Since I began my journey as a Quality Assurance Engineer in manual testing, I've always admired those in the automation field from a distance. Watching them automate the test cases I executed manually sparked my interest, yet I hesitated to explore that path due to my fear of coding. I often questioned my capabilities, feeling that I lacked the "developer mindset" necessary to succeed in this area.

One of my primary concerns was how I would manage coding after a significant time had passed since I graduated from college. I worried that I might have already forgotten much of what I had learned. While the prospect of automating test cases excited me, it was equally daunting. Consequently, I remained focused on manual testing for some time. However, I eventually decided to take a risk and embark on learning automation. I discovered several online courses, but many of them lacked structure, leaving me uncertain about how to begin or how to effectively practice. For individuals like me, consistent practice is crucial; without it, we tend to forget what we've learned.

Years later, I transitioned into a new role where I had the privilege of working alongside exceptional technical colleagues who inspired me to reignite and enhance my automation skills. They emphasized that the QA landscape is constantly evolving, and it is essential for us to evolve alongside it. As a result of their encouragement, I made the shift from manual QA to automation. Eventually, I advanced to the position of Senior Automation Engineer. You may be wondering how I achieved this transformation. In this discussion, I will share my journey and offer valuable tips that may aid you in advancing your own career.

Communicate Your Goals:

Discuss your aspirations with your manager and company leadership. Seek guidance and support in developing a career plan focused on automation skills development.

Network and Collaborate:

Engage with the automation team, expressing your interest in learning. Shadow team members to gain practical understanding of their work.

Structured Learning:

Develop a phased learning plan, focusing on foundational concepts initially. Avoid overwhelming yourself by attempting to learn everything at once.

I'm my learning process I used different platforms as TestAutomationU and the Cypress documentation. These platforms provide a guide on how to start from zero.

Cypress class
Cypress documentation

Master Debugging:

Embrace debugging as a crucial learning tool. Thoroughly analyze test cases and framework flows to gain a comprehensive understanding. If you are using javascript the debugger command will help you to go step by step while you are executing your code.

Begin with Maintenance:

Start by maintaining existing automated test cases. This familiarizes you with the framework structure and builds confidence. There are always changes in the DOM that breaks the test cases, caused by changes in the selector or elements that were removed. These fixes are perfect candidates to start with.

Progress to Development:

Once comfortable with the framework, create simple automated test cases. Consult with the automation team to select appropriate test cases based on your skill level.

This step might present challenges, such as complex coding or unfamiliarity with the framework. Don't hesitate to seek assistance from the Cypress community or your colleagues.

Cypress community

Maintain Focus and Perseverance:

Automation skill development requires time and patience. Stay focused on your long-term goals to achieve success.

My transition from manual QA to automation provided valuable insights, which I've summarized previously. This advice ranges in complexity, highlighting the importance of seeking guidance and maintaining patience throughout your learning journey. Remember that consistent effort and a proactive approach are key to successful skill development.

The QA landscape is evolving rapidly. The purely manual QA role is becoming less common; companies increasingly require well-rounded QA professionals with expertise across manual testing, automation, performance testing, and API testing. Developing these skills is crucial for career advancement, ideally toward a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) role. This broader skill set not only enhances your value to your current employer but also opens doors to a wider range of opportunities within the software industry. Proactively seeking out projects and opportunities to expand your skill set will demonstrate initiative and commitment to professional growth. Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek mentorship from experienced colleagues – their insights and guidance can accelerate your progress significantly.

Furthermore, the Cypress testing framework, with its extensive documentation, practical examples, and supportive community, can significantly accelerate your learning process. Effective utilization is strongly recommended.