What’s Next After QA?
How Upskilling led me to Android Development

The shift from QA to Android development was intimidating, but ultimately, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Moving from testing to building required me to upskill, and though the transition had its challenges, the rewards have been incredible. In this article, I’ll share my journey and the tips that helped me along the way, so you can take the leap with confidence.

The QA Starting Point

I began my career at Forty Degrees Celsius as a Quality Assurance (QA) Tester. In this role, my responsibility was to identify errors in web applications to ensure that the app met the required standards for optimal user experience. As a manual QA tester, my work revolves around testing features and identifying bugs across different environments. Over time, the process became routine, and after two years, I found myself questioning my long-term growth. Would I continue to learn and be challenged if I spent the next 3-5 years testing the same app with familiar features and recurring bugs?

The idea of transitioning to a new role was on my mind, but it came with its own set of pros and cons. Weighing my options, I knew upskilling could be the key to new opportunities—it was just a matter of taking the next step.

Shifting from QA to software development requires a strong technical foundation, including proficiency in coding, design patterns, and complex algorithms. Additionally, adapting to new technologies and workflows presents a learning curve, making continuous upskilling essential for productivity and growth.

However, this shift also brings significant advantages, such as expanded career opportunities, higher earning potential, and greater job satisfaction. Developers play a more integral role in the software lifecycle, contributing to the creation and improvement of applications rather than solely focusing on testing.

The Spark of Change

I’ve always had a passion for coding, and at one point, I explored learning automation. However, due to the demands of my work, I couldn’t continue my learning journey at the time. Yet, that initial spark was enough to remind me of my long-standing desire to be a developer. I realized that coding was the path I wanted to pursue. Before making the decision to transition from QA to development, it’s essential to assess your current technical skills and understand what additional training or experience you may need. It’s equally important to explore the various development roles available to determine which aligns best with your interests and career goals.

For me, the desire to expand my role in the tech field, moving beyond testing, was a key motivator in making this transition. However, the journey wasn’t easy. Having been away from coding for some time, I found myself needing to refresh my skills. It took almost a year of consistent learning and practice to feel comfortable again.

The Learning Curve

One approach that helped ease the transition was applying my testing experience in a new way. Instead of just identifying bugs, I took it a step further by trying to fix them. This not only helped me understand the code better but also gave me hands-on experience with the development process.

If you enjoy creating things and solving complex problems, a career in development can be incredibly rewarding. However, this experience may not resonate with every QA professional who transitions into development, as each individual’s perspective and motivations will vary. Despite the challenges I faced, this decision is one I do not regret.

In QA, technical skills certainly provide an advantage, although they’re not strictly necessary for the role. In contrast, having strong technical knowledge is crucial in development. A solid understanding of code, the ability to debug issues, and familiarity with software architecture not only enhances your development work but also helps make the entire process more efficient and impactful.

You might be wondering whether a degree in Computer Science, IT, or Software Engineering is required to become a developer. The short answer is no. While a formal degree can be a valuable asset, it’s far from a necessity. Many successful developers come from non-traditional backgrounds, such as self-taught programmers, coding bootcamp graduates, or career changers. What matters most is your ability to learn, problem-solve, and adapt to new challenges. The tech industry prioritizes practical skills and experience, so as long as you’re dedicated and willing to put in the effort, you can thrive in this field.

The Road Ahead

To wrap up, while being a developer can be more stressful than testing, I find it far more rewarding. The constant challenge, the satisfaction of solving problems, and the thrill of fixing bugs make the profession deeply fulfilling. It’s a career that brings both highs and lows—there are moments of smooth sailing where everything works perfectly, and moments when you feel stuck, fighting against a persistent bug with deadlines looming. However, the satisfaction of creating applications that users love makes every challenge worthwhile. Your QA background isn’t a limitation—it’s a unique advantage that can help you become an exceptional developer.

It’s important to embrace both the praise and constructive criticism from your peers, as feedback helps you grow. Humility and a willingness to learn from those who have more experience are essential in becoming a better developer. Every challenge presents an opportunity to learn, and every success reaffirms why we choose this path. Ultimately, the journey from QA to development is one of constant growth, and the rewards far outweigh the challenges.

For tech professionals seeking to advance their careers, Forty Degrees Celsius Inc offers comprehensive upskilling programs in Web Development, iOS Development, Android Development, System Engineering, and QA to Development transitions. With dedicated training paths and practical project experience, they ensure professionals can confidently step into new technical roles and thrive in today’s dynamic tech landscape. The journey to becoming a skilled developer or engineer is challenging but achievable with the right support and resources—and Forty Degrees Celsius Inc is committed to providing that foundation for growth.