What made you choose Arbtech?
Before applying for the internship, I was sub-contracting for Arbtech, so I already had a sense of the culture. After hearing the staff rave about the company over the past few years, I knew the perks and CPD were very real.
Having previously worked jobs with a strict timetable, I also wanted the freedom to work around my own schedule. I’m much more productive after a morning hike, and I don’t have to stress and worry about getting to an office on time. This way of working feels much more natural to me, and I enjoy being able to start early or work late whilst prioritising my family time and health.
Arbtech had already given me a multitude of opportunities over my time as a sub-contractor that got me closer to my ecological and professional goals, so it was about time for me to sign up permanently!
What do you love most about the company?
The thing I love most about Arbtech is the people, and how could you not? Arbtech has a real sense of team.
Although most of our work is remote, you’re never alone; there’ll always be someone to help you when you’re in a bind or give you a second opinion.
It’s wonderful to have such truly talented and knowledgeable colleagues who go out of their way to assist you with your learning and are enthusiastic to lend a hand.
What do you do when you are not in Arbtech?
When I’m not at Arbtech, I’m usually with my partner, our dogs, my friends or any combination.
I have a silly amount of hobbies and crafts that I swap around every week.
On my days off, I love to go hiking, paddleboarding or rollerblading with my dogs, or decompress by reading, carving wood or crocheting.
What is the biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
Don’t sit around idly and wait for things to come to you – go out and get what you want.
Six years ago, I was living in a tiny country village in the South of France. I moved over to England with my backpack and a suitcase and had a grand total of £25 pounds left.
I wouldn’t be at Arbtech today if I hadn’t made that huge, terrifying jump to get what I wanted, and once you’ve done the really scary thing, everything pales in comparison.
Do the things you’re afraid of!
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
I haven’t been with Arbtech long, so I’m not sure I can pick a favourite, but I loved the initial social for the internship.
It was great to meet and work with such like-minded people, even if they’re all better than me at bowling!
Where do you want to travel to next?
As a huge mythology and history nerd, Greece is high on my list, as is Italy.
I’d love to visit the Scandinavian countries too, or Belgium and Germany at Christmas.
I don’t think there are many places I wouldn’t go!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
In five years’ time, I’d like to think I’ll still be at Arbtech.
I’d love to have a couple of protected species licences under my belt. I’m already close to getting my first bat licence, and I can’t wait to see how the progress in my botany skills develops by then.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
My big dream in ecology would be to have an ecology detection dog; I do a huge amount of scent work with my flat-coat Penny.
I would also love to move towards more ecological scent work.
Outside of this, I’d like to travel and see as much of the world as I can.
Elodie joined Arbtech in October 2024.
