Tsegop Matie,
Testing is not that BAD! I’m doing a testing role at the moment. Now I have done the rounds in IT, and working in the boiler room again is exciting. Testing also provides one with a good perspective on how systems are built and what mistakes are made; but mostly what mistakes can be avoided. There is this notion that testing is at the bottom of the IT food chain; it isn’t!
Persevere and you’ll reap the benefits! I believe you’ll be a much better Analyst and Designer, and an even better Enterprise Architect! Do you know Utzon? Who, I hear you say. Well cast your eye over a picture of Sydney Australia and you’re bound to see one of the world’s most iconic buildings the Sydney Opera House. The Architect, Utzon won an award for the building design but it was extremely difficult to test the design let alone build the thing. When you look at the building you marvel at the aesthetics but there are a group of people who knows that the building would not have seen the light of day, had it not been for designer and testers! As an architect deep down I still think it’s a terrific building and Three Cheers to the late Mr Utzon (Oi, Oi, Oi)!
My point! Sometimes as analysts and architects we state requirements that cannot be built or tested. Here is an obvious un-testable performance requirement: The system shall process an infinite-loop in eight second. We’ve all seen requirements like these that cannot be built nor be tested. And, this is where your testing experience comes in!
So, endure and learn as much as you can from a vital part of our IT industry! Perhaps your company can enlighten you about the prospects and career advancements for Test Analyst. About a year ago now, I gave a Testing Strategy course to Test Analyst and Managers of our two larger universities. What astounded young Test Analysts more was the career path available to them. They were oblivious to their prospects! I cited a friend’s career from humble Test Analyst to a Test Director on a Large Project commanding around $1500 per DAY (Not bad money I reckon)
Lastly, your company knows that you are a valuable BA, but the present economic climate precludes them from currently employing you in that capacity, so they’ve retained you and moved you to testing as a retention strategy to keep you employed and to hang onto a vital resource. During a downturn in the market, astute companies make these critical manoeuvres to safe guard their valuable employees.
You can resign and hope to get another opportunity. If you have not been through a down turn in the market, speak to a few people who have had time on the bench. I’ve been through a few recessions and down turns and time on the bench is not pleasant at all. I’ve watched my fair share of mid-day movies. So, a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush! (phew, I never thought I’ll sound like my father).Use your analysis skills and analyse the Testing Domain and exploit opportunities; there are bound to be many! It appears that the company you work for is safe guarding you. So my friend, before you want to move on check out the opportunities.
Warm regards,
K
PS. Apologies for not having had the time to write a shorter letter (Paraphrasing Blaise Pascal)