Software Test Engineer, New College Grad - 2025 (Austin, TX) - job 26 of 42

As a Software Test Engineer at Visa, you will develop and execute test plans, track test results, and collaborate closely with Project Managers, Product Owners, Developers, and Quality Engineers. Your duties will also include setting up and maintaining test environments as well as actively looking for ways to enhance quality standards and process efficiency.

Candidates for the Software Test Engineer position at Visa should typically possess a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with testing methodologies, strong analytical skills, and an eagerness to learn are important. Since this is an entry-level role designed for new grads, relevant coursework or internships in software testing will be valuable.

Collaboration is crucial for a Software Test Engineer at Visa. You will regularly engage with Project Managers, Product Owners, Developers, and Quality Engineers to understand software features and user requirements. This teamwork ensures that every product meets high-quality standards before launch.

At Visa, a new grad in the Software Test Engineer role can expect a solid career growth trajectory. You'll gain invaluable experience, participate in relevant training programs, and have opportunities to take on more complex projects as you prove your skills, paving the way for future roles in software development or management.

Visa seeks candidates who are not just technically proficient, but who also demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities and excellent communication skills. A genuine enthusiasm for software testing and quality assurance, along with a proactive approach to teamwork, will make you stand out in your application for the Software Test Engineer role.

The most important quality for a Software Test Engineer is attention to detail. This role requires you to thoroughly analyze software functionality and identify bugs or issues. Demonstrating an ability to focus on small details while maintaining a larger perspective will help you excel.

In such a scenario, it’s essential to remain calm and communicate the issue transparently to the development team. I would assess the bug's impact and urgency and collaborate with my teammates to suggest the most efficient way to resolve it while minimizing delays to our launch.

Even as a new grad, being familiar with test automation tools is a plus. I’ve had coursework and projects involving tools like Selenium or JUnit, where I learned how to create automated test scripts, which help improve the efficiency of the testing process.

Prioritizing testing tasks depends on understanding the project's timeline and the risks associated with different features. I would rank critical functionalities as highest priority while ensuring that the overall quality assurance process remains thorough and efficient.

Effective communication with developers can be achieved through regular stand-up meetings and updates during the testing process. Clear documentation and outlining my findings in an organized manner also help in establishing a smooth dialogue to address any issues.

Setting up a test environment involves understanding the application’s architecture and requirements. I would ensure all necessary components are in place, including hardware, software, and network configurations, adhering to best practices to replicate the production environment as closely as possible.

I am drawn to this role at Visa because of the company's commitment to innovation and quality. Being part of a team that continuously strives for improvement aligns with my own values and career aspirations, wanting to ensure that users receive the best possible software experience.

I am familiar with several testing methodologies, including manual testing, automated testing, black-box testing, and white-box testing. Each methodology has its strengths, and I believe using a combination tailored to the project requirements yields the best results.

When developing a test plan, I consider the scope of the project, the objectives of the testing, resources available, team collaboration, and potential risks. A well-structured test plan also includes test cases, timelines, and the criteria for success.

During my studies, I had to learn a new programming language for a project on short notice. I dedicated time to online tutorials, sought guidance from peers, and successfully implemented the language in our project. This experience taught me resilience and adaptability, which are key traits for a Software Test Engineer.