Quality Analyst Career Guide: From Entry-Level to Expert

What Does a Quality Analyst Do?

Core Responsibilities and Daily Tasks

A quality analyst serves as the guardian of product excellence. These professionals spend their days testing software applications, analyzing data for potential errors, and ensuring products meet established standards before release. The role involves much more than simply finding bugs.

Quality analysts detect defects early in the development process. They create detailed test plans, execute manual and automated testing procedures, and document their findings. Their work directly impacts user experience and product performance.

Daily tasks vary based on the project phase. During development, analysts collaborate closely with team members to understand requirements. They design test cases that cover expected functionality and edge scenarios. When testing begins, they methodically verify each feature, logging any issues they discover.

Reporting plays a crucial role in the position. Quality analysts communicate findings to development teams, product managers, and stakeholders. They provide clear descriptions of problems, steps to reproduce errors, and recommendations for fixes. This requires strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills.

Industries That Hire Quality Analysts

Quality analysts find opportunities across multiple sectors. The tech industry employs the largest number of these professionals, particularly companies developing software applications, mobile platforms, and web services. Tech companies require quality analysts to ensure their products function properly across different environments and devices.

Healthcare organizations need quality analysts to verify that medical software, patient data systems, and diagnostic tools operate correctly. Given the critical nature of healthcare technology, these roles often require knowledge of regulatory compliance and industry-specific standards.

Manufacturing companies hire quality control analysts to inspect products, monitor production processes, and ensure goods meet specifications. These positions focus more on physical products than software, involving different testing methodologies and tools.

Financial services firms employ quality analysts to test banking applications, trading platforms, and security systems. The field demands professionals who understand data integrity, transaction accuracy, and regulatory requirements.

Do quality analysts work remotely? Many positions now offer flexible arrangements, especially in software testing roles. The ability to perform testing on cloud-based platforms and collaborate through digital tools has expanded remote opportunities significantly.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

Technical Skills Required

What makes someone effective in this role? Technical proficiency forms the foundation. Quality analysts must possess strong analytical abilities to break down complex systems and identify potential failure points. This skill enables them to design comprehensive test strategies.

Top 10 Technical Skills for Quality Analysts:

• Attention to detail for catching subtle defects
• Understanding of software development life cycle phases
• Proficiency with testing tools and frameworks
• Data analytics and interpretation capabilities
• Knowledge of automated testing principles
• Familiarity with bug tracking systems
• Database query skills for data validation
• API testing competencies
• Performance testing abilities
• Mobile and web application testing experience

Testing tool knowledge separates capable analysts from exceptional ones. Professionals use various platforms depending on their focus area. Microsoft Office applications remain essential for documentation and reporting. Automated testing frameworks require programming knowledge and technical aptitude.

The ability to learn new tools quickly proves valuable. Technology evolves rapidly, introducing new testing platforms and methodologies. Analysts who embrace continuous learning advance faster in their careers.

Data analytics skills help analysts identify patterns in defects. By analyzing trends, they recommend process improvements that prevent future errors. This proactive approach adds significant value beyond basic testing.

Soft Skills That Make a Difference

Technical knowledge alone doesn't guarantee success. Communication abilities determine how effectively analysts convey findings to diverse audiences. Developers need technical details, while managers require high-level summaries. Adapting communication style to the audience ensures information reaches the right people appropriately.

Collaboration skills matter tremendously. Quality analysts work within teams, not in isolation. They coordinate with developers to understand features, consult product managers about requirements, and update stakeholders on progress. Building strong working relationships facilitates smoother workflows.

Problem-solving mindset distinguishes good analysts from great ones. When tests fail, analysts investigate root causes rather than simply logging defects. They think critically about why issues occur and how to prevent similar problems.

Time management becomes crucial when juggling multiple testing cycles. Analysts balance thoroughness with delivery timelines, prioritizing critical tests while ensuring comprehensive coverage. Meeting deadlines without sacrificing quality requires discipline and planning.

Education and Degree Requirements

Most entry-level quality analyst positions require a bachelor's degree. Computer Science degrees provide ideal preparation, covering programming fundamentals, algorithms, and system design. These concepts apply directly to testing activities.

Other relevant fields include Information Technology, Software Engineering, and Data Science. Some companies accept degrees in unrelated areas if candidates demonstrate strong analytical abilities and willingness to learn technical skills.

Do you need a degree to start? While bachelor's credentials remain standard for most positions, alternative paths exist. Individuals with associate degrees or technical certifications can enter the field through junior roles. Building a strong portfolio of testing projects and earning professional certifications helps compensate for limited formal education.

Advanced positions often prefer candidates with additional qualifications. A master's degree in Computer Science or related field opens doors to senior and lead roles. However, extensive experience can substitute for advanced degrees in many organizations.

How to Become a Quality Analyst

Step-by-Step Career Path

Starting a career in quality assurance follows a predictable trajectory. Begin by gaining foundational knowledge through education or self-study. Understanding programming basics, even without becoming an expert coder, provides context for software testing.

Build practical skills through hands-on projects. Contribute to open-source software testing, volunteer for beta testing programs, or create personal projects that demonstrate testing abilities. Real-world experience, even unpaid, strengthens your resume significantly.

Apply for entry-level positions such as QA tester or junior quality analyst roles. These opportunities allow you to learn industry practices, work with professional tools, and understand team dynamics. Expect to start with manual testing before progressing to more complex responsibilities.

Progress requires continuous skill development. Pursue certifications, attend training sessions, and stay current with industry trends. The Stack Overflow annual survey reveals that professionals who invest in learning new technologies advance faster than those who rely solely on existing knowledge.

Certifications That Boost Your Profile

Professional certifications validate your expertise and commitment to the field. The ISTQB certification ranks as the most recognized qualification globally. This international standard demonstrates fundamental testing knowledge and professional competence.

ISTQB offers multiple certification levels. Foundation Level suits beginners and entry-level professionals, covering basic testing principles and terminology. Advanced Level certifications target experienced analysts seeking to specialize in areas like test management or technical testing.

Additional certifications enhance specific skill areas. Certified Agile Tester credentials benefit those working in agile environments. Security testing certifications add value for analysts in industries with strict compliance requirements.

Do certifications guarantee employment? Not directly, but they significantly improve job prospects. O*NET occupational data demonstrates that certified professionals command higher salaries and receive more interview opportunities than non-certified candidates with similar experience.

Building Practical Experience

Theory only takes you so far. Practical experience builds the judgment and intuition that separate adequate analysts from exceptional ones. Start by testing software you use daily. Document bugs you encounter, consider how you'd design tests for features, and think about edge cases.

Contribute to open-source projects actively seeking testers. Many development teams welcome quality contributions, providing opportunities to work with real codebases and professional workflows. This experience demonstrates initiative and builds your portfolio.

Practice automated testing using free tools and frameworks. Create sample projects that showcase your ability to write test scripts, integrate with continuous delivery pipelines, and generate reports. Share these projects on platforms like GitHub to display your capabilities to potential employers.

Seek internships or contract positions. Short-term roles provide valuable exposure to professional environments without long-term commitments. Companies often hire contractors for specific testing projects, offering entry points into the industry.

Quality Analyst Salary and Job Outlook

Average Salary by Experience Level

Compensation for quality analysts varies based on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions typically offer competitive starting salaries that increase substantially with experience and specialization.

Salary Ranges by Experience:

• Entry-level (0-2 years): $50,000 - $65,000 annually
• Mid-career (3-5 years): $65,000 - $85,000 annually
• Experienced (6-10 years): $85,000 - $110,000 annually
• Senior/Lead (10+ years): $110,000 - $145,000+ annually

These figures represent average ranges across the United States. Individual salaries depend on multiple factors including company size, geographic location, and specific skill sets. Professionals with expertise in automated testing, performance engineering, or security testing often command premium compensation.

Benefits packages add significant value beyond base salary. Most positions include health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, and professional development budgets. Tech companies frequently offer stock options or equity grants that substantially increase total compensation.

Freelance and contract quality analysts can earn higher hourly rates but lack employment stability and benefits. Typical contract rates range from $40 to $80 per hour depending on expertise and project complexity.

Geographic and Industry Variations

Location dramatically impacts earning potential. Tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York offer the highest salaries, often 30-50% above national averages. However, cost of living in these areas reduces the real value of higher nominal wages.

Remote positions have somewhat leveled geographic disparities. Companies increasingly offer location-independent compensation, though many still adjust salaries based on employee location. Remote work expands opportunities for professionals in lower-cost areas to access higher-paying positions.

Industry choice affects compensation significantly. Software and technology companies generally pay the most, followed by financial services. Healthcare organizations offer competitive salaries with excellent job security. Manufacturing positions typically pay less but may offer other benefits like predictable schedules.

Company size matters too. Larger organizations with established quality programs often have structured salary bands and clear advancement paths. Startups might offer lower base salaries but compensate with equity and rapid growth opportunities.

Job Market Trends and Growth

The demand for quality analysts continues growing across industries. Digital transformation initiatives drive companies to invest more heavily in quality assurance. Products become increasingly complex, requiring sophisticated testing approaches and skilled professionals.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for software quality assurance analysts is projected to grow faster than average for all occupations. This growth reflects ongoing technology adoption and the critical importance of delivering reliable products.

Which industries show the strongest demand? Technology companies lead hiring, particularly those developing cloud services, mobile applications, and enterprise software. Healthcare IT expands rapidly as medical institutions modernize systems and adopt digital health solutions.

The shift toward automated testing creates opportunities for analysts with programming skills. While automation doesn't eliminate manual testing needs, it changes the skill profile companies seek. Professionals who combine testing expertise with technical capabilities find the most opportunities.

Remote work has expanded the available job market dramatically. Analysts can now apply for positions with companies across the country or internationally. This flexibility benefits both employers seeking top talent and professionals wanting geographic freedom.

Tools and Technologies Quality Analysts Use

Manual Testing Tools

Manual testing remains essential despite automation advances. Quality analysts use various tools to plan, execute, and track manual testing efforts. Test case management platforms help organize testing activities and maintain documentation.

Bug tracking systems like Jira, Bugzilla, and Azure DevOps enable analysts to log defects, track resolution progress, and communicate with development teams. These platforms centralize information and facilitate collaboration across distributed teams.

Documentation tools prove critical for maintaining test plans, procedures, and reports. Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word, serve as standard tools for creating test documentation. Analysts use spreadsheets to track test coverage, manage test data, and analyze results.

Screen capture and recording software helps document issues effectively. Tools that record user sessions enable analysts to demonstrate problems clearly, making it easier for developers to understand and fix defects.

Automated Testing Platforms

Automation transforms how quality analysts work. Automated testing frameworks execute tests faster and more consistently than manual approaches. Learning these tools expands career opportunities and increases efficiency.

Most In-Demand Automated Testing Tools:

• Selenium for web application testing
• Appium for mobile testing across iOS and Android
• JUnit and TestNG for unit testing
• Cucumber for behavior-driven development
• Jenkins for continuous integration and delivery
• Postman for API testing
• JMeter for performance testing
• Cypress for modern web applications
• Playwright for end-to-end testing
• Robot Framework for acceptance testing

Each tool serves specific purposes and environments. Web-focused analysts prioritize Selenium and Cypress expertise. Those testing mobile applications need Appium proficiency. API testing specialists rely heavily on Postman and REST-assured frameworks.

Continuous integration platforms automate test execution as part of development workflows. Jenkins, GitLab CI, and CircleCI integrate testing into deployment pipelines, running tests automatically whenever code changes occur.

Cloud-based testing platforms provide access to diverse environments without maintaining physical infrastructure. Services like BrowserStack and Sauce Labs enable testing across multiple browsers, operating systems, and devices simultaneously.

Data Analytics and Reporting Software

Quality analysts increasingly rely on data analytics to identify trends and inform decisions. Advanced Excel functions enable sophisticated analysis of test results, defect patterns, and quality metrics. Pivot tables, formulas, and visualizations transform raw data into actionable insights.

Specialized analytics tools offer more powerful capabilities. SQL knowledge allows analysts to query databases directly, validating data integrity and extracting information for analysis. Business intelligence platforms like Tableau and Power BI create dashboards that track quality metrics over time.

Performance monitoring tools measure application speed, resource usage, and scalability. These platforms generate detailed reports showing how systems behave under various conditions. Analysts use this data to identify bottlenecks and optimization opportunities.

Reporting software communicates testing outcomes to stakeholders. Customizable reports present information at appropriate detail levels for different audiences. Executives need high-level summaries, while technical teams require comprehensive data.

Career Progression and Advancement

From Associate to Lead: The Typical Journey

Quality analyst careers follow well-defined progression paths. Understanding potential advancement helps professionals set goals and develop necessary skills. Entry positions focus on executing tests and learning fundamentals. As analysts gain experience, responsibilities expand to include planning, mentoring, and process improvement.

Associate quality analyst roles serve as entry points. These positions involve executing test cases created by senior team members, documenting results, and reporting defects. Associates learn tools, processes, and team dynamics while building foundational skills.

Quality analyst positions require independent work and decision-making. Analysts at this level create test plans, design test cases, and determine appropriate testing approaches. They work with minimal supervision and contribute ideas for process improvements.

Senior quality analysts lead testing initiatives and mentor less experienced team members. They establish testing standards, evaluate new tools, and recommend methodology changes. Technical expertise deepens, often including specialization in specific testing types or domains.

QA managers and leads transition from hands-on testing to team leadership. These roles involve hiring, training, and developing team members. Managers define quality strategies, allocate resources, and ensure teams meet organizational objectives. The position requires balancing technical knowledge with people management skills.

Specialization Paths You Can Pursue

Quality assurance offers multiple specialization opportunities. Professionals can focus their careers on specific testing types, industries, or technologies. Specialization often leads to higher compensation and more interesting work.

Software QA analyst roles concentrate exclusively on software testing. These positions require deep knowledge of development processes, programming concepts, and software architecture. Specialists work closely with development teams, participating in code reviews and design discussions.

Data quality assurance analysts focus on data integrity, accuracy, and consistency. They validate data pipelines, ensure proper transformations occur, and verify database operations. This specialization suits analysts with strong analytical skills and database knowledge.

Quality control analysts in manufacturing inspect physical products rather than software. They monitor production processes, test materials, and ensure products meet specifications. The role requires understanding manufacturing operations and quality management systems.

Risk and compliance specialists ensure products meet regulatory requirements and industry standards. Healthcare, finance, and aviation industries particularly value these professionals. The position demands knowledge of relevant regulations and audit procedures.

Performance testing specialists focus on system speed, scalability, and stability. They design load tests, stress tests, and endurance tests to identify performance issues before release. This specialization requires understanding of system architecture and capacity planning.

Security testing specialists identify vulnerabilities and ensure applications resist attacks. Given increasing cybersecurity threats, demand for these professionals grows steadily. The role requires knowledge of security principles, common vulnerabilities, and testing methodologies.

Transitioning to Related Roles

Quality analyst experience prepares professionals for various career transitions. The skills developed—analytical thinking, attention to detail, understanding of development processes—transfer well to related positions.

Product manager roles attract many former quality analysts. Testing experience provides deep product knowledge and user perspective. Analysts understand what makes products succeed or fail, valuable insight for product strategy.

Business analyst positions leverage the analytical and requirements skills quality analysts develop. Both roles involve translating stakeholder needs into specifications and ensuring deliverables meet expectations. The transition feels natural for many professionals.

Project management careers appeal to analysts interested in coordination and delivery. Quality analysts already work across teams, manage timelines, and track progress. Adding formal project management skills enables the transition.

DevOps and release management roles suit analysts with strong technical skills and automation experience. These positions focus on improving deployment processes and ensuring smooth releases. Quality analysts' understanding of testing integration into development workflows provides excellent preparation.

Some analysts transition into software development. The testing background provides unique perspective on writing robust, testable code. Former analysts often become strong developers who prioritize quality and user experience.

Working as a Quality Analyst: What to Expect

Who Do Quality Analysts Collaborate With?

Quality analysts rarely work in isolation. The role requires constant collaboration with diverse team members. Understanding these relationships helps set appropriate expectations for the position.

Development teams form the closest working relationship. Analysts and developers work together throughout the software development life cycle. Analysts review requirements during planning, test features during development, and verify fixes for reported defects. Effective collaboration requires mutual respect and clear communication.

Product managers define what gets built and prioritize features. Quality analysts help product managers understand technical constraints and quality implications of decisions. They provide input on feasibility, testing requirements, and potential risks.

Business stakeholders include executives, department heads, and end users. Quality analysts translate technical findings into business impact, helping stakeholders understand quality status and make informed decisions about releases.

Customer support teams rely on quality analysts to understand known issues and verify bug fixes. When customers report problems, analysts reproduce issues, investigate causes, and coordinate resolutions. This collaboration improves customer experience and product reliability.

Other quality team members collaborate on standardizing processes, sharing knowledge, and supporting each other. Larger organizations have specialized QA teams where analysts focus on different product areas or testing types while coordinating overall quality efforts.

Typical Work Environments

Where do quality analysts perform their work? The environment varies significantly based on company type, size, and culture. Tech companies and startups often provide modern offices with collaborative spaces, though remote work has become increasingly common.

Larger organizations typically have structured environments with defined processes and established teams. These settings offer stability, clear career paths, and comprehensive benefits. Quality programs tend to be mature with standardized tools and methodologies.

Startups provide dynamic, fast-paced environments where analysts wear multiple hats. Processes are less formal, allowing creativity and innovation. The role often includes responsibilities beyond traditional testing. Equity compensation and rapid growth opportunities attract many professionals despite potential instability.

Remote work has transformed the profession dramatically. Many quality analyst positions now offer full-time remote or hybrid arrangements. This flexibility appeals to professionals seeking work-life balance or geographic freedom. However, remote work requires strong communication skills and self-discipline.

Agency and consulting environments expose analysts to diverse projects and industries. Consultants move between clients, solving different quality challenges and learning various tools and processes. The variety keeps work interesting but requires adaptability and quick learning.

In-house positions focus on a single product or company. Analysts develop deep expertise in specific domains, building long-term relationships with team members. The consistency allows specialization but may offer less variety than consulting roles.

Day-to-Day Challenges and Rewards

What challenges do quality analysts face regularly? Time pressure tops the list. Development teams push to ship features quickly, sometimes pressuring analysts to reduce testing time. Balancing thoroughness with speed requires judgment and prioritization skills.

Detecting critical defects before release brings significant satisfaction. Finding a serious bug that would have caused customer problems validates the analyst's value and expertise. These discoveries directly impact product success and user satisfaction.

Ensuring products meet customer standards requires understanding user needs and expectations. Quality analysts serve as customer advocates, ensuring products work correctly and provide good experiences. This responsibility connects the role to real-world impact.

Communicating bad news proves challenging. When testing reveals serious problems or products aren't ready for release, analysts must deliver difficult messages to stakeholders. This requires diplomacy, confidence, and clear evidence to support recommendations.

Continuous learning keeps the role engaging. New technologies, tools, and methodologies constantly emerge. Analysts who embrace learning find the field endlessly interesting. Those resistant to change may struggle with evolving demands.

Recognition can be inconsistent. When products work well, quality contributions may go unnoticed. Analysts prevent problems rather than solving visible crises, making their value less apparent. Finding satisfaction in quality work itself rather than external validation helps maintain motivation.

Quality Assurance vs Quality Control: Understanding the Difference

Process-Focused vs Product-Focused

Quality assurance and quality control are related but distinct concepts. Understanding the difference helps professionals position themselves appropriately and develop relevant skills.

Quality assurance focuses on preventing defects through proper processes. QA professionals establish standards, define methodologies, and ensure teams follow best practices. The approach is proactive, addressing quality before problems occur.

Quality control involves detecting and correcting defects in finished products. QC professionals inspect deliverables, identify issues, and verify corrections. This reactive approach catches problems that slip through preventive measures.

QA principles emphasize doing things right from the start. This includes clear requirements, good design practices, code reviews, and appropriate testing at each development stage. The investment in processes reduces defects and rework costs.

QC detection involves testing finished products against specifications. Inspectors use various techniques to identify deviations from standards. When defects appear, products return for correction before release.

Both approaches complement each other effectively. Strong QA processes reduce the defects QC must catch. Effective QC provides feedback that improves QA processes. Organizations benefit from combining both methodologies.

When Companies Need Both

Manufacturing contexts typically separate QA and QC functions clearly. Process engineers focus on quality assurance, establishing production standards and monitoring adherence. Quality control inspectors examine finished goods, ensuring products meet specifications before shipping.

Software development environments often blend QA and QC responsibilities. Quality analysts perform both process improvement (QA) and testing (QC). Smaller teams especially expect analysts to handle both aspects. Larger organizations may separate roles more distinctly.

Regulatory and compliance requirements sometimes mandate specific QA and QC practices. Healthcare, aerospace, and automotive industries must demonstrate both preventive measures and inspection procedures. Documentation proves that appropriate quality measures exist throughout production.

The most effective quality programs integrate both approaches. Process improvements reduce defect rates while thorough testing catches remaining issues. Companies that invest in both quality assurance and quality control deliver superior products and maintain customer satisfaction.

Leveraging Whileresume for Your Quality Analyst Career

Creating a Standout Quality Analyst Resume

Your resume serves as the first quality test recruiters perform on you. How well you document your qualifications, highlight relevant experience, and present yourself matters tremendously. Quality analysts should apply the same attention to detail they use professionally when crafting resumes.

Highlight technical skills prominently. List specific testing tools, programming languages, and methodologies you've used. Quantify experience whenever possible—number of test cases created, defect detection rates, projects completed. Concrete numbers demonstrate competence more effectively than vague descriptions.

Showcase both manual and automated testing experience. Companies increasingly seek analysts comfortable with both approaches. Describe specific automation frameworks you've implemented and the efficiency gains achieved. Balance this with examples of thorough manual testing that caught critical issues.

Emphasize certifications and training investments. List ISTQB credentials, completed courses, and professional development activities. These demonstrate commitment to the field and validate your expertise. Include certification levels and specializations to stand out from candidates with basic qualifications.

Resume Optimization Checklist:

• Include specific testing tools and technologies used
• Quantify achievements with metrics and numbers
• Highlight both manual and automated testing experience
• List certifications prominently with completion dates
• Describe collaboration with development teams
• Mention industries or domains where you have expertise
• Use action verbs that demonstrate impact
• Tailor content to match job descriptions
• Proofread thoroughly for errors
• Format consistently and professionally

Describe collaboration experiences clearly. Quality analysts work across teams, so demonstrating strong communication and coordination abilities matters. Provide examples of working with developers, product managers, and stakeholders to achieve quality objectives.

Connecting with Recruiters Actively Hiring

Whileresume connects quality analysts directly with companies seeking their skills. Unlike traditional job boards where applications disappear into databases, this platform enables recruiters to discover your profile when searching for candidates.

How do companies search for QA talent? Recruiters filter by specific skills, certifications, experience levels, and locations. Optimizing your profile with relevant keywords increases visibility. Include terms from job descriptions you find interesting—if multiple positions mention "automated testing" or "agile methodologies," ensure these appear in your profile.

Standing out in a competitive market requires differentiation. What makes you unique compared to other candidates? Perhaps you have specialized industry knowledge, expertise with particular tools, or experience in specific testing types. Highlight these differentiators prominently in your profile.

Complete profiles receive more attention than partial ones. Fill out all sections thoroughly, providing comprehensive information about your background, skills, and goals. Upload work samples if possible—screenshots of test reports, examples of test automation code, or documentation you've created.

Regular updates keep your profile fresh and improve visibility. Add new certifications as you earn them, update skills when you learn new tools, and refresh your profile periodically. Active profiles signal to recruiters that you're serious about opportunities.

Accessing Opportunities Across Industries

Whileresume provides access to quality analyst positions across diverse industries and experience levels. Tech and software companies post numerous openings for analysts specializing in application testing, mobile platforms, and web services. These roles often offer competitive compensation and cutting-edge technology exposure.

Healthcare and pharmaceutical organizations seek analysts with understanding of medical software requirements and regulatory compliance. These positions combine technical skills with domain knowledge, offering opportunities to impact patient care and medical outcomes.

International job postings expand possibilities beyond local markets. Remote work enables applying for positions anywhere, accessing companies and roles that might not exist in your geographic area. This global marketplace increases options significantly.

Entry to advanced level openings cater to professionals at all career stages. New graduates find junior positions to launch careers, while experienced analysts discover senior and lead roles matching their expertise. The platform accommodates growth throughout your professional journey.

Taking your quality analyst career to the next level starts with visibility. Creating a comprehensive Whileresume profile positions you to connect with recruiters actively seeking professionals with your skills and experience. Whether you're launching your career or advancing to senior positions, the platform facilitates connections that drive career progress.