Navigating Change: My Evolving Career Path in the Geospatial Industry
- Miriam Kemunto Mabeya
- Sep 24
- 3 min read
The geospatial industry is dynamic by nature, and so has my career journey been within it. With a background in GIS and remote sensing, I have had the opportunity to move through diverse roles, each one equipping me with skills and perspectives that continue to shape how I engage with clients and the industry today.
Building a Foundation Through Teaching
My career began in the classroom as a high school geography teacher. While it may not have been the most obvious starting point for someone with a GIS background, it laid a strong foundation. Teaching honed my ability to communicate complex information in accessible ways, foster engagement, and remain adaptable, all competencies that are critical in any professional environment.
Transitioning Into Geospatial Sales
My entry into the geospatial business world came shortly after, when I took on a sales position within the industry. This was my first opportunity to directly apply my academic training to solving real-world challenges. Working in an office environment and meeting customers face-to-face allowed me to understand not just the technology, but also the people and processes driving its adoption. I learnt to listen actively, translate technical capabilities into practical value, and develop trusted relationships with decision-makers.
Adapting Through Disruption
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped how we work, and like many professionals, I had to adapt quickly. Overnight, customer interactions shifted from in-person meetings to fully virtual engagements. What initially felt like a barrier soon became a learning curve. I discovered new ways to leverage digital tools, refine my virtual communication skills, and maintain strong customer relationships without physical proximity. This period reinforced the importance of agility in a rapidly changing business environment.
Embracing the Future of Remote Work
Today, I work in a fully remote sales role within the geospatial space. What once seemed challenging has now become a strategic advantage. Remote work enables me to connect with clients across geographies, scale my reach, and remain responsive in a globalised marketplace. It has also deepened my appreciation for the role of technology, not just in geospatial solutions, but in how we build human connections in an increasingly digital world.
Reflections and Takeaways
Looking back, my path has been far from linear. Each stage: teaching, office-based sales, navigating a pandemic, and now remote work has provided distinct lessons. Together, they highlight three key takeaways for me:
Communication is foundational: Whether teaching students or presenting to clients, clarity and empathy drive understanding.
Adaptability is essential: The ability to pivot in response to change has been critical to staying effective and relevant.
Technology is an enabler: Beyond products and services, digital tools empower us to connect, collaborate, and deliver value globally.
The geospatial industry continues to evolve, and so does my journey within it. I look forward to contributing to its growth while continuing to learn, adapt, and connect in meaningful ways.
About the Author
Miriam Kemunto Mabeya is currently a Senior Sales Manager at EOX IT Services GmbH. She works remotely and uses her sales expertise to sell Sentinel-2 cloudless global imagery to customers across the world.