What made you choose Arbtech?
After graduating from university with a degree in environmental science and only a little experience in ecology, applying for jobs was a frustrating process, as many opportunities required a certain amount of professional experience.
When I came across the internship at Arbtech, I was instantly attracted towards the emphasis they put on providing opportunities for ecologists looking to kickstart their careers, with a promise of early career development through unlimited CPD and shadowing opportunities.
On top of this, the high level of responsibility we were given not long after the start of the internship further highlighted the trust they were willing to put into early-career ecologists.
What do you love most about the company?
Flexibility! And in more ways than one!
Firstly, I love how working from home provides us with flexible hours. This mixed with on-site visits and various Slack meetings with colleagues is the perfect way to work for me. On top of this, the flexibility in choosing jobs and projects that interest us the most is something I really value.
I’d also say the people. During the internship, I met 50 fellow interns, all of whom were amazing and like-minded people, yet from all different backgrounds and walks of life. Similarly, the core staff that made the internship happen are just as wonderful and showed this time and time again over the course of the six months.
What do you do when you are not in Arbtech?
When I’m not working, I’m most likely either running or playing football. I play five-a-side with some close friends and 11-a-side on the weekends.
If not playing football, I love to run and have recently joined a running club based in Camberwell.
When I’m not playing football or running, I love to explore new areas in London with friends, especially finding my new favourite shops to buy vinyl records and plants from!
What is the biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
I would say my biggest tip is to use the support around you, whether that be friends, family or colleagues.
Never be scared to ask for help however stupid you think the question may be.
Throughout university, I would often find myself doing the opposite and avoiding asking for help in case I sounded stupid. The internship here at Arbtech has really enlightened me to not do this.
There are so many clever and experienced people here who are always happy to teach others and answer questions, and I have learned a hell of a lot as a result of this.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
Unfortunately, I’ve yet to experience an Arbtech social. The group dinner and bowling as part of the internship training days, however, were lots of fun.
I am certainly looking forward to attending my first actual social soon!
Where do you want to travel to next?
I would love to travel across Southeast Asia, specifically the Philippines. I’d really like to try scuba diving around here, as this is something I’ve always been keen to do.
I am also very keen to spend some time snowboarding in Japan, as the powder is much better than here in Europe!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
This is a very hard question, as my plans are always changing!
Professionally, I would love to still be working in the ecology sector, potentially on rewilding projects. I think I can see myself eventually moving out of London, maybe to somewhere more rural or by the coast.
I would also love to travel some more during the next five years, as this is something I have not yet managed to do much of.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
A goal of mine professionally would be to establish myself as a consultant ecologist and potentially have some species licences under my belt.
A personal goal would be to – at some point in my life – trek to the top of Mount Kenya.
Harry joined Arbtech in October 2024.
