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Good question. It’s true that it’s easy to find bugs in software. Applications are updated constantly and many times are delivered with bugs, partly due to the rapid development and lack of complete testing. Although it’s easy to find bugs as a casual user, the process of finding and effectively reporting bugs to ensure timely delivery of code fixes is a learned skill that requires training.
I believe you get what you pay for. It’s true that a lot of information is free and available via the internet. If you have the time and the discipline to create a training plan for yourself and can spend enough time on online searches for testing information, that may be a way to teach yourself. If you choose to take a Software Testing Trainer course instead, all of that work will be done for you, plus you’ll get the benefit of learning from an instructor with 40 years of experience in the software business.
It will vary based on the type of application you work with. But there are some constants such as creating test plans, strategies, and scripts. Also working with users and developers to assist in testing and delivering the best possible product to your users. That’s your mission and the part that excites me the most as a professional software tester.
If you’re unsure, I’d recommend taking one of the free introductory courses. Then if you feel like you’d like to continue your training, invest in the full Introduction to Software Testing course.
Definitely not. Although automated testing is a great time-saving tool for certain uses, it will never replace a skilled manual tester. Humans use software, so humans will alway have to test software to ensure a satisfactory user experience. Also, if you do development an interest in automated testing – a person (you – as a skilled professional tester) still have to develop the automated test scripts.
The demand for skilled testers is high and growing constantly. Training helps. Training + passion is an unbeatable combination. While there are no guarantees, finding your first position as a professional tester will just be a matter of applying for positions that appeal to you + perseverance.