Software quality assurance (QA) is often an unsung hero in the development process, ensuring that applications function seamlessly and efficiently. Pertunia Tladi, a QA Engineer with a strong foundation in test automation, has carved a niche for herself in the tech industry. Her journey from software development to quality assurance is an inspiring tale of adaptability, continuous learning, and passion for ensuring high software standards.
A Career Shift from Development to QA
Pertunia began her career as a software developer but quickly realized that she wanted a role that would allow her to continue coding while avoiding some of the challenges that come with software development. “I applied for a test automation role and learned the necessary tools through YouTube and by collaborating with colleagues,” she shares. This proactive approach to learning set her on a path to mastering QA engineering, where she found fulfillment in automating tests and ensuring software reliability.
The Role of a QA Engineer in the Software Development Lifecycle
A QA Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring software quality by designing test cases, creating automated test scripts, and collaborating with developers and stakeholders. Pertunia explains, “I always try to implement the ‘test early in the process’ method, which means writing test cases before software development starts to identify challenges early.” This proactive strategy helps prevent major issues later in the development cycle.
A Day in the Life of a QA Engineer
Pertunia’s daily routine as a QA Engineer is structured and detail-oriented. Her day typically starts with a stand-up meeting with the development team to discuss priorities. She then reviews requirements and specifications before diving into test automation. “If the project prioritizes test automation, I spend time writing and maintaining automated test scripts,” she says. She also sets aside time for learning new tools and best practices to keep up with industry trends.
Essential Tools and Technologies in QA
To be effective in QA, engineers need to be proficient with a range of tools and frameworks. Pertunia relies on Jira, Excel, and Confluence for bug tracking and test case management. For automation, she primarily uses Selenium, Java, and Git. She recommends beginners start with Selenium, Cypress, and Playwright for web test automation, and Rest-Assured and Karate for API test automation.
Coding and Its Role in QA
While QA is often viewed as a testing-focused field, coding plays a significant role in automation. Pertunia learned programming during her BCom (Information Technology) studies, supplemented by YouTube tutorials, hackathons, and collaboration with colleagues. “The programming language I use most often is Java,” she says, emphasizing the importance of continuously refining coding skills.
Overcoming Technical Challenges
One of the most challenging issues Pertunia encountered was a system that needed to detect and process files as soon as they were dropped into a specific folder. “The listener would stop working when it became overloaded, causing files to go unprocessed,” she recalls. Through collaboration with developers and performance testing, she was able to identify and resolve the issue.
Keeping Up with Industry Trends
The tech industry evolves rapidly, requiring QA engineers to stay updated. Pertunia actively engages with LinkedIn communities, experiments with new tools, and continuously hones her skills. “Engaging with other professionals provides insights into the latest trends and tools,” she explains.
Advice for Aspiring QA Engineers
For those looking to break into QA, Pertunia advises learning at least one programming language, such as Python or Java, and gaining expertise in automation testing. She also emphasizes the importance of mentorship. “Find a mentor in the QA field who can guide you based on their experience,” she recommends. Creating small projects or contributing to open-source projects can also help build practical skills.
The Importance of Mentorship
Mentorship plays a crucial role in career development, and Pertunia finds fulfillment in guiding aspiring QA professionals. “I get a great sense of accomplishment when I see someone I’ve mentored achieve their goals and overcome challenges,” she shares.
Debunking Myths About QA Engineering
A common misconception about QA is that testing is a simple task that anyone can do. “In reality, testing requires a deep understanding of the application, industry knowledge, and automation skills,” Pertunia clarifies. She also highlights the importance of strong communication skills for effective collaboration with developers, business analysts, and stakeholders.
Challenges in QA Engineering
QA Engineers often struggle in environments that do not prioritize test automation, forcing them to rely heavily on manual testing. “The industry can support QA professionals by promoting test automation and investing in better tools and frameworks,” Pertunia suggests.
To address some of these challenges, she is working on launching a Testing Hackathon, an initiative that will bring together brilliant minds to solve real-world QA challenges and promote automation tools.
The Most Rewarding Part of QA Engineering
For Pertunia, the most rewarding part of her job is the continuous learning and improvement in automation. “I love optimizing my automation scripts and staying on top of new technologies,” she says.
As she continues to grow in her field, her passion for mentorship and automation will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of QA engineers.
About the Expert
Full Name:
Pertunia Tladi
Occupation & Industry:
QA Engineer, Software Testing & Automation
Qualifications & Institution:
BCom (Information Technology), University of the Free State
Pertunia Tladi is a skilled QA Engineer specializing in test automation. With a background in software development, she transitioned into QA to merge her passion for coding with quality assurance. She is dedicated to continuous learning, mentorship, and advancing automation practices in the industry. Her upcoming Testing Hackathon aims to bring together professionals to solve real-world QA challenges.
