Dennis de Brie is a functional tester at Topicus’ Finance division. With his years of experience in the mortgage sector, he knows better than anyone how users think—and how to tailor software to their needs. “As a tester, I’m critical: what are the real problem and need behind the customer’s request? And can’t we come up with a smarter solution? That way, we ensure the software aligns perfectly with real-world practice.”
That’s why Topicus
“I previously worked as a consultant at an insurance company and later as a process manager at a bank. Back then, I was an end-user of a similar type of software to what Topicus builds. Instead of being the one asking for things, I decided I’d rather be the one offering solutions. In 2018, I made the switch and that’s how I ended up on the IT side for the first time. Within six months at Topicus, I knew: I’m staying here until I retire.”
What immediately appeals to Dennis is the responsibility and freedom he’s given. “I’m a functional tester, but also a trainer. I’ve set up a training program for new colleagues myself. Many of them have technical knowledge but lack domain knowledge. By bringing them up to speed on that, they can make connections faster and test, develop, and analyze better, thereby contributing more effectively to the software we build.”
Dennis likes the organizational structure at Topicus. “It’s a flat organization with short lines of communication. The atmosphere is informal, even warm. It almost feels like family. When it comes to activities outside of work, the motto is: everything is allowed, nothing is mandatory. You can join the after-work drinks, but it’s perfectly fine if you don’t go. I really appreciate that lack of obligation.”
This is what I’m proud of
“What I’m really proud of is how we work as a team. We contribute ideas on how functionalities can best be built. Not just what needs to be done, but especially how it should look. Because I’ve been an end-user myself for years, I know exactly what works and what doesn’t. We never just accept customer requests at face value, but stay focused on what’s really needed. That’s how we create software that’s logical, practical, and user-friendly.
I’m also proud of the pace at which we work and our collaboration. We deliver new features every two weeks. Of course, things sometimes go wrong—where people work, mistakes are made—but we learn from them and move forward. That open attitude is typical of Topicus: it’s okay to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them. You won’t be held accountable for them.”
Dennis emphasizes how important it is to be yourself. “You’re not just a number here. Whether you’re young or have been with us for a while, there are plenty of opportunities for growth—both within and outside your team. I started out in process management and found the switch to IT pretty exciting. Now I don’t just do testing, but I also get to build something bigger. That makes me happy.”
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