What made you choose Arbtech?
I chose Arbtech because they offered me an opportunity to step into ecology through their well-developed and in-depth internship, where I gained the required knowledge and experience to become an ecologist.
During the internship, I learnt all about our UK protected species and habitats, along with the surveys which were put in place to help protect and conserve our natural environment.
What do you love most about the company?
My favourite aspects of Arbtech as a company are both the flexibility of our working hours and the trust we have, as well as our team of consultants and the frequent opportunities to partake in socials.
What do you do when you are not at Arbtech?
I am rather extroverted, so when I am not at Arbtech, I tend to spend my time with friends, either out for a walk, grabbing some food or most likely at the pub (especially during rugby season).
When I fancy a quiet night in, however, I am not against a cheeky Chinese takeaway and a good comedy.
What is your biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
I am not one to talk, as I am only in my early twenties.
My biggest tip so far, however, is that time can fly past, so do your best to keep connected with people.
I try to pre-emptively plan days out or reunions with friends a month or two in advance so I will always have something to look forward to.
Even if you get swept away in your work life and you start to get distanced, that one pre-organised day will bring you straight back to a happy medium, re-earth you, and help you reset.
A life where you keep yourself connected to those who matter and keep yourself looking forward might not be the best tip to achieving the ‘most’ in life, but to me, it’s a pretty good one.
You also can never go wrong with a fluffy companion.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
I have not been on many, but I think one of the best socials I have been on was in Southampton fairly early on in the internship.
The reason why I picked this one was probably because I was not drinking; to be able to go and meet a group of consultants who have been working together for a while and feel comfortable, welcomed and have a good laugh without of drop of ‘courage juice’ was quite nice if you ask me.
Where do you want to travel to next?
I have always wanted to travel around Southeast Asia and just fully immerse myself in the beautiful sites and delicious cuisine it has to offer.
Additionally, I have always wanted to work on a reserve in South Africa to help monitor, rehabilitate and protect the wildlife, aiding in conservation programmes.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
I know previously I spoke a lot about looking forward and pre-planning, but five years is a long time.
Hopefully, I will have moved out and have a place of my own, and if I have the capacity to do so, hopefully I will have a dog or some other fluffy four-legged friend.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
A goal I have for the future is to find a career path where I am able to say that I am actively making a difference for the better, or at least trying to.
Whether it be through helping with conservation efforts of protected species or educating those about the beauty and importance of our natural world.
Kiera joined Arbtech in October 2025.
