What made you choose Arbtech?
I’ve been following Arbtech via social media for several years now, and I knew as soon as I read the ‘culture’ section on their website that it was somewhere I would aspire to become a part of.
It seemed really clear that the employees were appreciated and supported throughout – something that was really important to me.
I applied for seasonal bat surveying jobs a couple of years ago but was unsuccessful. I didn’t give up, however, and here I am today as a graduate ecologist.
The perks we receive are like nothing I have experienced before, and the unlimited CPD fund was something that really appealed to me, as I am eager to expand my knowledge and learn as much as I can.
I was looking for somewhere to start my career in ecology and, for me, there was no place better than Arbtech.
What do you love most about the company?
Having only started here at Arbtech a month ago, you may think that I would struggle for things to say, but it couldn’t be further from the truth!
What I love most is my co-workers. In the month I’ve been here so far, I have experienced first-hand a kind, generous and helpful team who have gone out of their way to welcome and assist me in my training. Nothing seems to be too much for anyone, no matter how busy their workload is, and for that, I feel extremely privileged and lucky.
Not to mention that the team is made up of highly talented, skilled and knowledgeable people who I am able to learn so much from. I love that I am given the time to shadow other colleagues before I go out alone, so I am able to confidently and correctly carry out my work rather than being thrown out there straight away unprepared and inexperienced.
What do you do when you are not at Arbtech?
I spend my time socialising, keeping active and going on adventures with my pup!
I have the best friend group going and it’s very important to me to have a healthy social life, which Arbtech enables me to have. We like to spend our time camping, walking, exploring different locations, paddleboarding, yoga and so on.
I am a big scuba diving lover and like to get in the water as often as I can; I’ve been lucky enough to dive in many locations such as Cuba, Mexico and Egypt. If only the weather was warmer here in the UK, I would be able to get out much more often, but the cold does not appeal to me. Speaking of which, I love to go abroad as much as I can, as I love experiencing other cultures and seeing different species that we do not have here in the UK.
What is your biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
Don’t be put off from doing things just because they seem hard or scary; sometimes some of the scariest things can have the most potential. It’s better to regret something you did do than regret something you didn’t do at all.
This is a concept that I have to really engrain in my brain. Sometimes, it seems much easier and safer to stay within your comfort zone than it is to push yourself and do something that comes with a risk. However, I do think it’s important to know your own limits and boundaries, pushing yourself accordingly without being too hard on yourself if you don’t succeed.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
As I’ve only been at Arbtech since December 2022, I’ve only attended one social so far: the Christmas social.
It was an amazing night for me, as I was able to meet most of the team early on despite only starting at the company the week before. We were absolutely spoiled with delicious food, drinks, and a wonderful band and DJ.
I was extremely lucky to have been included in such a great social and – based on what my colleagues have said – I am very excited for what is to come! I hope to come along to many more of the socials over the years and spend the time bonding with my colleagues, who already seem to be such a wonderful bunch of people.
Where do you want to travel to next?
Ah, where do I start?
The list is endless, but to name a few…the absolute dream would be to travel to Fiji and spend my time diving while gaining my rescue diver certification, or Yellowstone National Park, where I would be able to experience my favourite animal, the wolf, in their natural habitat.
My favourite place is Mexico, and even though I have been there four times already, I would love to go back again this year. I feel like there is still so much I need to see and do, including diving with bull sharks. Each time I have been to Mexico, I have been booked to do this dive, but each time, it has been cancelled (maybe this is a sign that I shouldn’t do it…).
Travelling is a very important part of my life, and I always make sure I get away at least four times a year, including the beautiful places we have here in England. For example, if you were spending the summer in Cornwall or Devon, you would think you were in a tropical paradise.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
I see myself settled.
I have moved around a lot in my adult years, never really having a place to call my own. In five years’ time, I see myself having that safe space that is purely mine with a nice garden for my pup. However, I will also have my own fully converted van so I can still get away at weekends in my home on wheels and feed my travelling bug!
Before joining Arbtech, it wasn’t something that I thought would ever be on the cards, but with the support and training I’ve already had, I see great things for me in the future.
Within Arbtech, I hope to become a senior ecologist having gained multiple licences including for both bats and great crested newts. I also hope to become a valuable, respected member of the team and be able to teach and train graduates like I’m being taught now.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
A big goal of mine is to obtain my divemaster certification. I feel most at peace when I’m diving; surrounded by water and animals, I feel so free!
I would love to push myself to achieve certain qualifications within scuba diving, instead of just having it as a hobby and only doing ‘fun’ dives. I would also like to gain the relevant skills to do slightly more dangerous dives and really push the boundaries in locations such as caves.
For me, it’s about pushing myself mentally as well as physically, and scuba diving is such a great way to do this as, at times, it can be pretty scary!
Romany joined Arbtech in December 2022.
