Name: Helen McNulty
Role: Senior Client Executive, Spatialest
What does your typical day look like?
During my typical workday I liaise with Spatialest clients in the States, update them on the progress of any ongoing projects and make sure they are satisfied with the technical products and services we provide. I am responsible for managing the Professional Services team as they work on delivering solutions.
I check in, help and advise them with any issues they may be having. A considerable amount of my time is also spent prospecting for new business, checking in with leads, updating them on any new developments whilst always making them aware of the benefits we can bring to their office.
What are you currently working on?
I am working with the Spatialest software development team to deliver technical solutions to multiple clients. I advise the software development team on the agreed Scope of Work and expectations of the clients and manage the deployment. Additionally, this is ‘budget time’ in the US so I am very busy trying to secure new business.
What inspired you to join this company in particular?
The fact that it was a new, fast-growing and constantly changing field where the technical solutions could be applied in any industry. Just at the right time, one of my now long-term colleagues, Ian Lamont, (who is also a founder of Spatialest) came up with the idea of developing a product to generate estimates of property value based upon location and property similarity. The combined statistical and technical aspects of this potential solution was of particular interest to me. The idea progressed into a product and we successfully filed for a Patent in the US to protect the unique workflow.
Did you always want to work in this industry (tech)?
No, I wanted to be a vet! GIS was a relatively new subject when I was going to university.
What’s your favourite part about your work?
Favourite part of my job is working with clients, understanding their problems, offering and helping to deliver technical solutions that we know make their lives easier! As a team, Spatialest deliver exceptional products and services. The client satisfaction and constant positive feedback we receive is something we are all very proud of.
What would you say to other people considering a job in this industry (tech)?
I would make sure people are aware that not everyone needs to be a programmer to work in Tech. There still needs to be a ‘person to person’ interaction and I suppose the ‘soft’ side of software or technology is something people should be aware of.
How do you see this technology impacting on our lives?
Working with local government taxation agencies might not be the most disruptive of industries but our solutions help provide a fair and equitable tax base. The tax dollars raised help fund schools and local services whilst our statistical analysis helps jurisdictions manage their fiscal policies and plan for the future.
Who inspired you to work in this field?
Two people inspired me. One was Professor Adrian Moore from the University of Ulster. As an undergraduate Adrian encouraged me to do a Masters degree in GIS. The other was my colleague Ian Lamont who I mentioned previously. At the time Ian was one of my lecturers and a huge support and encouragement to me during my MSc. His ambition and enthusiasm for the work in the industry really inspired me to pursue a career in the field.
Spatialest was initially a spin-off company from the University of Ulster, setup by Professor Adrian Moore (Lecturer in GIS) and Professor Gerry Parr (Lecturer in Telecommunications). When I graduated, Adrian encouraged me to apply for a GIS post in the company, which I did, and I have been here since!
What do you consider to be the most important tech innovation or development in recent years?
I suppose the general movement to put everything in the cloud. Everything needs to be connected and our solutions are no different and whilst government is often slow to implement new technologies we see the personalization of engagement with government as the next phase.
What tech gadget could you not live without?
My smartphone! It obviously helps me stay in contact with family and friends but it also allows me to stay in contact with clients, especially out of hours during crucial times of the deployment.
