Quality Assurance Specialist

What is it?

A Quality Assurance Specialist is someone who works with all stages of a project or product, working to ensure that the product does what it's supposed to do, makes sure that it's safe for its' intended users, and makes sure there aren't any problems with the product when it's released, such as software bugs, or faulty wiring.

How is IT involved?

A Quality Assurance specialist uses special reporting and testing software and hardware, which they must be intimately familiar with in order to do their jobs well.  Often, the testing itself will be done on fairly complex pieces of software and hardware, and QA specialists need to be in the know in that case as well.  Communications tools and technology are also essential for the proper relaying of test data, bug reports, and information.

Where can I see it?

Quality Assurance has a big part in any commercial product you see on store shelves, from video games, to MP3 players, to children's toys.  A Quality Assurance specialist needs to test and use almost everything you can buy.  Quality Assurance is also usually performed by a group of people, rather than just one, and has many different levels of testing, from the minute, testing tiny pieces of code, to the gigantic, testing final products.

Testers use Debugging or Administrative enabled computers and consoles, along with error-tracking software, logs, and a lot of traditional reporting tools like the standard paper and pen.

How can I be a part of it?

Since Quality Assurance is a part of almost every commercial release, there will always be a need for QA testers.  You would do well as a Quality Assurance specialist if you work well with others, have strong observational and memory skills, and like making a difference immediately.

What else might I like?

Quality Assurance Specialists work closely with Software Designers, Public Relations, Project Managers and Systems Analysts

Where can I find out more?

Wikipedia:  Quality Assurance

APTest