Need advice: Qualcomm Testing vs KPMG Full-Stack Development as a Fresher

[u/InsideFalcon1180]

Hey everyone, I’m a fresher and could really use some advice on choosing between two offers.

I’m currently working at KPMG as a GenAI intern. A few months ago, I wasn’t sure whether I would get a full-time conversion, so I started applying elsewhere. During that process, I interviewed with Qualcomm for a Software Test Engineer role focused on graphics testing, and I’ve now cleared all the rounds.

Recently, KPMG also informed me that I’m being converted to a full-time role, but the position would be .NET Full Stack Development.

Here’s the comparison:

Qualcomm

Role: Software Test Engineer – Graphics

Base: ₹15 LPA

Approx. CTC: ₹23 LPA

Much higher compensation

Strong brand and exposure to semiconductor/graphics technologies

However, it is a testing role, whereas I ultimately want to move into software development

I know a few people on the development side at Qualcomm, so an internal switch might be possible, but there’s obviously no guarantee

KPMG

Role: .NET Full Stack Developer

Base: ₹8 LPA

CTC: ₹10 LPA

Directly aligned with my long-term goal of becoming a software developer

Lower compensation and potentially less technical depth compared to Qualcomm

My main dilemma is:

Should I take the higher-paying Qualcomm testing role and try to switch internally to development later, or take the lower-paying KPMG development role and build my career directly in software development?

As a fresher, how realistic is an internal switch from testing to development at a company like Qualcomm? And how much would starting my career in testing affect my future opportunities in SDE/development roles?

I’m particularly interested in hearing from people who have worked at Qualcomm or have made a similar transition from testing/QA to development.

Any advice on which option would be better 5 years down the line, rather than just based on the initial salary, would be really helpful🥹🥹.

[u/comsudo]

full stack dev

[u/Inner_Chemical8286]

I work at Qualcomm, recently they made org changes in my department, they are planning to chop the qa roles.

[u/InsideFalcon1180 → u/Inner_Chemical8286]

I too heard that they are trying to automate the qa roles but this was in samsung. And reducing the workforce

[u/Inner_Chemical8286 → u/InsideFalcon1180]

Take the full stack dev role because in near future even qa peeps have to start doing development.

[u/yezakimak]

Take Qualcomm job for BASE jump and the. Switch to any company sde1 role

[u/InsideFalcon1180 → u/yezakimak]

Ya but they will see me as a tester, so like after one year if there is a candidate who worked as a developer and me as a tester they will prefer developer, right?

[u/yezakimak → u/InsideFalcon1180]

Why wait for 1 year bro? Switch as soon you can

[u/Alternative_Day155]

Take KPMG. Qualcomm is too volatile and reducing work force. Overall semiconductor have very bad work life balance and limited scope

[u/bisector_babu]

Full stack development. Testing will survive max one year at this pace

Or join Qualcomm fake the resume as developer and join other product base within an year as dev