with the live environment should be strictly escaped. Both activities assist not only in reducing carbon footprint but also save a lot of effort and costs.&nbsp;



Third, Organizations should not conduct full blown performance testing frequently rather impact-based performance testing should be conducted. Once in a while, full blown performance testing will be good enough post-digital transformations until added huge workload.



&nbsp;Impact based performance testing will be having less workload and component level, resulting in less carbon emission. By identifying and resolving issues at the early component level will not only be cost-effective but also reduce energy consumption for debugging and fixing defects.



Fourth, time duration of performance testing or steady state duration should be reduced to have less carbon footprint (30 mins from 1 Hour or 2 hour). Long duration endurance testing should not be conducted frequently. Even for those conducted endurance test, execution window should not be more than 4 hours from 8 or 16 or 24 hours. Endurance testing workload should be average load instead of peak load.



Fifth, when performance test duration and user workload is reduced, huge amount of performance test data preparation activities simply will not be required. That will also minimize huge carbon footprint.&nbsp;



Sixth, when user workload is reduced, corresponding load generator or injector machine counts will also be reduced. Goal should be achieving more users with few resources. This again lowers the carbon emission.&nbsp; We should try to use cloud load generators, if possible, for better sustainability. Even efficient management of performance test environment (Pre-prod/Stage/Performance) and performance test lab environment (Controllers/Load Generators) are absolutely required for better sustainability.



Overall, impact-based, low volume, short duration, specific goal-oriented performance, and resiliency testing will be very helpful.&nbsp;



Seventh, conducting the performance and resilience testing at off-hours will lead to less carbon footprint. Even green testing techniques like optimizing the performance test scenarios will assist in reducing carbon footprint.



Eighth, on-premise organizations can use the existing hardware for a longer duration (extending the hardware lifespan for hardware efficiency) to reduce less carbon footprint and have less e-waste. Even try to evaluate the power consumption of background applications on mobile, devices and servers and, if possible, minimize it for better sustainability.



Ninth, organizations should also continuously look to reduce the amount of data transfer and distance that they cover (like using Content Delivery Work).



Tenth, using the emulator instead of real devices will be having less carbon footprint. In case of real devices, device lifecycles must be increased. For example, a device which is replaced in 3 years &#8211; try to extend it to 5 years. However, proper support from device organizations is also required so that device is effective in this changing technological world. Optimized device battery usage should be another way of sustainability.



In a nutshell, all the above reduce the costs and provide better sustainability. which every organization should be interested in, post digital transformation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conclusion">Conclusion:</h2>



Post digital transformation, organizations should be conducting performance testing in test early, test only when required instead of test always or test often fashion. Continuous impact-based low volume, shorter-duration <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/performance-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">performance testing</a> rather than always on, full volume, longer duration performance testing should be priority for better sustainability.

Performance & Resilience Testing for Improved Sustainability Post Digital Transformation

What is the cost of software quality in Software Testing

What is the cost of software quality in Software Testing?

Prompt Engineering for Testers: Unleashing the Power of LLMs

👨🏻‍💻 Introduction: Greetings to all the wonderful people out there! I am delighted to introduce myself as Vijayaraghavan, but you can simply call me Vijay. I have the privilege of working as a Quality Automation Specialist at NatWest Group.



👨🏻‍🏫 What an incredible year it has been for me, both personally and professionally! I started by attending some amazing conferences like TestFlix, Worqference, and Qonfx where I had the opportunity to learn and network with industry experts. And guess what? The year ended on a high note as I was invited to be a speaker at AZConf, Asia&#8217;s largest Cloud &amp;amp; AI Conference. It has truly been a journey of growth and achievement that I will always cherish! In my Personal life, Have been promoted to a father 👨‍👩‍👦



&nbsp;📅 One of the most significant meetups I attended this year was the Rave Test Party (RTP) Chennai meet-up. It was an incredible opportunity for me to engage in meaningful conversations and coordinate with my mentors. The Selector Hub tool list has been incredibly helpful in expanding my knowledge. Additionally, having the opportunity to meet and interact with testing superstars in person is an experience that I will forever cherish and hold dear.



📚 Embracing new technologies is crucial in today&#8217;s fast-paced world. During my learning journey, I had the opportunity to gain valuable insights and skills, such as attending a Terraform Bootcamp. Additionally, I completed certifications like Safe Agilist 6 and the AWS Solution Architect Associate exam. These experiences have enhanced my knowledge and prepared me to tackle innovative challenges in the ever-evolving tech landscape.



👨🏾‍🤝‍👨🏼 Community collaboration is a powerful force that allows us to make a significant impact. By actively engaging with different communities, such as through volunteering with AWS UG MDU and AWS UG NCR, we not only expand our networks but also contribute to the betterment of society. It is an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and collectively work towards creating positive change.



🤖&nbsp; Attending both virtual and in-person conferences offers a great opportunity to expand your knowledge and network. By participating in virtual conferences such as TestFlix, Qonfx, and Worqference, you have the chance to not only secure a respectable position on the leaderboard but also emerge as a winner in social contests. It&#8217;s an exciting way to make meaningful connections and showcase your expertise. Had the privilege of speaking about Amazon Rekognition, a groundbreaking AWS service for visual analysis, at Asia&#8217;s most prestigious cloud and AI conference.



🌈 Recognizing the value of continuous learning, I&#8217;m diligently participating in the 12-Week AWS Challenge Workshop and the 30 Days of JavaScript Challenge to enhance my skills and knowledge.



🤝 This year, I embarked on a journey of exploration, discovering innovative tools like <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a>, Browser Stack, SelectorHub, and Pynt. I&#8217;m thrilled to share my experiences and insights through videos on my YouTube channel.



🙏 Thank you for your patience and for taking the time to read my content. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year filled with joy, laughter, and love. May this festive season bring you closer to your loved ones and may the New Year usher in new beginnings and endless possibilities.☃︎🎅🎄❄️☃️🎁🦌&nbsp;&nbsp;



&#8212;



Thanks &amp; Regards



Vijay 🙂

QA Chronicles A Tester's Reflections Of The Year

QA Chronicles A Tester’s Reflections Of The Year

Dear Community,



As a tester, this year has been a unique journey for me—one filled with victories, setbacks, and invaluable lessons.



Let&#8217;s start with the wins:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>1. <a href="https://events.diversityq.com/EN/WITSummit_AwardsAsia2023/shortlist" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">WIT Asia Next Generation Leader of the Year</a> Finalist Award: It&#8217;s an honor to be recognized among exceptional talents shaping the future.</li><li>2. Nomination for <a href="https://womenawards.globant.com/2023/RisingStar/PrachiDahibhate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Globant Rising Star Award</a>: Being considered for this prestigious award is humbling and motivating.</li><li>3. Selected for BrowserStack Champion program: Joining a program that champions quality testing has been incredibly rewarding.</li><li>4. Selected for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cF83mz9atI" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Selectorshub Ambassador Program</a>: This opportunity to represent innovative tools is both exciting and fulfilling.</li><li>5. Surpassed 15k+ followers on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/prachi-dahibhate-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LinkedIn </a>&amp; 1.8k on <a href="https://twitter.com/DahibhatePrachi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>: Building a strong network within the testing community has been enriching.</li></ul>



Now, onto the flip side—the fails and bug tales:



This year wasn&#8217;t without its challenges. One of the notable failures I encountered was overlooking a critical edge case scenario in an e-commerce platform I was testing. I missed testing the checkout process with a specific combination of discount codes and payment methods, which led to a situation where users couldn&#8217;t apply certain discounts when using a particular payment gateway. It taught me the importance of thorough test planning and considering diverse user journeys. As for bug tales, there was this intriguing incident where a seemingly minor UI change caused a cascade of issues across various devices and browsers. What appeared as a simple adjustment in button placement resulted in functionality glitches, especially on older versions of certain browsers. It emphasized the necessity of comprehensive cross-browser and cross-device testing, even for seemingly small changes. My biggest learning from these experiences has been the significance of collaboration and communication. Engaging with developers, designers, and product managers early in the development cycle helped in better understanding requirements and identifying potential pitfalls. Building strong communication channels not only improved the testing process but also fostered a culture of shared responsibility for product quality. On a personal note, while these failures and bug tales might have been challenging, they&#8217;ve been invaluable in shaping my growth as a tester, reinforcing the importance of attention to detail, thorough testing methodologies, and effective collaboration within a team. Testing often involves navigating through uncertainties and unexpected scenarios. Staying flexible and open to learning from failures has been crucial in refining my approach as a tester. In the community, I&#8217;ve strived to share these experiences, posting regularly to contribute to our collective learning and growth.



Looking forward to more challenges and victories in the coming year!

My Wins, Fails, and Bug Tales A Year of Growth and Learning

My Wins, Fails, and Bug Tales: A Year of Growth and Learning

As the year 2023 gradually comes to a close, I find myself at the crossroads of contemplation, prepared to unravel the narrative of a year that was complex, unpredictable, and full of unexpected victories and concealed obstacles. The chapters of 2023 in my journey as a quality assurance engineer are filled with experiences that tested not only software, but also the limits of creativity, resiliency, and adaptability. Join me as I traverse through the labyrinth of experiences, wins, fails, experiments, and invaluable learnings that have shaped my journey in the ever-evolving field of software testing.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#The_Beginning">1 The Beginning</a></li><li><a href="#My_Experience_as_a_Quality_Assurance_Engineer">2 My Experience as a Quality Assurance Engineer</a></li><li><a href="#My_Wins">3 My Wins</a></li><li><a href="#My_Failures">4 My Failures</a></li><li><a href="#My_Learnings">5 My Learnings</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">6 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-beginning">The Beginning</h2>



The year kicked off with a mix of excitement and concern for me as a Nigerian who just completed her National Youth Service program, and was not sure of what next. Applying for the Graduate Trainee Program at Helium Health as a Quality Assurance Engineer marked the beginning of my journey in the field of software testing. Working in a health tech company, and being in charge of ensuring that the digital health solutions are reliable and of high standards was the highlight of the year 2023.&nbsp;



Before I became a QA Engineer, I never knew that a field such as QA or software testing existed, as opposed to the popularity of other tech areas like Web Development, Product Design, and others. Although I was a bit skeptical about the niche because I was yet to fully understand the role that QA engineers and software testers play in the software industry, now, I can confidently say that “Software testers and Quality Assurance Engineers are the unsung heroes in software development.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="my-experience-as-a-quality-assurance-engineer">My Experience as a Quality Assurance Engineer</h2>



My experience in the field of QA has been nothing short of amazing, definitely came with a lot of challenges. However, I would say that my already established background in Software Development as a Front-End Developer made my journey easier and more enjoyable. I took some courses to fully immerse myself in the niche, a big shoutout to Tarek Roshdy, who I believe is one of, if not the best tutor on Udemy when it comes to Software Testing. I found his style of teaching really enjoyable and I really love how he is able to explain concepts in a way that makes it easy for even beginners to understand.&nbsp;



Fast forward to when the Senior QA Engineer started assigning projects to me, I felt like I was not ready to start taking on projects, which was one of the lessons I learnt that you can never validate your learning and knowledge if you do not apply them. Writing test cases definitely shaped my way of thinking because one thing I learnt is that, as a tester, you have to put yourself in the shoes of every potential user of an application or product, to achieve optimal results.



Also in the year 2023, I got a job opportunity as a Freelance Technical Writer at Testsigma, and this also marked the beginning of my career in Technical writing. Writing on the different blog articles increased my level of knowledge and research in software testing, because as a technical writer, you have to convey technical information in the simplest and uncomplicated way possible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="my-wins">My Wins</h2>



Celebrating wins is an integral part of my QA journey. The wins of 2023 were not just moments of celebration, they were also milestones that signaled the triumph of innovation, hard work, and resilience. In 2023, I was offered a full-time employment at Helium Health as a Junior Quality Assurance Engineer after the six-month Graduate Trainee program. At the end of the program, I could proudly say that I had gained significant skills in <a data-wpil="url" data-wpil="url" data-wpil="url" data-wpil="url" href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a>. I could write and execute test cases, bug reports, and test reports and also conduct performance, regression, and usability testing. This might not seem like a lot of progress, but I count it as one because I knew where I started from, and it was only evident that I had put in a lot of work.



Collaboration emerged as a key theme in my wins column. Creating efficient tools for cross-functional collaboration—especially with developers—led to a more unified approach to quality assurance. The testing team was able to establish a symbiotic relationship with the development team, resulting in faster bug resolution and smoother integration of new features.



Perhaps one of the most satisfying wins was the successful execution of a complex performance testing strategy. Simulating real-world scenarios and stress-testing applications under heavy loads revealed potential bottlenecks and vulnerabilities. Mitigating these issues before deployment not only enhanced the overall user experience but also prevented costly downtimes, marking a significant win for both the testing team and the organization.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="my-failures">My Failures</h2>



In the pursuit of triumphs, failures are inevitable. Several testing approaches that looked good on paper fell apart when confronted with practical situations. Also as someone who was still struggling, I found it difficult to understand some of the tasks given to me by the Senior QA Engineer. There were times when it would take a long time for me to complete certain tasks because it took a while for me to understand the concepts. I remember vividly when he asked me to conduct a load test on a certain application. I had to utilize a lot of resources to get the job done, however, the good feedback I got from him was more than enough to compensate for the tons of work I had to do. Acknowledging failures became a stepping stone for improvement for me. Embracing failure not as a setback, but as a guide to refinement, proved to be a key takeaway from the year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="my-learnings">My Learnings</h2>



Amidst the ups and downs of experiences, the wins, and the failures, the true essence of 2023 lies in its profound lessons. Each challenge, setback, and triumph became a chapter in the ongoing saga of growth and self-discovery.&nbsp;



I learnt that adaptability is the cornerstone of successful testing in an ever-changing technological landscape. In a field where rapid technological advancements can quickly rewrite the laws, being adaptable and welcoming of change has become more than a survival ability. One lesson ingrained in my professional ethics is the capacity to adapt approaches, tools, and strategies in reaction to evolving trends. Continuous upskilling and staying abreast of industry trends became non-negotiable, ensuring that I remained at the forefront of cutting-edge testing practices.



I also learnt that my relationship with people will determine how good I am at my job, because if you are not productive with people, there is a limit to how far you can go.



The remote work revolution demanded a recalibration of communication strategies. Navigating the nuances of virtual collaboration became an art in itself. Learning to convey complex testing scenarios and insights effectively through digital channels wasn&#8217;t just a necessity for me, it was a revelation in the power of clear, concise communication, a skill that extended beyond testing scenarios into everyday professional interactions.



Perhaps the most transformative learning of 2023 was the recognition that being a QA engineer wasn&#8217;t just about finding bugs, it was about being a proactive contributor to the entire software development lifecycle. Shifting from a gatekeeper mentality to a collaborative partner in quality became a paradigm shift that altered the way I approached testing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



As I pen down my reflections on the year 2023, I realize that being a tester is not just a profession but a dynamic journey of growth, resilience, and perpetual learning. Each experience, win, fail, and experiment has contributed to the evolving narrative of my testing odyssey. Here&#8217;s to embracing the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead, as I navigate the ever-shifting currents of software testing in the years to come.

MY REFLECTIONS OF THE YEAR 2023 AS A TESTER

Hello there,



As we near the end of 2023, I sit back and reflect on it. It went pretty fast like every other year 🙂



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2022 was a super busy year with many talks, blogs, and workshops. This year, I had to focus on multiple things and upskilling. So I had to invest time in learning, reading, spending quality time with my family, focusing on my health, etc. I love writing, and it&#8217;s always been my favorite space. I wrote many blogs this year too.



When I think about 2023, I can&#8217;t help but wonder about the beginning and the twists and turns that happened. This year is not just about testing, another year of learnings, failures, travels, giving back to the community, blogs, and so on. And yes, my love for API still grows, it will never fade.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Wins_8211_Conquering_New_Horizons">1 Wins &#8211; Conquering New Horizons:</a></li><li><a href="#Fails_8211_Embracing_the_Lessons">2 Fails &#8211; Embracing the Lessons:</a></li><li><a href="#Biggest_Learnings">3 Biggest Learnings</a></li><li><a href="#Sending_off_2023">4 Sending off 2023!!</a></li><li><a href="#A_Message_for_2024_8211_Embrace_the_Unknown">5 A Message for 2024 &#8211; Embrace the Unknown</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-wins-conquering-new-horizons">Wins &#8211; Conquering New Horizons:</h2>



It might be a bit boring listing down my achievements, but this is not about bragging (maybe a little 😁) It is my self-reflection, and many pleasant memories surfaced while writing this blog. I hope the tales below inspire you rather than annoy you 😊



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I am proud of many of my achievements, the most notable of which is that I traveled to the United States and presented at the Agile Testing Days conference. The audience loved my workshop, it&#8217;s about API Testing. I took my family along, and they were so proud of me and yes we had a wonderful holiday after the conference. The United States was always my dream, and when I got through the paper selection, I was most excited and glad I could make it to the conference.



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In recognition of Women&#8217;s History Month, I am delighted to announce that I am listed among the top 100 women in technology to follow and learn from. This is a really inspiring and diverse list. I am honored to be included on this incredible list:<a href="https://lnkd.in/gT-kn3cc"> https://lnkd.in/gT-kn3cc</a>



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I have been nominated for the<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/globant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Globant</a> Awards 2023 under the &#8220;𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫&#8221; category ❤️



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I traveled to a few conferences, and when I got invited to a Software Testing conference in Malaysia, I couldn&#8217;t expect anything more 🙂 How wonderful it is to be able to attend a fantastic conference from your location 😍



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I presented on a topic about &#8220;Career Branding&#8221; to my fellow Billenials. They enjoyed the talk and many started to work on their branding and I am so elated to see the improvements after my talk. Isn&#8217;t that every speaker looks forward to? This one topic and this session, remain close to my ❤️



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I am deeply honored to have received the prestigious &#8220;Best Test Leader&#8221; award by LambdaTest and I couldn&#8217;t be more grateful for this recognition. This award isn&#8217;t just about me; it&#8217;s about the incredible individuals whom I have had the pleasure of working with, the obstacles we&#8217;ve tackled together, and the unwavering support of mentors, my team, colleagues, and friends who have served as a guiding light ⚡



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I celebrated four years with Billennium this September.



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I am thrilled and deeply humbled to share that I am listed as one of the &#8220;Strong Women in IT 2023&#8221; by the<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/strong-women-in-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Strong Women in IT</a> community. This recognition means the world to me, and I am immensely grateful to everyone who has been a part of my journey ❤️ You can read the report here:<a href="https://lnkd.in/gJMQFsBY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://lnkd.in/gJMQFsBY</a>



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AI is Everywhere, and this year there&#8217;s been a lot of hype around that topic. As a Tester, we need to learn about the tech and tools. So I dived deep and took many courses regarding AI and Machine Learning. I had a great time learning and that&#8217;s how the topic of &#8220;Prompt Engineering&#8221; picked my interest. The LLMs behind the AI systems are evolving. They might not be a replacement for humans, but they can assist you to SOME EXTENT. I realized that learning how to write efficient prompts makes a big change to the output from the AI Systems. So based on it, I gave a talk about it at this year&#8217;s TestFlix.



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<h2 id="h-fails-embracing-the-lessons">Fails &#8211; Embracing the Lessons:</h2>



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Ah, yes you read it right. After seeing all the above achievements, did you think Pricilla&#8217;s life was perfect? Oh no my friend! Nothing is perfect.



This year, I encountered my fair share of failures and glitches that made me question my abilities. But with each failure came a valuable lesson. Yes, trust me.



On the work front, there were a lot of changes in the hierarchy, ways of working which were a bit stressful and needed to be more adaptive. We all survived though. Fortunately, I have a great team, they were very supportive and caring ❤️



I was handling a lot of mental struggle, which made me unfit to focus and hampered my concentration. And yes some health issues, which made me motivated to lose a few pounds. I feel much better now 😍 and gearing up for 2024!!



<h2 id="h-biggest-learnings">Biggest Learnings</h2>



As every year, 2023 gave and taught me so much.



In the ever-evolving world of <a data-wpil="url" data-wpil="url" data-wpil="url" data-wpil="url" href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a>, the biggest learnings often extend beyond the lines of code. Testing is not just about finding bugs; it&#8217;s about building bridges between teams, fostering a culture of shared responsibility, and ensuring that the final product is usable. I learned the importance of usability and accessibility of the products, which made me learn and implement more about it.



Some things can wait, so no pressure. One at a time, and not overwhelm yourself. Even if not, it&#8217;s fine. I can be okay without knowing everything.



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<h2 id="h-sending-off-2023">Sending off 2023!!</h2>



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As the year comes to a close, I&#8217;m grateful for the victories, humbled by the failures, and inspired by the stories that molded my path. Reading about the layoffs and people losing jobs was so painful, and I am glad that I have a job and I love doing that ❤️ I tried to help many through my free mentoring classes, master classes, blogs, and talks.



It has been a journey of discovery, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of a software tester navigating the ever-evolving seas of technology.



<h2 id="h-a-message-for-2024-embrace-the-unknown">A Message for 2024 &#8211; Embrace the Unknown</h2>



As we stand on the cusp of a new year, my wish for our testing community is to embrace the unknown with courage and curiosity. May your wins be plentiful, your failures be stepping stones to greatness, and your bug tales be stories that spark the imagination. Let&#8217;s continue to build bridges, share knowledge, and navigate the ever-shifting currents of technology with resilience and a pioneering spirit.



Here&#8217;s to a year of learning, resilience, upskilling, and the steadfast spirit of a tester navigating the ever-changing technological environment. Happy testing, and cheers to the limitless possibilities that lie ahead in the lines of code and beyond ❤️



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A Whirlwind of Emotions in 2023 Self-Reflection

A Whirlwind of Emotions in 2023: Self-Reflection

In the ever-evolving landscape of software development, the role of testing has become increasingly crucial. Skills are the most important thing any role can be complemented with. A skill is vital and can help one reach the objectives and goals in their career. For a tester in specific, all skills learnt from day one can help reach their aims as well as carry it with them in every role they decide to switch to. 



A tester’s role is beautiful, as it allows one to either be technical, be a tester with exceptional business acumen, or have both. A tester can paint their own canvas with the skill set they carry with them. No skill will be outdated as long as one keeps up with the new trends. To excel in this field, one must possess a comprehensive set of testing skills. In this blog post, we will explore the essential skills that make a proficient tester.



“The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways” Robert Greene. A software tester is full of skills and that&#8217;s what makes them stand out!



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_Skills_should_a_Tester_Carry_with_Themselves">1 What Skills should a Tester Carry with Themselves?</a></li><li><a href="#Interviews_and_new_jobs">2 Interviews and new jobs</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">3 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-skills-should-a-tester-carry-with-themselves">What Skills should a Tester Carry with Themselves?</h2>



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Skills are very important for everyone, however it&#8217;s important to know there are two types of skills a tester can focus on; Soft Skills and technical skills. Soft skills are really useful not just to a tester but to all tech roles as these are needed when convincing a team, bringing in change to a team, interviewing, being interviewed, or even presenting an idea to your team, etc. Let&#8217;s have a deep dive into what are the vital skills for a tester.



Analytical and Critical Thinking:



<ul><li>Successful testers possess strong analytical and <a href="https://www.betterup.com/blog/critical-thinking-skills" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">critical thinking skills</a>. They are adept at breaking down complex systems into smaller, manageable components, identifying potential risks, and evaluating the impact of different scenarios on the software.</li></ul>



Attention to Detail:



<ul><li>The devil is in the details, especially in the world of software testing. Testers need a keen eye for detail to catch even the smallest defects that could potentially disrupt the user experience. Thoroughness in reviewing requirements, test cases, and test results is crucial.</li></ul>



Effective Communication:



<ul><li>Clear and concise communication is essential for testers to convey their findings to developers, project managers, and other stakeholders. Whether documenting test cases, reporting bugs, or participating in team discussions, effective communication fosters collaboration and ensures everyone is on the same page.</li></ul>



Technical Proficiency:



<ul><li>Testing is a technical discipline, and testers should have a solid understanding of the technologies they are working with. This includes knowledge of programming languages, database systems, and the ability to work with various testing tools and frameworks.</li></ul>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/test-planning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test Planning</a> and Documentation:



<ul><li>Creating a robust test plan is a cornerstone of successful testing. Testers should be skilled in developing comprehensive test plans that cover all aspects of the software. Additionally, the ability to create detailed and well-organized <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-documentation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test documentation</a> is vital for maintaining a traceable record of testing activities.</li></ul>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Automation Testing</a>:



<ul><li>As software development cycles become shorter and more iterative, automation testing has become a key skill for testers. Proficiency in using automation testing tools not only accelerates the testing process but also enhances the efficiency and reliability of test executions.</li></ul>



 <button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Automate your end-to-end tests for web, mobile, desktop applications and APIs, 10x faster, with Testsigma</a></button> 



Adaptability:



<ul><li>The software development landscape is dynamic, with constant changes in technologies and methodologies. Testers must be adaptable and ready to embrace new tools, methodologies, and processes to keep up with the evolving industry trends.</li></ul>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/regression-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Regression Testing</a>:



<ul><li>Testers need to be proficient in regression testing, ensuring that new features or changes do not negatively impact existing functionalities. This skill is essential for maintaining the overall stability and reliability of the software.</li></ul>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/performance-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Performance Testing</a>:



<ul><li>Understanding how a software application performs under different conditions is crucial. Testers should be skilled in performance testing to assess factors such as responsiveness, scalability, and stability under varying loads.</li></ul>



Security Testing:



<ul><li>With the increasing number of cyber threats, security testing has become a critical aspect of software testing. Testers need to be aware of common security vulnerabilities and be able to identify and mitigate potential risks.</li></ul>



Read here on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/chatgpt-in-testing-industry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ChatGPT in Testing</a>



<h2 id="h-interviews-and-new-jobs">Interviews and new jobs</h2>



Testers will keep evolving their skills and their experiences if and when they find interesting offers in the market. However, sometimes, job specifications and interviewers look for specific skills. This does not mean that one should not apply for such role; one can apply and still get selected. It is not always about the certifications and professional boards you are connected to, but about how one is as a tester and how one can bring fresh ideas to the table, yet learn from the new company, too. Therefore, the message here is, that do not feel low when specifications mention specific skills; go ahead and make the most of it.



Read here on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/prompt-engineering-for-testers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prompt Engineering for Testers</a>



<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



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Mastering the art of testing requires a combination of technical expertise, analytical thinking, and effective communication. As software continues to advance, the role of testers will remain pivotal in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, reliable products. Remember, there is no perfect tester or a specific skill that makes one perfect. It is all about exploring and learning throughout a journey.  By honing these essential testing skills, testing professionals can contribute significantly to the success of software development projects and the satisfaction of end-users.