Career Crossroads: Should I Pursue Testing or Stick with Training? Seeking Advice!

Career History and Dilemma

I have completed a BE in Computer Science and started my career as a Lecturer in one of the engineering colleges, teaching all computer-related subjects. With 2 years of experience in teaching, I joined an IT company as a Process cum Application Trainer for one of the prestigious government projects. Since the project got completed and went live, I had no option but to leave the job as it was contractual. So, finally, now I have a total of 2 years + 14 months = 3.5 years of experience. Even though I received a few awards for my training and gained some experience in the Training and Development field, I am currently unable to find a suitable job in the same field. I also completed a certification in a testing course as some of my friends suggested due to numerous openings in testing.

Career Decision: Testing or Training?

Now, the question arises whether to change my career to testing or stay in training. If I choose training, I would need to start my career as a fresher again, which is holding me back. However, job openings for trainers are very scarce and most likely found in BPOs, which require BPO experience.

Please suggest something. It is my sincere request to all seniors.

Regards,
Geetha

Keeping your educational background and work experience in mind, my suggestion is to first try and leverage your core competency of computer engineering. There are two reasons I suggest this. First, it is a niche arena, so there could be greater chances of finding suitable openings. Secondly, there is a higher probability of you doing exceedingly well in that field because of your inherent educational background and work experience.

Considerations for Training

When it comes to training, it presupposes that your communication skills are excellent but, more importantly, requires a different domain expertise, especially if you hope to go into soft skills or management-related training. Training exclusively for the computer-related domain would narrow your options drastically too.

Follow Your Passion

Finally, you have to decide which area interests you, excites you, and what you are really passionate about. If you are passionate about anything, you can be sure you will find ways and means to surmount all inhibitions, apprehensions, obstacles, and failures and live what you dream.

Best Wishes

Like B. Jacob mentioned, first and foremost figure out the following aspects:

1. What's your core interest – training or testing?
2. Where do your core strengths/capabilities lie – in training or testing?

In short, do a SWOT analysis of the various options you see for yourself, and you will have the answer.

There is, however, one fallacy in what you mentioned: "...there are lots of openings in Testing."

Please note that any field requires experience for a company to consider an individual's application. With just a training course, it would be challenging to secure a worthwhile testing job opportunity unless it's for freshers.

All the best.

Regards,
TS