Interview: How Can You Become a Software Tester?

Márk Keresztúri, one of FrontEndART’s software testing colleagues, recognized the opportunities in testing already during his university years. He worked on several projects, often as the sole tester, and has since gained strong confidence in both manual and automated testing.

In this interview, he talks about how his career started, how he continuously develops his knowledge, and why he considers the tester role especially important.

Q: How did you become a software tester?

A: It all started during my Business Informatics bachelor’s studies at the University of Szeged. Although testing was only briefly covered in a few classes, I found the topic very interesting. While looking for an internship, I discovered FrontEndART’s testing mentor program, which proved to be a great opportunity and also allowed me to complete my mandatory university internship.

During my internship, I was immediately assigned to a live project, where I worked as the sole tester. This challenge, the inspiring community, and the growth opportunities within the profession quickly convinced me that software testing was the right career path for me.

Q: How did you experience the testing mentor program?

A: The mentor program provided an excellent opportunity for me as a beginner to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of software testing. I was able to develop my practical knowledge on real projects. It was both intimidating and highly motivating.

The training was built on the principles of ISTQB, and as a mentee, I worked under the guidance of experienced mentors. As part of the program, events and workshops were also organized where I could get to know the team better, build professional connections, and share experiences. This supportive environment not only helped my professional development but also allowed me to become part of the professional community.

Mentor support remained available even after I successfully completed the program. Later, I also stepped into a mentor role myself, and today I work alongside one of my former mentees as colleagues.

Q: What makes a tester successful in your opinion?

A: In my opinion, the most important skill of a successful tester is critical thinking. In fact, it can be particularly beneficial to apply unconventional approaches. This helps identify hidden or unexpected defects that others might overlook, even though these issues will almost certainly cause problems in real-world environments sooner or later.

I also believe it is essential to continuously develop practical knowledge. At FrontEndART, for example, testers can participate in a dedicated, practice-oriented workshop program. This approach results in much faster and more effective learning than purely theoretical training.

Q: What advice would you give to those who are currently considering their career path?

If someone wants to start a career in software testing, it is important to know that a degree is not always a strict requirement. However, if they want to move toward automated testing, it is highly beneficial to have already encountered the basics of programming, which universities typically provide.

The ISTQB certification is an expectation at many companies during the hiring process, and in my experience, it can be successfully obtained with a relatively small time investment. It is also important for beginner testers to recognize that a testing mindset, meaning the critical identification of potential defects, often outweighs a developer-oriented way of thinking.

Continuous concentration and sharp, focused thinking are essential, as testing experience can be gained from many different sources such as websites and practice platforms. Strong communication skills are equally important, since project work requires daily coordination with the team.

If you already have some knowledge of testing, whether from university studies or self-learning, it is worth taking advantage of mentor programs. With guidance from an experienced mentor, you can acquire a great deal of essential knowledge in a short time, which can provide a major advantage in your professional career.