What kind of role should I get in? Dev or Continue being SDET or move to AI roles
I’m 25 and currently working as an SDET in a product-based company, with 2.5 years of total experience (6 months internship + 2 years full-time).
My day-to-day work involves automation using Playwright, TypeScript, Java + RestAssured, CI/CD pipelines, Jenkins, GitHub, and Cucumber BDD. I also handle API testing, reporting, manual validation, and end-to-end testing. This has helped me build strong foundations in testing, automation, and working with scalable systems.
However, I often find manual testing repetitive and less engaging. I’m more drawn towards coding, system design, and exploring AI/ML and agentic AI, which I see as more future-proof and aligned with my interests.
This is my first job right our of college. I'm earning 10LPA now, but it's not enough as I'm the main pillar for my family. We live in Bangalore.
I'm looking to shift to a better pay and future porrf roles which align with my strength.
I’m looking for advice from those who’ve made a similar shift — what path worked best for you, and what practical steps should I start with to transition smoothly?
Please help.
I was Manual Tester and then moved to Automation Testing using Selenium and Java In 2015. Later i learn development and now I am a full stack developer with 13 yoe.
For me Full Stack development was very hot skill and I did hardwork to learn all those
For you AI Engineering is hot skill. Go for it. Learn it, build around it, build a portfolio around it and you will be reaching to your desired role.
Thank you for the advice @SuperBatman Any advice on what's the best way to pivot to AI roles? Through an online Course or certifications or boot camps? Not sure which is delivers value
Certifications dont matter in this AI world.
If you have enthusiasm, take course on udemy, build projects, you will gain confidence. Thats how I did it. No need to spend huge money courses. My friend bought upgrad course for 3 lacs but he is still in Testing. It all depends on you Bro.
You need to pull it off
