Myths and Facts about a Career in Software Testing: A Comparison between Students’ Beliefs and Professionals’ Experience

Authors

Ronnie Souza Santos, Cape Breton UniverstyFollow
Luiz Fernando Capretz, University of Western OntarioFollow
Cleyton Magalhaes, CESARFollow
Rodrigo Souza, CesarFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-30-2023

Volume

40

Issue

5

Journal

IEEE Software

First Page

76

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1109/MS.2023.3267296

Last Page

84

Abstract

Testing is an indispensable part of software development. However, a career in software testing is reported to be unpopular among students in computer science and related areas. This can potentially create a shortage of testers in the software industry in the future. The question is, whether the perception that undergraduate students have about software testing is accurate and whether it differs from the experience reported by those who work in testing activities in the software development industry. This investigation demonstrates that a career in software testing is more exciting and rewarding, as reported by professionals working in the field, than students may believe. Therefore, in order to guarantee a workforce focused on software quality, the academy and the software industry need to work together to better inform students about software testing and its essential role in software development.

Notes

Doi: https://doi.org/10.1109/MS.2023.3267296

Citation of this paper:

1. Santos R.S., Capretz L.F., Magalhaes C., Souza R., Myths and Facts about a Career in Software Testing: A Comparison between Students’ Beliefs and Professionals’ Experience, IEEE Software, Volume 40, Issue 5, pp. 76-84, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/MS.2023.3267296, September/October 2023.