There are several ways to build a career in IT. You can learn a programming language and framework and then expand your knowledge in parallel with your work. You can learn manual testing and eventually master automation or learn to develop into a team leader. So where should you start?
In this article, we’ll compare two of the most popular jobs in IT: Frontend Developer (Programmer) and QA Engineer (Tester). Get ready: there will be many examples, facts, and figures.
VS Code – a developer working environment
The programmer solves more complex, non-standard technical problems. Ideally, the programmer accepts challenges and likes to create. Ultimately, this is a very responsible job because his code affects the product’s final appearance.
The tester tests the work of websites, programs, and applications. A tester looks for errors and describes them. The tester ensures that everything works properly and looks good.
- Examines the terms of reference (what should work and how).
- Determines the testing methodology and method.
- Obtains or compiles a test plan and test cases.
- Methodically checks the site for each requirement.
- Tests the software code of the site, if necessary.
- Prepares a report and delivers it to the developer.
Checklist for testing the site
A novice tester doesn’t write code, so he doesn’t have to be a techie. He must be able to think critically, ask questions, and understandably describe problems. For this, a tester needs concentration, diligence, and attention to detail. A good tester is a perfectionist.
How long does it take to study
Learning Front End by yourself isn’t easy. If you study 2-3 hours a day, it’ll take you 12-18 months to learn JavaScript alone. You’ll need books, videos, and iron discipline. To progress faster, you should find a mentor – a friend or colleague with development experience who can give you advice and support.
In 6 months, you will learn the Front End profession through the online course. Here you’ll learn about the program and work with a mentor and a tutor. The classes happen in the evenings, so many people combine the training with work. But the best thing about the course is getting feedback on your assignments. And that means you grow faster.
It takes 6-10 months to learn the basics of testing yourself. Having a clear plan, setting aside 2-3 hours a day, and having materials is all it takes. There is plenty of information on the Internet. But be prepared that you’ll have to analyze and structure many things. Your task after the training is to get into an IT company and gain real experience.
With the QA online course, you can master the profession in 3 months. You’ll work with a mentor and instructor on a ready-made program. The training occurs in live broadcasts in the evening and can coincide with work. Most promising students get internships in IT firms even before graduation.
How easy is it to find a job
Both jobs lead to some openings in the IT field. Let’s look at the statistics for the year and the current job positions at the time of publication of this article.
Front-End Developer:
- 2021-2031 will be hot for web designers and developers – 23%
- Philippine front-end developer job openings as of March 7, 2023 – 1,103
Today JavaScript is the most widely used programming language, 2/3 of developers know it. The market is full of products written in JavaScript. For example, 95% of all websites run in JavaScript. So there will be a need for Front End Developers in the future.
Number of job openings in IT by category
Tester:
- Total job openings for the year – 11,201
- Growth by the end of the year – 77%
- Glassdoor reports open IT jobs in the Philippines – 4,886
It’s easier for testers to find their first job because their demands are lower initially. But QA tasks are no less demanding. Companies must test websites, applications, games, banking services, robots, etc. This work isn’t bound to technologies and programming languages, allowing specialists to choose and switch between projects.
Who gets paid what?
A beginner in Front-End Developer earns 20% more than in testing. The amount increases rapidly with experience, especially if one learns new languages and frameworks.
- In SalaryExpert’s survey, Senior JavaScript Developer – P247,320/mo
- As per Indeed, Middle JavaScript Developer – P135,300/mo
- In PayScale, Junior JavaScript Developer – P49,500/mo
The salaries of Automation QA specialists are almost a third higher than those of Manual QA specialists.
It’s better to try it once than to read a lot about IT. Sign up for one of the free marathons and test your skills: a website layout marathon or a testing marathon. Classes occur in the evenings, and mentors and instructors help with practice. Get a head start in IT!
