career development
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Becoming a Modern Software TesterTesters today need to look more like developers than users. Automation is becoming essential, so understanding at least basic programming is a must. As companies adopt agile and deliver more frequently, modern testers should learn to code, understand continuous integration, and use tools to eliminate constraints. | 
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How to Stay Happy in Your Testing CareerJon Hagar believes a tester should have fun, find their work challenging, and look forward to an interesting career. Some great ways to achieve this job satisfaction are to keep learning and updating your skills, develop a career plan for the future, and seek out the fun challenges in software testing. | 
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What Does Effective Communication Really Mean?The ability to communicate effectively is not just nice to have, but a must-have for many IT positions. Still, the term “communication skills” is vague, and it’s reasonable to ask what it actually entails. Think about making a list of communication skills to use when evaluating job candidates—or job hunting yourself. | 
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Craftsmanship: The Software Testers’ GoalSome people just don’t care about creating great products or services. They believe the marketplace will settle for lower quality. Lee Copeland argues that as software testers, we need to combat that way of thinking by embracing craftsmanship. Focus on quality with knowledge, skill, diligence, judgment, and passion. | 
Lee Copeland |
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5 Strategies to Get Approval to Attend a ConferenceYour organization isn’t in business to send you to trade shows, seminars, and fun-in-the-sun conferences. There has to be a solid business reason for you to attend, and you’ll improve the odds of getting the OK to go if you can make a comprehensive justification for going. Here are five things to focus on. |
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Gain a Competitive Advantage by Meeting Your DeadlinesWhen you agree to do something by a certain date, do you meet your deadline? Many people don’t, which turns into a huge competitive advantage for those who do. That's because when people know you as someone they can count on to help them meet their own deadlines, you’re the one they’ll turn to for other opportunities. |
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Want to Be a More Effective Leader? Conduct a Listening TourLeaders who are moving into a new position should hold what’s called a listening tour. This lets the person doing the touring hear what’s on the minds of subordinates or team members. It helps a new leader get the lay of the land while also allowing the people they’ll be leading to express their thoughts or concerns. |
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Building and Maintaining a Professional NetworkYour professional network can be a valuable asset when you are looking for information, recruiting, or seeking a new job. But how do you get a good network? The obvious answer is to be honest, bright, hardworking, and personable, but there are other things you can do to grow and strengthen your network, too. | 
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