What Does it Take to Become a Real E2E Test Automation Engineer? Part 2: Willingness to Learn

Willingness to learn is a valuable attribute that empowers individuals to adapt, grow, and thrive in an E2E test automation.

Image credit: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/swing-reading-book-sky-star-moon-5001985/

Some readers would think, “Everyone knows this is necessary for any really successful person”. Yes, that’s true. Here, I am not talking about top-shot stars. In other words, the high standard of “Willingness to Learn” is a job requirement for E2E Test Automation Engineers.

The reason is simple: sadly, E2E test automation is rarely taught at universities. This means mastering the knowledge and practices comes from two channels:

• Self-learning
  Few companies provide E2E test automation training for staff (check out this article). That’s why I chose a night-reading image for this article.

• Learn from a real test automation engineer or coach

Either way, it requires learning and a lot of practice. The latter is highly unlikely for the following reasons:

• Real test automation engineers are extremely rare.
  Meeting one is hard, let alone engaging in a mentee-mentor relationship.
  (I was extremely lucky to work with one for 6 weeks, which totally transformed my career for much better)

• The majority of software professionals don’t invest (time and especially money) to grow.
  (I will write a separate article on that. For now, just ask yourself, how many technical books have you read in the past year?)

• The required knowledge for real E2E Test Automation Engineers is broad.
  (See the Part 1 of this series: Broad Knowledge. Hence, really requires an excellent learning attitude)

• Few companies provide E2E Test Automation Training despite specific requests from testers.
  (See my article, A Story: “Promised E2E Test Automation Training Never Came”)

Two Examples: “Fake Willing to Learn” and “Real Willing to Learn”

I have worked with numerous software testers and engineers who showed an interest in learning E2E test automation. However, genuine willingness is quite rare. Here, I will share two examples.