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Job outlook for software quality analysts in the United States
Software quality analyst job and salary trends over time
Software quality analyst jobs over time
Software quality analyst job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 233,147 | 0.07% |
| 2020 | 223,892 | 0.07% |
| 2019 | 161,752 | 0.05% |
| 2018 | 111,692 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 93,352 | 0.03% |
Average software quality analyst salary over time
Software quality analyst salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $76,173 | $36.62 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $73,663 | $35.41 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $71,995 | $34.61 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $70,591 | $33.94 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $68,996 | $33.17 | +1.5% |
Software quality analyst jobs by state
Most common states for software quality analysts
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 454 | 65% |
| 2 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 945 | 32% |
| 3 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,731 | 30% |
| 4 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 599 | 29% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 393 | 29% |
| 6 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,333 | 28% |
| 7 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,650 | 27% |
| 8 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,584 | 26% |
| 9 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 775 | 26% |
| 10 | Delaware | 961,939 | 251 | 26% |
| 11 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 781 | 25% |
| 12 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 265 | 25% |
| 13 | Vermont | 623,657 | 157 | 25% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,307 | 23% |
| 15 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 1,027 | 23% |
| 16 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,485 | 22% |
| 17 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 1,466 | 22% |
| 18 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 163 | 22% |
| 19 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,162 | 21% |
| 20 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 1,045 | 21% |
Most common cities for software quality analysts
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 1 | 4% | $80,876 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $84,483 |
| 3 | Dover | 1 | 3% | $79,385 |
| 4 | Juneau | 1 | 3% | $75,828 |
| 5 | Columbus | 1 | 2% | $72,436 |
| 6 | Memphis | 7 | 1% | $65,617 |
| 7 | Fort Lauderdale | 1 | 1% | $63,696 |
| 8 | Hartford | 1 | 1% | $89,157 |
| 9 | Iowa City | 1 | 1% | $72,163 |
| 10 | Lansing | 1 | 1% | $70,608 |
| 11 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $67,620 |
| 12 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $67,599 |
| 13 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $74,917 |
| 14 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $76,607 |
| 15 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $71,915 |
| 16 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $72,537 |
Software Quality Analyst job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of software quality analyst experts
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
University of North Dakota
Saint John Fisher College
Western Kentucky University
University of La Verne
Southern Connecticut State University
Kent State University
What general advice would you give to a Software Quality Analyst?
Dr. Swagata Banerjee PhD: Research salary benchmarks: Before negotiating your salary, research industry standards and typical salary ranges for your role and level of experience. Highlight your value: During interviews and salary negotiations, emphasize your skills, qualifications, and any relevant experience that sets you apart from other candidates. Negotiate strategically: Approach salary negotiations with confidence, but also be willing to compromise. Consider other factors such as benefits, professional development opportunities, and work-life balance. Consider long-term growth: While salary is important, also consider the potential for career advancement, learning opportunities, and overall job satisfaction when evaluating job offers. Continue to increase your value: Invest in continuous learning, seek out opportunities for skill development, and regularly reassess your market value as you gain experience and expertise.
What Software Quality Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Swagata Banerjee PhD: Digital literacy: As technology continues to evolve, proficiency in digital tools and platforms will become increasingly essential. Adaptability: The ability to quickly learn new skills and adapt to changing circumstances will be crucial in a rapidly evolving industry landscape. Data literacy: Understanding and analyzing data will become more important for making informed decisions and optimizing strategies. Interdisciplinary skills: The ability to work across different disciplines and collaborate effectively with diverse teams will be highly valued. Emotional intelligence: Soft skills such as empathy, communication, and teamwork will continue to be in demand as workplaces become more interconnected and dynamic.
What will help Software Quality Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dr. Swagata Banerjee PhD: Network extensively: Build relationships with professionals in your field, attend industry events, and join relevant professional organizations. Continuously learn and adapt: Stay updated on industry trends, new technologies, and best practices through courses, workshops, and online resources. Seek mentorship: Find experienced professionals who can offer guidance and advice as you navigate your career path. Be proactive and resourceful: Take initiative, seek out opportunities for growth, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
What general advice would you give to a Software Quality Analyst?
Sam Engel: Zippia is a job search site with over 5 million visits a month, We were hoping you could answer the following questions:
What Software Quality Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sam Engel: Zippia is a job search site with over 5 million visits a month, We were hoping you could answer the following questions:
What will help Software Quality Analysts increase their earning potential?
Sam Engel: Zippia is a job search site with over 5 million visits a month, We were hoping you could answer the following questions:
What general advice would you give to a Software Quality Analyst?
Rebecca MacGowan: My general advice is to work backwards and start your career by thinking about what you want to achieve long term. When you think about your career in ten or twenty years, what position are you in? Once you have an idea of the type of position you would like to be in during the middle and/or late stage of your career, go on LinkedIn and look up individuals who currently hold that position and see what their career trajectory was. What positions provided them the stepping stones to achieve the career you currently aspire to? By working backwards, you can ensure that your initial position is setting you up for your long-term goals. Additionally, what you are likely to find when you look at the career paths of different folks is that there are often many paths leading to your ideal future position. Hopefully, this broadens your perspective regarding what position you need right now and how different positions can help set you up for your desired future career. Often, unless we are exceptionally fortunate, our first career after undergraduate isn’t going to be our ideal position, but with proper planning, it can be the first step towards our ideal position.
What Software Quality Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rebecca MacGowan: Business graduates encompass a broad set of majors, each of which has their own set of best practices and different applied tools that they use. I highly recommend students become familiar with the dominant trends in their fields including decision making processes (how do individuals in their field draw conclusions about what to do) and what software applications are the most prevalent (what they use for supply chain is going to be different from the applications they use for accounting, and so forth) so that they can ensure they are practicing their domain-specific aptitudes prior to graduation. They can do this via their college courses, outside learning opportunities, or via an internship with applied experience. Regardless of their specific major, all business students benefit from the development of their soft skills – rarely in a business environment will you work independently, the majority of the time you are going to be working in groups and teams, nested within departments, nested within organizations, nested within industries. As such, learning strong communication and conflict management skills, gaining an understanding of the strengths of your personal leadership style as well as an understanding of your weaknesses, and figuring out the best way to maintain your personal motivation and how to motivate others, are all skills that transcend time and are helpful across different positions and organizations. Additionally, as AI becomes more prominent in white-collar positions, the ability to interface with AI engines will continue to emerge as an important general skill to have.
What will help Software Quality Analysts increase their earning potential?
Rebecca MacGowan: Maximizing salary potential at any stage of your career is related to how you as a candidate can create value (tangible and intangible) in the organization as well as establishing to the organization the idea of scarcity as it pertains to your profile as a job candidate. Start by assessing what your value add as a candidate is to the company. What hard and soft skills do you have related to your specific field, or the position you are interested in, that you should be compensated for? Establishing this helps you to secure your baseline compensation. Then, in order to further maximize your pay and benefits, it is important to communicate with recruiters and hiring managers how your particular mix of skills is unique and would be difficult to find in another candidate. This creates the scarcity regarding your candidate profile and incentivizes the company to compensate you at a higher level in order to recruit you into the organization. Not only do you have valuable skills, but finding a similar candidate would take significant time and effort, ultimately costing the organization more, so they would be better off allocating that money to giving you a better offer.
What general advice would you give to a Software Quality Analyst?
Ning Ye Ph.D.: First of all, the ability to understand and interpret data will be key as businesses increasingly use data analytics for decision-making. One area where there will be huge demand is in data analytics, business intelligence, and data visualization. Secondly, I think the ability to adapt fast and bounce back after a failure is going to be more crucial than ever. This encompasses; embracing new ideas, learning from past mistakes, having a positive attitude when faced with adversities. Emotional intelligence (EQ) together with leadership abilities are also important for any employee. This involves knowing how to control your feelings, being able to share others' pain, and leading different teams in a globalized changing world.
What Software Quality Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ning Ye Ph.D.: Firstly, you need to research your salary benchmarks. Look up salary benchmarks for the role or industry you are entering into before joining the job market. Websites such as Payscale, Glassdoor and LinkedIn Salary can give valuable input concerning what others in equivalent positions earn. Such knowledge will help set realistic expectations and negotiate well. Select employers who invest in their employees' growth and development. Companies that have good mentoring programs, a way for advancement, and a positive culture tend to have better long-term salary prospects. Make a commitment to life-long learning and professional development. Keep abreast with new trends in your industry and keep upgrading your skills all along. Employers are more likely to invest in employees who demonstrate a commitment to their own growth and development. It is important to obtain certifications relevant to your field that can make you a more attractive candidate and justify higher salary demands. For instance, certifications in project management (PMP), data analysis (Google Data Analytics), or digital marketing (Google Analytics) can set you apart.
What will help Software Quality Analysts increase their earning potential?
Ning Ye Ph.D.: The business environment is a rapidly changing one; I think it's important to be aware of the latest market trends, technologies and best practices in your field. This could mean taking part in workshops or online training or it could even involve seeking higher qualifications like advanced degrees and certifications. Secondly, I believe that it is important to build strong professional networks. Here, networking can easily lead to fresh opportunities and valuable mentorship. Lastly, being able to communicate with others, solve problems as a team, and manage time effectively are all great soft skills you should develop. Such skills will enable you to deal with the intricacies of the workplace efficiently by making an impact within your team.
Prof. Mohammad Elahee Ph.D.
Perlroth Professor of Int’l. BusinessWhat general advice would you give to a Software Quality Analyst?
Prof. Mohammad Elahee Ph.D.: The main advice I would give to a new graduate is to be prepared for continuous learning for the rest of his working life. AI and other technological breakthroughs are changing the job market landscape. The skillset that would help one get a job would not keep him/her there for long. To remain marketable, one has to regularly acquire new skills, develop and maintain a strong professional network and scan the market regularly to gauge impending changes.
What Software Quality Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Prof. Mohammad Elahee Ph.D.: A combination of both hard and soft skills will be needed to survive in this ‘dog eat dog world’. Hard skills that will be in high demand are familiarity with new AI- and machine-driven technologies and quantitative reasoning. Soft skills that employers will be looking for include emotional intelligence, communication and interpersonal skills and a “can do attitude”. Paradoxical though it may sound, AI would actually create more demand for people with emotional and social intelligence.
What will help Software Quality Analysts increase their earning potential?
Prof. Mohammad Elahee Ph.D.: Employers will pay a high salary if a job applicant can show that they can create value for the employer and deliver on time. Prior experience in the form of internship, part-time work, voluntary work, leadership experience etc. along with professional certification and micro-credentials in emerging areas would allow job seekers to negotiate their salary from a position of strength. Possessing cultural dexterity would also enhance salary potentials.
What general advice would you give to a Software Quality Analyst?
Dr. Laura Gonzalez Ph.D.: Technology, and in particular Artificial Intelligence, are becoming ubiquitous in all professions. New positions are being created and those who know how to use Artificial Intelligence will not be replaced by AI. This requires minimum programming knowledge, and it is useful to have some data analytics knowledge as well.
What Software Quality Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Laura Gonzalez Ph.D.: My first advice would be to celebrate and then rest a little, because graduation is just the beginning. It is imperative to continue professional and skill development even after finding a job. Interviewing takes both practice and skills. It is also important to stay in touch with the alma mater and attend alumni events to network. Networking within the alma mater circles is a key source of information, recommendations and referrals.
What will help Software Quality Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dr. Laura Gonzalez Ph.D.: The most effective way to negotiate contracts and promotions is to have multiple options and offers. Moreover, compensation is a package with multiple components that can be negotiated, including reallocation bonus and different benefit providers. In addition to common minimum components in compensation packages, some employers can negotiate stock options besides bonuses, and assist with accommodation and/or mortgage conditions.
What general advice would you give to a Software Quality Analyst?
Jennifer Barr PhD: All of the skills noted in my response to Q1. However, as business professionals advance in their respective careers, they must have a keen understanding about the impact of technology on every aspect of an organization. It is also essential to stay abreast of emerging technologies and understand their implications for business practice.
Professional development should be an ongoing priority. Attend conferences and seminars, complete certificate programs, etc. Build your personal brand and value at every level.
Hone leadership skills for middle management positions including collaboration, thinking and acting systemically, resiliency and learning agility. Never forget the importance of humanity when interacting with subordinates. Lead by example always.
Recognizing the role of data capture, analytics and technology in advancing organizations, creating competitive advantage and delivering exceptional user experiences is paramount.
Hire well. Employees are considered the most valuable asset of every organization. Abilities, knowledge and experience matter but the soft skills in terms of how someone works and interacts with others should be top priorities.
What Software Quality Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jennifer Barr PhD: Do research on what market compensation is for a given role. Review websites like Glassdoor and Indeed.
Understand standard compensation negotiation tactics during the offer stage.
What will help Software Quality Analysts increase their earning potential?
Jennifer Barr PhD: Embrace a lifelong learning mindset at the outset. Read case books about successful organizations, notable leaders and new business practices.
Establish an unwavering reputation as a disciplined and responsible worker.
Strive to be an excellent listener. Your attention to detail will be noticed as evidenced through your work.
Be creative and take risks. Suggest an idea to your supervisor about how to improve a procedure or system. This will position you as an early career problem solver.
Seize every opportunity to grow and build key skills including communication, interpersonal, critical thinking and technology.
Recognize the strong correlation between emotional intelligence and success. This is particularly important as you advance in your career.
Cultivate mentorship opportunities and network as much as possible. Eventually step into a mentorship role.
Honesty, integrity and character matter. Be true to yourself and never deviate from your moral compass. Listen to your instincts always.
Create a strong LinkedIn profile and update regularly. It is one of the top recruiting sites.
What general advice would you give to a Software Quality Analyst?
David Hart: So the field of Business Analyst can encompass interacting with different department managers on a daily bases. Quite often they will be required to interpret large amounts of data from the various departments each day to look at trends either in sales or procurement. Working with IT is a must so that data mining of the correct data to help the company achieve their business goals is critical.
What Software Quality Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
David Hart: Most businesses may hire you on like a consultant. The employees rarely welcome consultants in their business so that early friction is something that most new Business Analysts find distasteful, however if taken in that context, it is also the most challenging part of the field. When you discover processes that will enhance the productivity of the company and help the employees see more profit sharing you can end up being the hero. Most employees spend most of their work career never feeling fulfilled. This profession will definitely give you that rewarding feeling.
What will help Software Quality Analysts increase their earning potential?
David Hart: This field has become more valuable ever since the supply chain interruption due to Covid. The analyst is challenged every day with supply chain issues and deployment of the right resources to their prospective areas. Every day can be a new challenge so the work is rarely mundane.
Dany Doueiri
ProfessorWhat general advice would you give to a Software Quality Analyst?
Dany Doueiri: Don't try to start your own business right after you graduate. Keep your dreams, passions, and aspirations alive but get experience from the field through companies, organizations, and institutions. Gain wisdom from those who have more experience than you and those who make mistakes, including your own shortcomings. Then, you can consider branching out. Finally, learning never stops at the end of your college journey. Be humble and keep on learning for life.
What Software Quality Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dany Doueiri: Have a team mentality, share, keep learning, and seek all professional development opportunities available to you, through your work or individually.
What will help Software Quality Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dany Doueiri: Ability to adapt to new realities, creativity, ethics, innovation, and resilience to face new realities.
Angel Armenta
What general advice would you give to a Software Quality Analyst?
Angel Armenta: Just following up. I answered the questions but before I send my answers I wanted to know if I send my answers will they for sure be featured in the article ?
What Software Quality Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Angel Armenta: I think I should be able to get you my answers by tomorrow. Quick question. If I do this, will some or all of my answers be for sure featured in the article?
What will help Software Quality Analysts increase their earning potential?
Angel Armenta: Thank you! By when would you need the response ? Can I submit my responses in written format or is this an oral interview ?
What general advice would you give to a Software Quality Analyst?
Adam Roth: As a liberal arts graduate, it is critical to focus on networking, continuous learning, and gaining practical experience. I strongly advise leveraging campus recruitment fairs, leadership positions, alumni gatherings, and platforms like LinkedIn to build a robust professional network. Utilize career services to seek out internships or volunteer opportunities that will enhance your skills and expand your professional network. Through your coursework and extra- and co-curricular activities, work on developing skills that are highly sought after by employers of new college graduates and which are in short supply; oral and written communication, analytical reasoning, problem solving, and teamwork. Complement these with technical skills that will make you more versatile in the job market. When possible, find mentors among alumni, internship supervisors, and even parents of friends who will offer guidance and support. Embrace opportunities to showcase your abilities, identify areas for improvement, and pursue additional coursework or online credentials to further enhance your skills and marketability.
What Software Quality Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Adam Roth: I recommend that students start by identifying a specific skill in demand within your field, such as data analysis or social media marketing, and focus on developing expertise in that area. Research salary ranges and living costs in particular areas where you’re interested in working to ensure your compensation aligns with the local market. Always negotiate a salary and consider other aspects of the offer, such as funds for continuing education, technology and more. Continuing to network and establish demand for your services is essential; attend industry events, join professional associations, and engage with professionals in your field. Never miss an opportunity to reach out to and check in with your professional contacts. Pursue additional learning opportunities and education, such as certifications or advanced degrees, to provide a competitive advantage and increase your earning potential over time.
What will help Software Quality Analysts increase their earning potential?
Adam Roth: In the next 3–5 years, the increasing presence of robots and artificial intelligence (AI) will drastically change the job market, leading to the replacement or displacement of many tasks that are currently performed by humans. This change highlights the growing need for individuals with degrees in the liberal arts. A liberal arts education emphasizes communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical reasoning, creativity, emotional intelligence, and cultural awareness—human literacies, skills, and competencies that are difficult for a machine to replicate. As automation takes over many routine tasks, jobs requiring complex decision-making, creativity, and communication and interpersonal skills will become more important. Liberal arts graduates also excel in ethical decision-making and understanding societal issues, which are crucial in the responsible use and incorporation of AI.
What general advice would you give to a Software Quality Analyst?
Bradley Andrew Ph.D.: So-called soft skills are still in demand by employers, based on recent surveys, because a smaller percentage of graduates possess them. These include:
Showing up and on time;
Having a strong work ethic;
Critical thinking skills
Social skills, including the ability to get along well with people, motivate and encourage them, and leadership skills. Also be able to schmooze with clients over dinner or drinks, or just in your office. A personal touch and connection is something software can’t provide.
Creativity—Apple products, for example, appeal to many people because of their combination of form and function.
The ability to work AI in order to increase one’s productivity will become more important over the next 5 years.
What Software Quality Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Bradley Andrew Ph.D.: I’m going to change the question based on the evidence gathered by labor economists. Overall, income rises most in a person’s 20s and 30s, stagnates in one’s 40s and actually falls from age 50 on. Moreover, people who are willing to change jobs more frequently have greater salary growth. If this is your goal, then spending your twenties and thirties working hard on your skills and credentials, being willing to move from one position to another and being geographically flexible will increase your lifetime income.
What will help Software Quality Analysts increase their earning potential?
Bradley Andrew Ph.D.: Once you have your first job, ask about or determine the 20% of your supervisor’s job that they hate and start doing that for them. They will love you for it and it will quickly get you recognition. You’ll also be well on your way to learning your boss’s job. Continue doing this as you progress in your career (Kudos to Theo Epstein, former GM for the Red Sox, for this recommendation)
No matter the task you’re given, do it to the absolute best of your abilities. In the professional world, you may often be given menial tasks or tasks that you don’t believe are part of your job description. Doing those tasks to the absolute best of your ability leads to increased trust, recognition and responsibility and will put you “above class.” If asked, the coffee you bring should be the best your boss has ever had. You never know who’s watching.
Don’t expect credit and don’t ask for credit when things go right; give the credit to others.
What general advice would you give to a Software Quality Analyst?
Zhu Mao: It is exciting if someone just finished his/her schools and that is a big achievement, but I would still suggest as the first priority: do not stop learning. This may be a different set of knowledges to learn, maybe more practical, maybe not related with the major per se. Education doesn’t end here, and they want to stay on top of the industry trend and may learning new advancements through conferences and MOOCs too. Another suggestion I have is to start building up a network, and in 10, 20, and 30 years, they will find out that these professional relationships are critical to their career path and a lot of time, mentorship just happens without you realize it. Network can be strengthened both in and out of work, sometimes professional associations help a lot too. In addition, communication skills and leadership abilities cannot be more important succeeding the career. The last one would be embracing uncertainties and challenges. As a student, most of the problems have answers and professors will know the answers before you start solving the problems, while at work, it will be complete a different story. Don’t shy away from the challenges and don’t be discouraged if something didn’t work out as you thought due to many uncontrollable factors.
What Software Quality Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Zhu Mao: Specifically in the next 3-5 years, I would say it is the critical thinking and problem solving capability in interdisciplinary areas. Employers will increasingly value individuals who can think critically, analyze complex situations, and propose effective solutions in the cutting edge of multiple disciplines, especially those demonstrating adaptability and resilience in the era of data science.
What will help Software Quality Analysts increase their earning potential?
Zhu Mao: Find yourself a good platform and demonstrate your irreplaceability. New challenges always coming out from the interdisciplinary area and continuous learning will not only enhance the capability, but also demonstrate the commitment to professional growth and engagement to the field.
Yvette Koepke
Associate Dean for Academic SuccessUniversity of North Dakota
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies
What general advice would you give to a Software Quality Analyst?
Yvette Koepke: Advice: Be open! Your knowledge and skills could be valuable to any position in any field, so don’t limit yourself to jobs with certain titles or organizations---but you need to be able to make your case. Also be open to opportunities that might arise unexpectedly through talking with people around you about your background and interests.
What Software Quality Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Yvette Koepke: Salary: Preparation is key. Prepare by taking advantage of opportunities and experiences through projects, jobs, internships, organizations, or volunteering. Prepare by doing homework about the field and the position, and research showing the value of diversity. And prepare by practicing how best to make the case for what you can contribute.
What will help Software Quality Analysts increase their earning potential?
Yvette Koepke: Skills: Given the rapidly increasing rate of change in our world, human skills like emotional intelligence and innovation will become ever more important. Your background will help you make connections and work well with others, and think creatively and critically by considering various perspectives.
What general advice would you give to a Software Quality Analyst?
Yi Liu Ph.D., CFP®: Interpersonal skills are increasingly important. It is no longer just about crunching numbers. The capacity to communicate effectively, collaborate successfully in a team, and adjust to change is equally important. Furthermore, the ability to properly use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to supplement your work will be a huge advantage. Furthermore, emotional intelligence—the ability to manage complicated interpersonal dynamics with empathy and understanding—is extremely significant.
What Software Quality Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Yi Liu Ph.D., CFP®: The first step is to find a career you are passionate about. When you love what you do, it shows, and it distinguishes you from others. It's about discovering your distinctive edge, something you excel at and can use to get a competitive advantage. Also, remember to negotiate your offer. Know your worth and the going rate for your position. And specialize—having a specialized area of expertise can significantly increase your value in the employment market. These strategic actions have the potential to significantly alter your early career trajectory.
What will help Software Quality Analysts increase their earning potential?
Yi Liu Ph.D., CFP®: Having grit is more important than you may realize because facing challenges and barriers is part of the process. There will be bumps and hurdles. But what important is that you do not give up. It's okay not to have all of the answers on the first day. Be curious, ask questions, and delve deeply into learning about your profession. It can take up to 6,000 hours to completely master a field. So, allow yourself the opportunity to learn and grow. Enjoy the journey, not the destination. That's where the true learning occurs.
Xiaowen Chen Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorWestern Kentucky University
Psychology
What general advice would you give to a Software Quality Analyst?
Xiaowen Chen Ph.D.: New graduates are recommended to consider whether the company/organization can provide career development opportunities, a learning-oriented organizational culture, transparency in decision-making, and equal accessibility to information. Leadership with an ethical and open mindset and adherence to high standards of professional conduct are super important.
What Software Quality Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Xiaowen Chen Ph.D.: Present your knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience by showing your research and applied projects so that employers will know what you have accomplished and the potential value you can bring to their organization.
What will help Software Quality Analysts increase their earning potential?
Xiaowen Chen Ph.D.: · Don’t stop learning new skills, technologies, and knowledge. Your skillsets and knowledge should continuously develop in line with the rapidly changing world. There isn't a single skill or certificate that can keep you competitive for years. · You may not be a computer scientist or data scientist, it's beneficial to understand the basics of machine learning and artificial intelligence and try to use AI-assistant tools.
What general advice would you give to a Software Quality Analyst?
William Luse PhD.: I advise graduates to remain open to new opportunities, even those that might not initially seem aligned with their career goals. Often, the most valuable chances for skill development and growth emerge from the most unexpected places. Approach the unfamiliar with open arms, as it could lead you down a path to success you hadn't considered.
What Software Quality Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
William Luse PhD.: While mastering artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important, I believe the timeless skills of effective communication will remain critical. Whether it's crafting clear emails, delivering impactful presentations, or engaging in meaningful conversations, these skills are indispensable across all career paths. Another skill that will become crucial is learning to interact with AI through conversational prompts. This ability to communicate effectively with AI not only enhances your productivity but also opens up new avenues for leveraging technology in innovative ways.
What will help Software Quality Analysts increase their earning potential?
William Luse PhD.: Begin with two strategies to maximize your salary: negotiation and openness. First, become an informed negotiator by researching compensation trends and the value of specific skills in your field. This preparation is essential long before actual salary discussions occur, and often pays off immensely. Second, embrace opportunities that push you beyond your comfort zone. By engaging in new experiences, you not only gain valuable skills but also build relationships that are crucial for sustainable career advancement and higher compensation.
What general advice would you give to a Software Quality Analyst?
Zheni Wang Ph.D.: Being an intrapreneur is the way to maximize your salary potential when starting your career in your field.
What Software Quality Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Zheni Wang Ph.D.: I think the most important and prevalent skill in the field in the next 3-5 years is unlearning and learning continuously. We are living in an era of change now. Having a degree in business shows your ability to learn. But the best competitiveness you can reserve for yourself is to unlearn what others have done (i.e., the case studies and benchmarks you’ve been given in the classroom) and learn to create new standards and solutions when facing constant changes in the business world. By doing so, you can create values for others to remain successful.
What will help Software Quality Analysts increase their earning potential?
Zheni Wang Ph.D.: For people who just graduated with a degree in business and are starting their careers in the field, my best advice includes being fearless, proactive, and future-oriented.
1. Act bravely when you are young and less experienced. This means finding ways to be heard about your ideas, values, and ethical principles.
2. Work proactively when not assigned important roles. This means you must actively observe, critically think, and constantly learn at the workplace. If you absorb and immerse yourself in the daily work, you will shine whenever a light is on you.
3. Plan the future as if the past shaped who you are now. This means working as if you’ve been teleported from the future, where you want to be will guide you clearly in what and how to do today.
What general advice would you give to a Software Quality Analyst?
Kalisha Waldon Ph.D.: Stay committed to lifelong learning. Build Meaningful Relationships. Give Yourself Grace.
What Software Quality Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kalisha Waldon Ph.D.: Digital literacy, cultural competence, inclusivity.
What will help Software Quality Analysts increase their earning potential?
Kalisha Waldon Ph.D.: Set goals, consider cost of living, return to school or obtain additional certifications.
What general advice would you give to a Software Quality Analyst?
Dr. Vaneet Kaur: You can maximize your salary potential by keeping yourself differentiated from your peers. You must identify, develop, and hone your unique selling proposition (USP). You want to show your prospective employer that you bring a unique value to their organization which is far superior to what other candidates can bring. You can achieve this by demonstrating to your prospective employer that you go above and beyond what is usually required and expected. More specifically, in addition to earning your degree, you should attain certifications, micro-credentialing, or badges in any niche area that you are passionate about. This will significantly add to your area specialization. Additionally, you should undertake internships or projects with faculty/business community as these will help demonstrate your working knowledge to the prospective employers. I exhort my students to continue to excel in these areas as these will not only communicate to the prospective employers that these select individuals have the drive and willingness to succeed, making them a perfect candidate to be inducted to their company, but this will also keep graduates highly relevant, marketable, and above par at all times in their career.
What Software Quality Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Vaneet Kaur: There are two sets of skills I will highly encourage graduates to proactively start building. Firstly, business graduates need to develop higher-order skills and capabilities like knowledge-based dynamic capabilities. These will help them to (a) constantly collect knowledge about emerging opportunities (and threats) in the industry, (b) mobilize themselves and their resources to bring identified opportunities into fruition, and (c) constantly renew their skills to effectively respond to the changes in the environment. Developing such knowledge-based dynamic capabilities will automatically prepare them for the different waves of skill set requirements that will keep arising in the job market. Secondly, it is no secret that we are living in the times of artificial intelligence and automation. So, in this day and age, it is extremely important that graduates learn to ride the wave of automation rather than being discouraged by it. Business graduates are set to contribute to the world with their business acumen and expertise, what they can do to complement it is to develop low-code, no-code skills. Such skills will help graduates to automate routine processes so that their time and energies can be strategically channelized towards those activities and processes that can add significant value to their organizations.
What will help Software Quality Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dr. Vaneet Kaur: For a fresh graduate, the real world can at first appear to be somewhat fuzzy. So, my advice is to step into their career with a mindset that allows them to be open to learning. It would also be extremely beneficial for young professionals to consider each encounter with their colleagues as well as early touchpoints with clients as an opportunity to enhance their repertoire of knowledge. For that matter, networking is highly important, especially at the onset of the career. So, dear graduates, please take time to network. Find a mentor, from a peer support group, and build a webwork of collaborators. Once you find or form a community of bright minds with whom you feel you belong, you will find it easier to start working smart which will help you to seize each day while making a difference every day.