Technology doesn’t wait for anyone. Tools change, methods evolve, and the way we work in QA has to keep up. In fact, these roles have undergone dramatic shifts over the past few years and will continue to do so in the near future. For instance, State of Software Quality Report 2024 by Katalon reveals that 52% of QA engineers say their roles now require expertise in automation and tools that weren’t part of their daily work just a few years ago. Automation, AI, and machine learning are driving the industry forward, transforming how testing is performed—from manual checks to predictive and autonomous testing systems. If you want to level up and ensure your experience stays relevant, it’s time to dive into new tools and approaches. Here are some practical strategies to boost your skills and stay ahead of the curve:

1. Stay Updated with the Latest Trends

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, but it’s important to stay informed. Join online communities, follow blogs, and engage in forums to stay connected with what’s happening in the world of QA. Here are a few key recommendations:

• Ministry of Testing – Forums, resources, and global events focusing on best practices and industry advancements.
• Test Automation University – Free courses on automation, plus an active community discussing current tools and methodologies.
• Software Testing Club – Another space to solve doubts, share experiences, and connect with other professionals.
• Reddit (r/QualityAssurance, r/softwaretesting) – QA-focused subreddits where testers share tips, discuss tools, and stay updated on trends.
• Selenium Community – Perfect for those into automation, offering updates, resources, and discussions specific to Selenium.

2. Strengthen Your Coding Skills

Programming skills are more important than ever in QA. Languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript are key if you want to automate testing. Don’t worry if you’re not there yet—there are plenty of courses and certifications to help you catch up quickly. Learning scripting will not only speed up your processes but also improve your automation capabilities.

3. Get Hands-On with Tools and Frameworks

The theory is important, but nothing beats hands-on experience. Spend time with tools like Selenium, Appium, or JIRA to get familiar with them. If you’re new to any of them, start small with manageable tasks to build confidence. The more you practice, the easier it will be to master these tools and enhance your testing process.

4. Build a Portfolio

As you improve, document your progress. Create test cases or work on sample projects to showcase your skills. A portfolio not only tracks your growth but also serves as evidence when you’re ready to take on new opportunities. Having a well-rounded portfolio gives you something concrete to show for your learning efforts.

If you're facing this challenge, you can start by checking out our guide on optimizing your QA Engineer portfolio.

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Effective Ways to Sharpen Your QA Skills

Solo practice is great, but collaborative work is just as important. Here are a few ways to keep improving:

• Join Group Projects – Getting involved in group projects or QA challenges can help you learn from others and simulate real-world scenarios.
• Tackle Freelance or Personal Work – Whether it’s personal or freelance, working on various types of tasks helps refine your problem-solving skills and opens up new perspectives.
• Seek Feedback – Don’t underestimate the power of feedback. Participating in code reviews or forums can highlight areas for improvement and help you refine your techniques.

How to Keep Improving Over Time

Growth isn’t an overnight thing. Here are some ideas to keep your progress steady:

• Set Clear Goals – Create achievable, measurable goals, such as earning a certification or automating a certain number of test scripts. Regular goals help you stay on track.
• Commit to Continuous Learning – Online learning platforms and local courses are great for staying current. Certifications are also a good way to prove your expertise and keep your knowledge fresh.
• Review Your Past Work – Look back on your previous projects to spot areas you can improve. Regularly reflecting on your work helps you fine-tune your approach and continue progressing.

Seek New and Inspiring Places to Cultivate Your Talent

Part of upskilling is challenging yourself to test your expertise in new industries, tech products, and cultural environments. That’s why you should take a look at our Open Positions, where you can apply and work with some of North America's most forward-thinking companies.

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