Cliodhna McGuirk – SMS technologist

Cliodhna McGuirk, SMS technologist

Degree

Pure and Applied Mathematics, Trinity College Dublin.

Career snapshot

Cliodhna McGuirk, Chief Technology Officer at Saadian Technologies, is an SMS trailblazer. If you’ve ever sent a text to a radio station, entered an SMS competition or received the latest sports news by text, then it’s possible that her technology made it happen. From Swords, County Dublin, Cliodhna’s interest in technology began when she studied maths in university. On graduation, she got a job in AIB and developed an interest in Internet security and programming. Her next job was with Nua – considered worldwide to be an Internet pioneer – where she worked on projects developing Internet solutions for Irish and International companies. In 1999, she co-founded Saadian Technologies, which has become one of the leading Irish Mobile Middleware and SMS companies in Ireland and beyond.

What’s so brilliant about your job?

“There is a definite buzz about working in an industry where the technology is moving so fast. I’ve always had an interest in problem solving. I enjoy talking to clients, finding out their needs and then coming back with a technical solution to solve their problems.”
“It can be a very creative process and very rewarding when you see how your software has made an impact on the company.”

How do you spend typical day?

“There are always several projects on the go. As CTO I’m involved, in some way, in every project. That could mean that in the morning I’m working with a client like Today FM, on SMS listener voting. Then in the afternoon I could be programming a new product to be used by the Government for the EU Presidency. I get to do a lot of different things. As a growing company we never say ‘no’ so it’s always busy.”

Are you computer nerd?

“No. But none of my friends are into computers. I’ve never ended up programming in a corner. It’s always been about using technology to fix problems and being able to come at things laterally, My maths definitely helped me develop those skills.”

Did science give you a buzz at school?

“I was always interested in mathematics and physics. I did applied maths as an extra subject because my school didn’t offer it for the Leaving. I really got interested after the Junior Cert. I was selected to compete in the Mathematics Olympiad, which is an international competition and involves extra training on Saturdays. It gave me a taste for doing maths at university level.”

What has been the highlight of your career to date?

“I won the Irish Internet Association Innovation Award in 2002. I was really happy because people working in the Irish Internet industry voted for me. It was great that our hard work was recognised by our peers.”