
What are the job roles and responsibilities of an Quality Analyst?
Quality assurance analysts – also known as localization analysts and test analysts – test programs, games and any software to make sure they are reliable, fully functional and user-friendly before they are released to the public. They use a test plan to inspect thousands of lines of code to make sure they are entirely error-free. They look for flaws and weaknesses in the program, such as an unappealing interface, and report back to the developers on their findings. They may also fix any system problems or glitches and make suggestions for how to make a software program work better. They must also ensure that the software is right for the market in which it will be released, is translated into the local language and is culturally compatible.
Typical duties include:
creating a test plan
using the plan to assess functionality, performance, reliability, stability and compatibility with other systems
using the plan to hunt down and fix software bugs
looking for ways to prevent bugs from occurring in the first place
guarding against incorrect language usage, truncated text, and incorrect formatting
ensuring the product is culturally compatible with the target market
some localization analysts are responsible for translation work
rebuilding the corrected software application
Typical employers of QA analysts
Social media platforms
Travel companies and airlines
Entertainment companies
Qualifications and training required
To start your career as a QA analyst, it is likely that you will need a degree. Employers tend to prefer their junior QA analysts to have a bachelor’s degree in an IT-related subject.
Key skills for working as a QA analyst
Knowledge of a broad range of software applications and of hardware and networks
Strong programming knowledge
A good understanding of business
Ability to think in the abstract and see how small details fit into the bigger picture
A creative mindset – and the ability to approach a problem creatively
Good communications skills, both written and verbal
Strong IT skills
A meticulous approach to work
Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of IT systems