Many QA engineers are passionate about their career dream of working for a product company one day — you should know that you do need to pull your socks up and spend the next few moments running down this entire story and then the next six months.
One way to attain your dream is by learning from failed interviews, and the other way is to design and execute an innovative study plan.
You’ve got to be wise, which will set you apart from the hundreds of competitors appearing for the same position as you.
Regarding the extended content to cover for preparation, working hard is not the best solution; you need to be smart enough to design the best preparation strategy. Which one do you prefer?
A 6-month product-company plan works when you focus on one language, build DSA/problem-solving consistency, and ship a real automation portfolio (UI + API + CI). The goal isn’t “learning topics”—it’s producing proof: GitHub commits, test frameworks, and mock interview readiness by month 6.
Key Takeaways
- Choose one language and go deep—don’t switch weekly.
- Build a public GitHub portfolio with daily learning + projects.
- Add CI + reliability so your automation is product-company grade.
For most India product companies, QA/SDET interviews test coding basics + DSA consistency, plus automation fundamentals (UI + API) and CI readiness. If you’re working full-time, split your prep into weekday micro-sessions (45–60 mins) and weekend deep work (3–4 hrs).
Why Product Company?
Most product companies hire smart, creative people and treat them well. Also, they reward rights, encourage new ideas, and give employees the freedom to work.
The 1–2–3–4–5–6 Month Study Plan
Disclaimer: This study plan is for the average skilled resource with about 60–80 hours a month for preparation.
Tip 1: Create your own GitHub public repository and keep driving your daily learnings with a proper readme document; and this repository can refer to in your resume.
Tip 2: Practice your coding on online platforms like HackerRank, LeetCode
Tip 3: When you learn a concept, practice with different possible problems in that concept. Most of them solve from GeeksForGeeks based on company-wise questions.
Month 1: Focus on any one programming Language
What programming language is best for the SDET role? There is no hard and fast answer for this as it is different for every person according to several personal factors —but look at the recent Job description of your preferred organization and make a choice for yourself.
If being one of you at this moment — I would choose between Python, Java, and JavaScript. Personally, if you are good at one, you can learn others quickly. Learn deeper and not broader.
Many free courses on Udemy, Coursera, Pluralsight and Codecademy are the best resources for learning your new language. You can reach out to TestLeaf if you need additional support in learning and know more about software testing courses.
Month 2: Focus on Data Structures & Algorithms
Month 3: Focus on Problem Solving & Testcase Enumeration
Month 4: Focus on any one UI automation tool
Month 5: Focus on any one Services automation tool
Month 6: Practice, Practice, and Practice.
Wrapping up:
Finally, if you don’t get your job in your desired Product Company after six months?
Indeed, it won’t be the end of the world. Your learning can still be with the skills and knowledge required to work as a software automation engineer. Testleaf’s automation testing courses have been excellent in the field, with a maximum success rate.
Good Luck!
FAQs
Can I crack a product company in 6 months as a QA?
Yes—if you consistently practice coding/DSA, build 1–2 solid automation projects, and do weekly mock interviews.
Which language is best for SDET interviews?
Pick based on job descriptions you’re targeting (commonly Java, Python, JavaScript) and stay consistent.
How many DSA problems should I solve in 6 months?
Aim for steady volume (example: 10–15/week) with revision—quality and repetition matter more than speed.
Should I learn Selenium or Playwright for product companies?
Either can work. Choose what matches your target companies and focus on fundamentals: locators, waits, assertions, POM, reliability.
What projects should I build to prove automation skills?
One UI framework + one API suite + CI run + reports. Bonus: flaky-test fixes and clear documentation.
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Author’s Bio:
As CEO of TestLeaf, I’m dedicated to transforming software testing by empowering individuals with real-world skills and advanced technology. With 24+ years in software engineering, I lead our mission to shape local talent into global software professionals. Join us in redefining the future of test engineering and making a lasting impact in the tech world.
Babu Manickam
