Katie is a Solution Architect with Esri Ireland, the market leader in geographic information systems (GIS), having joined the business almost 10 years ago. She works with customers across a range of sectors and industries, helping to solve their business challenges through location intelligence. Katie holds a BSc in Geography with Computing and a Masters in Geographic Information Systems, both from Ulster University.
What does your typical day look like?
My typical day usually starts with project stand-ups, where I catch up with different teams and discuss priorities for the day. Since I’m often working across multiple projects at once, the rest of the day can vary quite a bit depending on what stage each project is in. If a project is in the design phase, I’ll spend a good portion of the day running through or preparing for requirements-gathering workshops – these are mostly online now, though occasionally in person. I always enjoy these sessions as they’re a great opportunity to collaborate closely with the project stakeholders.
If a project has moved into implementation, my role shifts more towards providing technical oversight and guidance, ensuring the solution stays aligned with the original architecture. So while there’s a general rhythm to my day, the content is always changing, which makes each day feel a little different.
What are you currently working on?
I’m working on a few different things at the minute. With one customer, I’m advising on how to introduce automation into their workflows to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort. With another, we’re taking a more strategic view, developing a roadmap for the future of their GIS over the next 3-5 years. I’ve also been looking at how Esri’s ArcGIS technology can be used to build digital twins to support long-term planning and decision making. There’s always a good mix of work which keeps things interesting.
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What inspired you to join Esri in particular?
I chose to join Esri Ireland as I’d seen some of the impactful work they were doing with customers, and it really stood out to me. I also knew they worked with a wide range of technologies, which meant there would be plenty of opportunities to learn. I saw it as a place where I could continuously grow and develop my career.
Nearly 10 years on, I’m really glad I made that choice. I’ve had the chance to work on some brilliant projects, constantly learn new things, and work with a team of genuinely talented and supportive colleagues!
Did you always want to work in this industry (tech)?
Yes! I've always had a strong interest in the tech industry which began in school when I chose to study IT and completed a work placement at a local software engineering company. I’ve always enjoyed the sense of achievement that comes from solving technical challenges - whether it’s looking at code, getting stuck into spatial analysis, or integrating systems.
When it came time to choose a degree, I was torn between Geography and Computing. I was very happy when I discovered GIS in my second year of Geography, as it combined both my passions for geography and IT! From that point on, I knew I wanted to build a career in GIS.
What’s your favourite part about your work?
I love the variety that comes with my role, both in terms of the technology and the industries I work with.
The scope of technology that we deal with is so vast and it’s always evolving, with new products being released or new capabilities added. There’s always something new to learn which keeps things interesting!
I have a background working with environment agencies – both in my time with Esri Ireland, and before that too. I’ve always enjoyed working with customers and projects in this industry. However, recently I attended IMGIS, an infrastructure management conference in Europe, and I’m really enjoying learning about how our technology can be used to help our customers in this space.
What would you say to other people considering a job in this industry (tech)?
Talk to the people you know in the industry, and you’ll get a real sense of the range of opportunities out there and what it’s like to work in this sector. But ultimately, I’d say go for it! The tech industry is constantly evolving, is full of exciting possibilities, and you never know where it might lead you.
How do you see this technology impacting on our lives?
The impact of GIS technology can’t be overstated - so many industries are benefitting from its use. From government to private sector, we see GIS driving better outcomes through spatial analysis, improved data sharing, and stronger collaboration.
One of the biggest advantages is how it enables smarter decision making by bringing the geographic context into the process. The ability to integrate location-based data with other information makes GIS an invaluable tool, no matter what sector you work in. For example, local councils can prioritise road repairs more effectively, while utilities can plan network upgrades more efficiently. For operators of critical national infrastructure, GIS plays a vital role in monitoring assets and strengthening resilience.
Ultimately, for our customers, it means being more informed when it comes to asset maintenance, planning for the future, and resource provision. This enables more targeted maintenance strategies and better decision making for future projects.
Who inspired you to work in this field?
I hadn’t come across GIS until my undergraduate degree, where I was lucky to learn from some brilliant lecturers, who really sold the subject and made it interesting. One in particular stood out, not just for their expertise, but for the passion they brought to the subject. During my Masters, we worked together on a project that was a collaboration between the university and several government departments. The project focused on analysing local data to investigate a specific community issue and using GIS to develop evidence-based recommendations. This project really illustrated to me how spatial analysis can be applied to real-world problems, and it confirmed for me that I wanted to pursue a career in GIS.
What do you consider to be the most important tech innovation or development in recent years?
I have to say it’s AI or, more specifically, Geo-AI, which is what excites me most right now. I’ve recently seen some really powerful presentations at conferences showcasing how Geo-AI is being used to support relief efforts following natural disasters. The ability to quickly analyse spatial data and help coordinate resources is incredibly impactful. While GIS and mapping have long played a role in emergency response, the integration of AI has taken things to a whole new level.
What tech gadget could you not live without?
Definitely my phone! I use it for everything!
Sync NI's Summer 2025 magazine celebrates women in tech across Ireland as we continue to encourage more women to enter the thriving sector and address the current gender imbalance. Read the Summer 2025 Sync NI Magazine online for free here.
