Insight into the work of an andagonaut

Many budding IT people wonder what the IT professional world is like while they are still studying. We give everyone who is thinking about their future profession an insight from two andagon insiders, Jeremias and Sebastian. Both came to andagon as career changers and had the slightest suspicions during their science studies that their path would one day lead them into the world of software testing.

From which field did you come to andagon?

Jeremias: I come from the field of mathematics and physics. So I am a career changer.

Sebastian: I also come from physics, but during my studies I was already very interested in computer science.

Were you already interested in IT during your studies? If yes, for what exactly?

Jeremias: IT was rather a side issue in my life and studies. I only became really interested in computer science and IT after graduation, when I started to think intensively about my career goals.

Sebastian: The studies themselves didn't really contribute to my interest. It was rather my own initiative to want to make more out of the initial interest in information.

Why andagon in particular?

Jeremias: Before reading the job posting at andagon, I had never heard of test automation. However, it sounded quite appealing. For me as a career changer an optimal offer.

Sebastian: I happened to come across andagon's job posting, which was explicitly addressed to graduates with science subjects like physics, mathematics, and chemistry.

How does the induction take place at andagon?

Jeremias: You get the hardware right away in the first week, then you have the ISTQB exam and then you go through the two-month onboarding, where you learn all the tools and programs that are necessary to work as a software tester.

Sebastian: In total, the onboarding takes 6-8 weeks. There are further trainings, certificates and the ISTQB exam at the end of the onboarding period, with which you make the technical-theoretical start. At andagon you get a lot of knowledge at the beginning, so that you are prepared in the best possible way.

How well known is the job description software tester?

Sebastian: In general, this is a rather unknown field for many in our environment, which is mostly associated with the term Quality Assurance. We believe there is just not enough information and education about the specifics and opportunities in a career as a software tester.

Which 3 hardskills make my life as a software tester easier?

Sebastian: Approach to the software and testing tools, programming skills.

Jeremias: Documentation of test cases, i.e. bug reports, test tools, programming skills

Which 3 soft skills make my life as a software tester easier?

Sebastian: In any case, active listening is the be-all and end-all with customers. This makes it easier for us to be able to offer solutions immediately. But communication is also part of the job. In many projects, different people work together, and communication between them has to work. This is the only way to complete a project successfully. In order to complete a project within a given time, software testers have to be well organized and able to plan ahead. Order is half the battle!

Jeremias: Sebastian has definitely mentioned the relevant soft skills. I would add that as a software tester you should have problem solving skills above all. Because that's what software testing is all about.

What do you think about the idea of an andagon academy? Would you recommend it to your environment?

Sebastian: It always depends on the specific goal. For people who have already acquired knowledge in the field of IT, the academy is a good addition. Further knowledge can be acquired and existing knowledge can be deepened. For newcomers, however, there is currently no way to enter the IT field without prior knowledge.

Jeremias: I think it's great to share your own knowledge with others. There I agree with Sebastian again completely. Especially the ISTQB exam I see as a possibility to deepen the knowledge for professionals with experience.

What do you recommend to arouse the interest of young people in the field of software testing?

Sebastian: It would be really cool to organize some kind of educational session already in university and show this area with all its possibilities. It's not so much about understanding what this field deals with, because the name software testing already speaks for itself. Young people should simply make more independent first steps with programs, tools and other software to arouse interest in this area.

Jeremias: To promote interest in IT among young people, I find practical tasks particularly beneficial. They help to get to grips with the subject.

What can you say about working at andagon in general?

Sebastian: andagon tries very hard to keep the team together and organizes a lot of events for the employees, be it a beer together after work on Friday or a remote cocktail course - there is something for everyone. A lot of time and commitment is also invested in the orientation phase, so that you are integrated in the best possible way. At andagon I can live out my passion for IT and get involved in exciting projects.

Jeremias: Team spirit is clearly the top priority at andagon. Working together with colleagues is a lot of fun, as is the supervision of different projects. I can pursue my affinity here and realize myself. I am glad that my path has led me to andagon!