From a love of maps to becoming a geospatial specialist with experience spanning sectors like policing, utilities, and defence, Robin’s career is anything but conventional. In this candid interview, Robin shares insights on navigating the tech industry from a non-traditional background, pivotal career moments, and the importance of mentorship and community in shaping the future of tech.

Can you share a bit about your background?

I specialise in geospatial which is the visualisation, analysis and management of data that has a spatial element and can therefore rendered upon a map of some kind.

This is also known as GIS which stands for Geographic Information System and is typically a technology product or solution that enables the access, visualisation and analysis of spatial data.

I have applied my skills and experience in various sectors during my career to date, including; Police, Utilities, Environmental Management, Rail and Defence. 

Did you come up through a “traditional” techie route or has your career taken twists and turns along the way?

I have come from a totally non-techie background and knew very little about IT when I first entered the job market. I completed a GIS based degree due to an innate love of maps and once I entered the workplace as a post-graduate I have had to learn ‘tech’ on the job, something that am still doing to this date.

Reflecting on your career, is there a specific moment that stands out as pivotal or defining?

My first permanent role was with a police force where I spent many years. Due to financial cut-backs various roles within the IT department were made redundant, including mine. At the time this was a stressful process to deal with but upon reflection it has actually proved to be a positive experience.

This effectivity ‘forced’ me to expand my horizons within the geo-sphere and become an independent contractor for a number of years.

During this time I was deployed on various IT delivery projects where a geospatial specialist was required, in different organisations within different sectors. This improved my experience massively, but also gave me confidence that I could do this.

What piece of advice would you give your younger self as you embarked on your professional journey?

To build natural and healthy relationships with your colleagues. That way, you will be in a much greater position to learn from them over time, but also, enables you to share your ideas and skills wit your peers and to build confidence in your own abilities.

Additionally, never underestimate the role your efforts will play in the wider scheme of things. Just because you are in an early stage of your career and may feel like a small cog in the machine, try to understand ‘the why’ of your efforts as it will nearly always be an essential delivery item.

Looking ahead, what’s your big prediction for the tech landscape in 2025?

I feel that there is a huge land grab happening at the moment all around the use of AI which is clouding many other good things. Therefore I find it quite difficult to recognise the real innovations taking place amongst all the AI marketing noise.

Considering your involvement in Silicon Brighton and community-building, what does the concept of ‘community’ mean to you personally? How important is it in the tech industry?

Tech communities play an essential role within IT sector. I enables tech freelancers and remote workers to share ideas and support each other. This is important for those who do not work within large organisations with the support network that usually comes with such roles.

How do you balance staying updated with the latest industry trends while ensuring continuous personal and professional growth? Any specific resources or practices you find particularly valuable?

I find this difficult when deployed full-time on client projects. To achieve this as much as possible I do attend industry and geo-company events, either in person or online, but it does feel like chasing a constantly moving target sometimes.

As someone who has contributed significantly to the community, how do you see mentorship playing a role in the development of the next generation of tech professionals?

As a member of the UK geo-community and am a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society and a Chartered Geographer. This scheme applies a lot of effort to mentor the geographers and geo-specialists of the future. Schemes like this a key to passing the baton to the next generation by provided them with guidance and the confidence to flourish with the field.

Is there any additional wisdom, experience, or anecdotes you’d like to share with our audience?

If you are dealing with imposter syndrome or struggling with confidence when in a new job, just remember that the client/employer did actually choose for you to do this.