Hello, I’m Anburaj. I spent three years as a site engineer in a construction startup, navigating physically demanding and grueling work. While I initially sought stability in this career, it eventually pushed me to my limits. Determined to create a better future, I transitioned into the IT industry, embracing new challenges and opportunities.
This blog shares my journey of career transformation and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
For three years, I worked as a site engineer at a construction startup. The work was physically demanding, often grueling, and it felt like there was no end in sight. I was a young man, full of ambition, but little did I know that the very career I thought would bring me stability would ultimately push me to a breaking point.
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The Tough Life of a Construction Worker
The construction industry is far from glamorous, especially when you’re in the field, managing projects and overseeing daily tasks. It’s a tough, physically taxing job where every day presents a new set of challenges. I worked long hours in difficult conditions—heat, dust, humidity, and the constant noise of machinery. The environment was harsh, and the work took a toll on my health. The exposure to dust, stagnant water, and extreme temperatures was constant. I often found myself battling through discomfort, sometimes risking my safety just to get the job done.
Despite the difficult conditions, I had to keep going. There was no time for medical leave, not even when I was feeling sick or worn out. The reality was simple: If I didn’t show up, the work didn’t get done, and I didn’t get paid. I watched as my physical and mental health deteriorated, and yet I couldn’t afford to take a break. Every day felt like a struggle, and the long hours, coupled with low pay and irregular work schedules, were beginning to wear me down.
The lack of work-life balance only exacerbated the situation. I found myself constantly torn between my personal life and work commitments. There were no holidays, no weekends off—sometimes not even a day to rest and recharge. It was taking a heavy toll on my well-being, and I realized this lifestyle was not sustainable.
When I Realized I Needed a Change
There comes a time in everyone’s life when you hit a wall and realize that you need to make a change. I had reached that point. The physical and mental toll was too much, and I knew I needed to find a way out. I started questioning whether this career was truly what I wanted. Could I continue doing this for the next 10 or 20 years? The answer, at least for me, was a resounding no.
I began to seriously consider a career change, and it was clear that I needed to make a decision that would provide not only a better work-life balance but also opportunities for financial stability and growth. My goal was to secure a job that would allow me to thrive both professionally and personally—a career that would be sustainable in the long run.
How I Found My Path to IT
I didn’t know much about the tech industry, but I knew that it was a rapidly growing field with plenty of opportunities. I spent months researching various career paths, looking for roles that didn’t require a degree in computer science. I was open to any profession that would allow me to build a better future.
After browsing job portals and reading countless articles, I came across a field that piqued my interest: software testing. More specifically, automation testing. It seemed like a natural fit for me. Automation testing offered the chance to work with technology, something I had always been curious about, while also providing the stability I was desperately seeking.
I started seeing ads and job listings that emphasized the transition from manual testing to automation testing. Many of these roles didn’t require a background in IT, which gave me the confidence to explore further. I found that there was an increasing demand for automation testers, especially as more companies were integrating automation into their development processes.
I was drawn to the idea of using tools and scripts to automate repetitive tasks in software testing. Not only was it intellectually stimulating, but it also aligned with my problem-solving skills—skills that I had honed during my time as a civil engineer. I realized that this could be my chance to break into the tech world, despite my non-IT background.
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My First Step into Software Testing
After months of careful consideration, I made the decision to leave my civil engineering career behind and take the plunge into IT. But how would I make this transition? The answer came when I discovered Testleaf, a training institute that specializes in software testing and automation. I did thorough research and found that Testleaf offered a structured learning program, comprehensive courses, and expert mentors who could guide me through the process. This was exactly what I needed.
I enrolled in their software testing course, beginning with the basics of manual testing. The fundamentals of testing—such as understanding requirements, creating test cases, and identifying bugs—were all new to me, but Testleaf’s curriculum made the material accessible and easy to grasp. The hands-on sessions were particularly beneficial. I learned by doing, which helped me to retain the information more effectively.
As I gained confidence in manual testing, I started learning about automation. The world of automation testing was fascinating to me, and I was excited to work with tools like Selenium and Jenkins. These tools allowed me to automate repetitive tasks, saving time and increasing efficiency in the testing process. The real-world projects and assignments at Testleaf helped me apply my knowledge in practical scenarios, giving me the experience I needed to step into the IT world with confidence.
Adjusting to a New Career in IT
Of course, transitioning from civil engineering to software testing wasn’t without its challenges. For one, I had to get used to working in a completely different environment, with new people, processes, and tools. But what I realized during this journey is that many of the skills I developed as a civil engineer were transferable to the IT world.
Problem-solving was one of those skills. As a civil engineer, I was constantly finding creative solutions to complex issues. Whether it was figuring out how to manage a construction schedule or identifying potential risks on a site, I had learned to think critically and approach problems from multiple angles. This mindset was incredibly valuable when I started testing software. In automation testing, I needed to troubleshoot issues, think analytically, and identify solutions—just like I did in construction.
Attention to detail was another skill that came in handy. In construction, small mistakes could have big consequences. Similarly, in software testing, even the smallest bug can cause significant issues down the line. I found that my attention to detail, honed in the field of civil engineering, gave me an edge when it came to spotting errors in software.
Earning My Certification and Landing a Job
During my training at Testleaf, I earned certifications in both manual and automated testing. These certifications were an important milestone, validating my new skills and boosting my confidence. The structured learning at Testleaf, combined with real-time projects and expert guidance, ensured that I was well-prepared for the job market.
Within a few months of completing the course, I began applying for jobs. My first break came when I landed a role as a junior software tester at a leading tech company. The position was exactly what I had hoped for: a chance to work in a dynamic environment with great opportunities for career growth. It was a complete shift from my days as a civil engineer, but it was also incredibly rewarding.
I was now contributing to software development by identifying bugs, creating test scripts, and helping to ensure high-quality releases. The job offered a much better work-life balance, with regular hours, paid holidays, and the chance to work from home. It was everything I had been searching for—and more.
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A Fresh Start in the IT World
Looking back, I can honestly say that switching from civil engineering to IT was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It wasn’t easy, and the journey wasn’t without its challenges, but it was incredibly rewarding. Today, I’m part of an industry that’s constantly evolving, and I’m excited about the future.
If you’re considering a career change and are wondering if IT could be your path, I want to encourage you to take the leap. The skills you’ve developed in your current career might be more transferable than you think. Whether you’re coming from construction, teaching, or any other field, there’s a place for you in the world of software testing.
The journey to becoming a software tester wasn’t an overnight success for me. It took time, effort, and a lot of perseverance. But with the right guidance and determination, I was able to turn my life around and secure a job in IT—something I once thought was out of reach. If I can do it, so can you.
This blog reflects my personal experience, and I hope it resonates with others who are thinking about making a similar transition. If you’re ready to make a change, I encourage you to explore the opportunities available in IT and software testing. With the right training and a willingness to learn, you can take control of your career and build the future you deserve.
Author’s Bio:
I am Anburaj, a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) at TestLeaf with 5+ years of experience in test automation. Passionate about software quality, I specialize in building robust automation frameworks and optimizing testing strategies. Committed to continuous learning and innovation, I strive to enhance efficiency and drive excellence in test engineering.
Anburaj
