Test Analyst Review

So as a Software Test Analyst, I run through lists of test cases which are steps for running different senarios on a piece of software. These will either pass, fail, block or descope, with fails requiring recording and raising to Developers, blocks being unblocked (e.g. if something hasn't been set up) and descope if its not relevant to the software/build being tested.

I have developed my Software testing skills, through both work and training. Also I've developed my software development skills from my background tasks at work and my Degree. This includes Node JS, C#, Java, etc, but more importantly the techniques and procedures for both Software testing and Software development.

I enjoy being able to work, as I learn new things, earn a relatively decent wage, and be provided with a Degree that suits my needs. I particularly enjoy how my company do their Degree Apprenticeship on-boarding, which involves 1 week induction to connect with other new Degree apprentices and the 2 months of daily University for the first module.

It seems structured. The Degree and Apprenticeship are sort of separate, with the Degree being the same as a full-time course, but done over the internet and with different timelines, but its all clear and we a re kept informed. With the Apprenticeship/Junior Talent, the training as a Test Analyst is celar with the levels of training, all staff have a Reviewer to help keep track of progress and submit score cards, which help with the quartly reviews for a possible promotion and/or pay rise.

A lot, Degree Apprentices are given the same opportunites, support and access as Graduates and normal staff. Plus with the communities, schemes, newsletters, etc there is a lot on offer. Plus, as my company is a consultancy, you sometimes get the benefit of having a second set of opportunities when working for/with a client company.

A lot, with the courses/training providers I've done/been doing, there is always plenty of material to use for revision and hands-on learning. Plus, contact details of the lecturer and sometimes other support staff are provided to all me to contact them if I ever need help on the content.

I am able to use the software development skills I learn on my course to create and provide tools to support my team, such as dashboards for showing data, and softwares to make configuration changes to files easier. Furthermore, it helps me better understand the software I'm testing, as I have an idea of how it is put together.

My company have something called "Communities of Practice" who try to learn, promote and teach subject areas like Artificial Intelligence, testing and Automation. I think there are also many other activities too, such as connect/collaborate sessions for staff working on/with the same client, and in the Junior Talent Community we sometimes have drinks after work on/near pay day.

Yes

I think its a good company to work for as it has lots of opportunites, both with work, social, skills, qualifications, etc. They say they were one of the first for providing a structured Degree Apprenticeship, and after being with them for half a year now, I can see that they've been doing this for a while now and know what they are doing.

Make sure its either Business Analysis or Software Development that you are interested in if you want to take this Apprenticeship, as that is what the Degree provided by Aston University covers. Furthermore, you want to be open to travelling and honest with the skills you've learnt. Keep your cool during interviews, especially the video interviews, as they can be intimidating, but are only there as a way to interview the large number of applicants.