What made you choose Arbtech?
I’d followed Arbtech for a while, ever since starting the ASSET course that was unfortunately cancelled due to COVID.
I love how Arbtech gives people a much-needed foot in the door. It means seeing the potential in people and knowing that they can be trained up, and such an opportunity is particularly pivotal for someone attempting to take the first step in an industry as competitive as ecology.
When I saw an internship position at Arbtech, I jumped at it, as it was a great chance to see what being an ecologist is like while offering all of the benefits of shadowing and training.
After an eye-opening few months, I was lucky enough to be kept on as a graduate ecologist.
What do you love most about the company?
More than anything, I’d say the people; the access to a hive of knowledge where no question is a silly one and everyone is so welcoming and encouraging.
As well as access to a whole load of training, if there’s something you’re particularly interested in, you’re actively encouraged to go for it, and the CPD and shadowing opportunities provide a great start for someone early in their career.
What do you do when you are not in Arbtech?
Outside of work, I spend a lot of time outdoors and growing veg in the garden at my allotment. Although I don’t have much of a green thumb, I always enjoy trying to grow my own produce.
I really love the Lake District and wish I could get up there more. Every year for my birthday, I try and go to the middle of the lakes as far away from people as I can, squeezing in a few good hikes and wild swims in the process.
I also enjoy cooking, baking, climbing and board games. I have also recently perfected making a roast dinner, as my friends and I have regular roast and board game nights.
What is the biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
Trust your gut, and if something scares you, it’s worth doing.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
I recently went on the social to Delamere Water Sports and Aqua Park followed by a meal with everyone after. It was great to meet so many people in a different environment and see everyone’s competitive sides come out!
I’m looking forward to the Christmas party for the chance to meet everyone in the company.
Where do you want to travel to next?
I love exploring Europe, with Italy being my favourite place so far.
I’m off skiing in France next year, so after that, I’d like to go to the Dolomites to do some more Via Ferratas and consume my bodyweight in cheese and wine, or to Slovenia for some hiking and climbing.
Outside of Europe, I’d like to go on a wild camping trip to Canada and explore the Banff National Park, or to Australia and New Zealand for a bit of sun.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I’d like to be a more confident ecologist, holding a few species licences, particularly a level 2 bat licence.
It’d also be good to use my spare time to work with communities and local bat groups, introducing people to bats and the environment around them, and encouraging people to grow more food for themselves.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
In work, I hope to become more involved with bat work and improve my botany skills.
Outside of work, I aspire to eventually have a small plot of land to grow fruit and veg, where I can have a chicken or two (I love silkie chickens – they look so funky!) and maybe a dog.
I’d also like to be closer to the sea, as I couldn’t live further away right now, and after growing up five minutes from the beach in Devon, I really miss it.
Georgia joined Arbtech in October 2023.
