Stephanie Ulrich belongs to those who were enthusiastic about software testing even back in the nineties, at a time when quality assurance did not have the status it has today. Consequently, she was not distracted by one of her former bosses, who asked her: „Why do you want to test? Do something interesting instead – data modelling for example.“ Stephanie Ulrich, however, stuck with software testing, was quality manager in the application development of a large touristic organisation, and has played a role in the ISO-9000 certifications of this organisation. She was involved in the testing of large projects, and was test manager for a project in India. She currently works for a major bank, where in a central role she developed guidelines for the test and quality management of the organisation. Today, she is project manager in the field of process management.

With a twinkle in her eye, Stephanie Ulrich says about herself: „As soon as I come into contact with software, I find bugs.“ She is attracted by the possibility of applying detective-like perception on one hand, and the possibility to enhance the quality level of systems. Facing a problem and having to find a solution to it – this basically scientific approach still fascinates the certified biologist today. It is therefore no coincidence that she has been a member of the Gesellschaft für Informatik (GI) for almost 15 years, where she is mainly active in the working group „Test, Analysis, Verification“ (TAV).

Since she knows that testing is not a mere sideline, but an independent and professional activity, she is also one of the founding members of the GTB e.V. In this organisation, she leads the working party of Foundation Level Tester Certification and also collaborates in the Advanced Level working party. In addition, she represents the GTB at the international umbrella organisation, the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB®), in all matters relating to the Foundation Level certification. As far as the GTB is concerned, she values the fact that all important perspectives are represented in this organisation, from industry to universities. At the same time, the organisation is clearly set up – for Stephanie Ulrich a sign of its ability to act.