In this module, you will ensure you have access to all of your program material, complete your onboarding form and access the community and map out the call schedule

Overview:
Kick off your journey by evaluating your current skills and exploring the opportunities within the Quality Assurance (QA) field. This module is designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of QA and the diverse career paths available. By developing the right mindset, you will learn strategies to effectively study and master QA skills. Pre-homework assignments will help you identify and leverage your previous experiences to find transferable skills relevant to QA. This foundational phase prepares you for success in the Road To QA Career Development Program, ensuring you are ready to dive deeper into specialized QA topics.

Lessons

1. QA Opportunity - Step One: Start With a QA Understanding

• Objective: Gain a foundational understanding of Quality Assurance (QA) and explore the various career opportunities within the field.
• Content: Introduction to the basic principles of QA, different roles within the field, and how QA fits into the broader tech industry.

2. QA Mindset - How to Master Your Studying & Skills

• Objective: Learn strategies to develop the right mindset for mastering QA studies and skills, setting the stage for your success in the program.
• Content: Techniques for effective learning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining motivation throughout your QA journey.

 3. Transferable Skills

• Objective: Identify and leverage your transferable skills to enhance your resume and appeal to QA employers.
• Content: Exercises to map skills from previous roles (such as problem-solving, analytical skills, and attention to detail) to QA-specific skills.

Project

From Being a Teacher, a Stay-at-Home Mom, a Welder Example

• Objective: Apply your unique background and previous job experience to identify how your skills can transition to QA.
• Description: Create a personal skills inventory where you:
  • Identify skills from your past roles that are transferable to QA.
  • Draft a plan on how to leverage these skills in your QA studies and future job applications.

Overview:
In Module 2, you will deepen your understanding of essential QA terms, tools, and skills through a series of structured learning sprints. This module covers the basics of software testing, including the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC). You will build a solid foundation by exploring key QA skillsets, learning about various testing types, test case creation and execution, the bug lifecycle, and defect reporting. Additionally, this module introduces you to Agile Scrum methodologies, test management tools like Jira and Zephyr, mobile testing techniques, and SQL for database testing. By the end of this module, you will gain a fundamental understanding of API testing, automation testing using Selenium and Katalon Studio, and more, equipping you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in your QA career.

Lessons

1. The Basics of Software Testing: SDLC + STLC + High-Level Overview

• Objective: Understand the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) to build a strong foundation in QA skillsets.
• Content: Introduction to SDLC and STLC, explaining their importance in software quality assurance and the roles they play in the overall testing process.

2. The Basics of Software Testing: QA Key Terms

• Objective: Amplify your QA skills and expertise by learning key software testing terms.
• Content: Comprehensive coverage of essential QA terminology, helping you to communicate effectively with peers and understand technical documentation.

3. The Basics of Software Testing: Types of Testing

• Objective: Gain a comprehensive understanding of various types of software testing crucial for ensuring software quality.
• Content: Detailed exploration of different testing methodologies, including functional, regression, smoke, and user acceptance testing.

4. Agile Scrum & Methodologies

• Objective: Get introduced to different testing methodologies with a focus on Agile Scrum.
• Content: Learn how Agile methodologies influence the testing process and the specific role of QA within Agile teams.

5. Introduction to SQL & Database Testing

• Objective: Understand basic SQL and database concepts essential for backend testing.
• Content: Introduction to SQL commands, database structures, and the role of database testing in QA.

6. Introduction to API Testing

• Objective: Learn the fundamentals of API testing to validate application logic, data responses, and security.
• Content: Explore the basics of RESTful services, use Postman for sending requests, and understand how to check responses.

7. Introduction to UI Automation

• Objective: Understand the importance of automation in UI testing and get introduced to tools that facilitate this process.
• Content: Basics of UI automation using Selenium and Katalon Studio, including setting up environments, writing simple scripts, and executing them.

Overview:
Module 3 focuses on enhancing and optimizing your resume to make it market-ready, specifically tailored for transitioning into a Quality Assurance (QA) role. This module provides you with a series of instructional videos and practical exercises designed to help you leverage your past experiences and present your skills in a way that resonates with potential employers in the tech industry. You'll learn how to identify and articulate your transferable skills, create a compelling project portfolio, and optimize your LinkedIn profile to attract the right opportunities.

Lessons

1. Overview of Resume Improvement Techniques

• Objective: Learn the fundamental strategies for crafting an effective resume that stands out in the tech industry.
• Content: Tips on layout, format, keyword optimization, and highlighting relevant experiences.

2. 3 Ways to Pivot into QA - Video Series

• Video One: Explore the first strategy for transitioning into a QA role, focusing on how to align your existing skills with QA requirements.
• Video Two: Discover the second approach to pivoting into QA, with additional insights on enhancing your resume to showcase relevant tech experiences.
• Video Three: Gain further insights and strategies to effectively transition into a QA career, focusing on continuous learning and certification.

3. Improve & Optimize For the Market - DIY with AI

• Objective: Utilize AI tools to refine and tailor your resume for the QA job market.
• Content: How to use AI-powered platforms to analyze job descriptions and tailor your resume accordingly

Module 4: Level Up for the Interview

Overview:
Module 4 is dedicated to preparing you thoroughly for QA job interviews, equipping you with the necessary techniques and confidence to stand out from the competition. This module guides you through crafting compelling responses to common interview questions, using the STAR method to structure your answers effectively, and employing strategies to positively address potentially tricky questions. Additionally, you will find advanced training to optimize your LinkedIn profile, further enhancing your job search and networking efforts.

Lessons

1. Tell Me About Yourself

• Objective: Learn how to craft and deliver a compelling and concise personal introduction that effectively sets the tone for your interview.
• Content: Guidelines on how to introduce yourself, emphasizing your strengths and relevant experiences that align with QA roles.

2. STAR Method

• Objective: Master the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses to behavioral interview questions.
• Content: Detailed instructions on applying the STAR framework to articulate your experiences clearly and impactfully, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and ability to handle workplace challenges.

3. Why Are You Leaving So Soon?

• Objective: Gain strategies to address this common interview question, providing honest and positive explanations for your career transition.
• Content: Tips on how to explain your career moves without casting negativity on previous roles or employers, focusing instead on growth opportunities and your enthusiasm for the QA field.

4. Position Yourself Above the Rest

• Objective: Discover techniques to highlight your unique skills and experiences, demonstrating why you are the best fit for the QA role and setting yourself apart from other candidates.
• Content: Strategies for identifying and communicating your unique value propositions, including specialized skills or experiences that align with the needs of potential employers in the tech industry.

Module 5: Load Your Career Profile Online

Overview:
Module 5 is all about launching your job search effectively by ensuring your career profile is loaded and optimized for the job market. In this module, you'll learn how to strategically upload your resume to various job search websites and develop a comprehensive job search strategy. This includes understanding the best practices for resume submission, optimizing your profiles on job platforms, and creating a targeted approach to job searching that maximizes your visibility and opportunities.

Lessons

1. Get In the Market

• Objective: Understand the essential steps to entering the job market with a polished and ready resume, including optimizing your profile for visibility.
• Content: Guidance on finalizing your resume with key optimizations for digital formats, ensuring it is ATS-friendly, and highlighting the most important elements that catch recruiters' attention.

2. Load Your Resume Into the Market

• Objective: Learn how to strategically upload your resume to various job search websites, with tips on how to tailor your resume for each platform to maximize your chances of being noticed by recruiters.
• Content: Step-by-step instructions on using major job portals like LinkedIn, Indeed, and niche QA job boards. Includes best practices for maintaining your digital presence and keeping your profile and resume up-to-date.

3. Create a Job Search Strategy

• Objective: Develop a comprehensive job search strategy that includes identifying target companies and roles, setting daily and weekly job search goals, and utilizing job alerts and networking opportunities to enhance your job search efforts.
• Content: Techniques for effective job searching, including how to leverage networking, the importance of tailored cover letters, and how to use social media to discover opportunities.

Module 6: Score Interviews & Skillup

Overview:
Module 6 is tailored to equip you with the skills and strategies necessary to secure interviews and excel during them. You'll learn how to prepare effectively, ask insightful questions, and navigate job offer negotiations. The module also delves into post-interview etiquette, such as sending thank you notes and requesting feedback, as well as managing different types of employment contracts. Through sample interview prep Q&A sessions, you'll practice and refine your responses to common interview questions, boosting your confidence and readiness for real interview scenarios.

Lessons

1. Score Interviews and Skill Up

• Objective: Learn strategies to effectively secure interviews and enhance your skill set to stand out to potential employers.
• Content: Techniques for optimizing your application materials and online presence to increase interview opportunities.

2. Before the Interview

• Objective: Master the art of comprehensive interview preparation, including research, practice, and gathering necessary materials.
• Content: Tips on researching the company, understanding the role deeply, and preparing responses to anticipated questions.

3. Questions to Ask in the Interview

• Objective: Discover key questions to ask during your interview to demonstrate your interest and gather crucial information about the role and company.
• Content: Guidance on formulating questions that show your engagement and help you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.

4. Negotiations

• Objective: Develop techniques for negotiating job offers, focusing on salary, benefits, and other important terms to secure the best possible deal.
• Content: Strategies for effective negotiation, including how to communicate your value and understand market rates.

5. Buy Time to Review Offer

• Objective: Learn strategies to professionally request additional time to review a job offer before making your final decision.
• Content: Best practices for communicating with potential employers to extend decision timelines without jeopardizing the offer.

6. Interview Thank You

• Objective: Understand the importance of post-interview thank you notes and learn how to write a professional and impactful message.
• Content: Templates and tips for crafting thank you messages that leave a lasting positive impression.

7. Contract, Contract to Hire, Direct Hire

• Objective: Gain insight into the differences between contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire positions, and learn how to navigate each type effectively.
• Content: Explanation of different employment types, including pros and cons, and tips for deciding which fits best with your career objectives.

8. Asking for Feedback

• Objective: Learn how to request and utilize feedback from interviews to continuously improve your performance and interview skills.
• Content: Techniques for soliciting constructive feedback and using it to enhance your interview prowess.

9. Contract Ends Early

• Objective: Understand the steps to take if your contract ends earlier than expected, including job search strategies and financial planning.
• Content: Guidance on managing the end of a contract proactively, ensuring seamless transitions and maintaining financial stability.

10. When to Resign

• Objective: Discover best practices for resigning from a job, ensuring professionalism and maintaining positive relationships with your employer.
• Content: Advice on timing, communication, and transition strategies to leave a position gracefully and professionally.

11. What If They Question Your Previous Job Responsibilities or Title?

• Objective: Learn how to confidently respond if an interviewer questions your previous job responsibilities or title, providing clear and accurate explanations.
• Content: Tips for framing your past experiences in a positive light, emphasizing the relevance and transferability of your skills.

As an additional benefit included in your 1-year program, you have the option to participate in a Day-in-the-Life Practical Experience & Career Coaching to enhance your educational experience. Please be aware that this is a "use it or lose it" opportunity, meaning no refunds are provided for non-participation. It's important to note that while this experience can be extremely beneficial, more than half of our students have successfully secured roles even without completing the internship. PLEASE NOTE: there is no refund or investment adjustment for non-participants.

HOW THE INTERNSHIP WORKS

Internship Structure Explained

• Communication Platform: Gain access to an exclusive internship chat where you can pose questions and interact with fellow interns throughout the duration of the program.
• Practical Experience: Acquire hands-on skills using industry-standard tools such as Jira, Zephyr, Confluence, MySQL, and Postman, essential for completing your internship tasks.
• Regular Check-Ins: Engage in a 15-minute Daily Standup call every Tuesday and Thursday. If you miss a live call, replays will be available within an hour of each meeting.
• Task Schedule: Over the course of four weeks, on every Tuesday and Thursday (totaling 8 days), a new task will be assigned for you to tackle.
• Completion and Certification: Upon finishing all assigned tasks and submitting your work, you will receive a certificate of completion along with a reference approval, acknowledging your efforts and skills developed during the internship.

You'll gain real world practical experience in a simulated Software Development Project with our sister company. or live partner projects.

Must meet program pre-requisites: Complete all 6 modules with 80% or above, submit Pre-homework assignment & Submit Pre-internship assessment.

2025 Internship Dates

• January 27th - February 20th deadline December 27th 6 pm est 
• April 7th–May 2nd deadline March 21 at 6 pm est 
• July 7th–Aug 1st deadline June 21 at 6 pm est 
• Oct 6th–31tst deadline Oct 19 at 6 pm est

Yes! Here's the thing, we teach you to apply for EVERYTHING, let your resume speak for you and then let the job tell you NO. Most jobs usually have 3-5 core requirements and the rest is their wish list. And many of the ask for "relevant/equivalent" experience. Some jobs could want to still see a degree or a specific certification, but you apply anyways and let them tell you NO.  As of November 2022, over 60+ Road To QA students have been able to land jobs without prior experience, many without a degree and No certifications.  If the market starts to ask for more QA Certifications, then we will be sure to shift our program to support that need. But, at this time, we feel confident that you can land your first role without a degree or certifications.

The Road To QA Program is designed to be an affordable Self-paced Program with Support and Mentorship teaching you the Skills, knowledge and Positioning needed to get into the market as a Manual QA Analyst to land your first role, if you follow all of our process recommendations.

There are still commitments and responsibilities you must follow to make this happen, such as completing the program and internship, consistently building recruiter relationships and applying daily to 20-30 jobs, responding to recruiters & interviewing confidently to land your first offer.

However, we do teach you industry best practices and tips to help increase the chances of getting recruiters calls and more interview requests.

Road To QA programs options are digital program intellectual property - All digital program / products are final sales by default. We do not offer refunds in any way.

HOW THE INTERNSHIP WORKS

Communication Platform: Gain access to an exclusive internship chat where you can pose questions and interact with fellow interns throughout the duration of the program.

Practical Experience: Acquire hands-on skills using industry-standard tools such as Jira, Zephyr, Confluence, MySQL, and Postman, essential for completing your internship tasks. Regular Check-Ins: Engage in a 15-minute Daily Standup call every Tuesday and Thursday. If you miss a live call, replays will be available within an hour of each meeting. Task Schedule: Over the course of four weeks, on every Tuesday and Thursday (totaling 8 days), a new task will be assigned for you to tackle.