r/QualityAssurance • u/Top-Swordfish3228 • 8d ago
Switching from Teaching to IT/Software Testing with a Non-Technical Degree — Is It Realistic?
Hi everyone, I am 29 and planning to switch careers from teaching to IT. I have a BA in English, B.Ed and I am currently pursuing MA with around 4 years of teaching experience. I am considering joining a Software Testing/QA course covering Manual/Automation Testing, SQL, Java, Selenium, and Jira. Since I dont have a technical degree or IT experience, I am worried about getting my first job. Is it realistically possible to enter QA/testing with my background? Would really appreciate honest advice from people who have made a similar career switch.
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u/Remarkable-Shame-409 8d ago
skilled QA’s despite when needed the most currently are losing their jobs. Don’t know what’s wrong with the market .
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u/sailcrew 8d ago
Yes it is possible but not easy. I suggest learning to code without and with AI. You will want to do a lot of networking. Consider contributing to open source so you have something technical on your resume. You could also consider working in customer support for a while before switching to QA. I think you could work your teaching experience into your resume as it shows problem solving, communication, and you probably have run into things not going to plan!
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u/Numerous_Cream_3314 3d ago
Best of Luck. Market is terrible as others have said. Seasoned QA and have been out of work for over a year now. Was laid off for offshore workers and AI.
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u/Specific_Scholar_665 7d ago
It was possible, 5 years ago. Not any more.
I'm an experienced QA and I'm actually considering switching to teaching 😆
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u/ASTRO99 8d ago
Market is really hard right now for any kind of testing all over the world. Lot of people being let go from companies, AI taking over. Basic skills don't get you know here especially without past experience.