What made you choose Arbtech?
I chose Arbtech because of the paid intern scheme they were offering. I saw it as a great entry point into the industry that I haven’t seen anywhere else.
I thought I could come out of university and walk straight into an entry-level job but quickly found that not to be the case. I still did stints of voluntary work before and after university, but I didn’t want to spend even more years volunteering just to get my foot in the door.
The job market at the moment is seriously broken, especially in the wildlife/conservation sector, whereas the opportunity at Arbtech felt like a perfect fit.
What do you love most about the company?
What I love most about the company is the flexibility it offers.
We get to choose our projects and decide when and how we want to work on them, and that level of autonomy really makes a difference in how I approach my work.
Plus, being able to work from home most of the time allows me to find a rhythm that suits me best. It’s nice to have the freedom to work at my own pace while still being part of a supportive team.
What do you do when you are not in Arbtech?
When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me out in nature, birdwatching and capturing the beauty of the outdoors through photography (I wouldn’t call myself a photographer though – I just point and shoot). I then create content with it, showcasing the amazing wildlife around us, particularly focusing on London’s hidden gems. It’s a great way to unwind and connect with nature!
I also enjoy hanging out with my mates and exploring the music scene in London. There’s always something happening, whether it’s a small gig or a larger event, and the social side is important when working alone most of the time.
What is the biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
Just do it.
I’m still learning myself – and probably practising that advice 50% of the time – aiming to get to 100% effectiveness at some point.
But I believe that’s the best thing you can do to achieve the most; take risks, get out of your comfort zone, and accept and follow through with any opportunity you get to do something you’re interested in.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
I haven’t been on any yet but looking forward to the famous Arbtech Christmas party!
Where do you want to travel to next?
I have travelled to many countries since childhood, exploring diverse cultures and landscapes, which sparked my passion for travel.
The passion drove me to think big, like when I travelled to Tenerife for my work experience in college and monitored cetaceans out at sea for two weeks.
The next trips I want to make are to Southeast Asia and South America, where I’m dying to discover their unique wildlife and rich ecosystems. I look forward to exploring the rainforests and coastlines and capturing their beauty through photography.
I also appreciate the long holidays offered by the company, which provide a wonderful opportunity to travel. I plan to make the most of that time to visit new destinations and experience different environments at a comfortable pace.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I always find this question challenging, as life can be unpredictable and full of surprises.
I prefer to embrace opportunities as they come, rather than locking into a very specific and rigid vision.
That said, I’m eager to grow my knowledge and skills and become more of an expert in the field of ecology. One example of this would be to gain some protected species licenses through my work with Arbtech.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
One of my aspirations for the future is to set up a conservation project or charity in Bangladesh, where my family is from. I’d love to work with local communities to promote a positive coexistence with wildlife.
It’s not something I’m actively working on yet, but it’s a passion of mine that I hope to explore somewhere down the line.
I really believe that collaborating with local people can create sustainable solutions that benefit both them and the wildlife.
Akash joined Arbtech in October 2024.
