What made you choose Arbtech?
I joined Arbtech a few months after finishing university. Often, companies mess graduates around by not replying to applications, waiting months before telling them that the job is filled or offering seasonal jobs. But as soon as I started the application process at Arbtech, it seemed like I was taken more seriously than with other jobs. I was in contact with a real person rather than being taken through an automatic system, and there was no waiting for weeks on end to find out whether I got the job.
I felt that I got on well with Lizi and Rob in my interviews and knew that I would fit in well with the culture.
I liked the flexibility of the job and that we work from home, meaning we can fit in work around our own lives rather than the other way around. We can also arrange our own diaries, which again means we can prioritise our own lives.
What do you love most about the company?
As a very outgoing person, my favourite part about working at Arbtech is the socials. Although I have only been to a few so far, I really enjoyed getting to know everyone! In the past, socials have included festivals, spa days and trips to the pub, so I am excited to see what we come up with next!
I should also mention my favourite perk – the Pret A Manger subscription, which is incredibly useful when I need a caffeine boost whilst on a survey. It is also perfect for weekly trips with my colleagues, where we can grab a coffee and help each other with our work.
Another aspect of the company I love is the new 40-day annual leave policy. I still have a few more months before I am eligible for this, but I am excited to be able to use it to travel to some amazing places!
What do you do when you are not at Arbtech?
I play netball twice a week for my local club. Netball has always been a big part of my life; I have been playing since I was six! I usually play in attack or centre court. If I am not at netball, I am in the gym improving my fitness and strength. Our team has recently moved up a division in the league, so our aim at the moment is to stay there!
In my free time, I spend a lot of time with my friends, either at the pub, going on days out or just having dinner and some wine at home. I live with four friends who I met at university, so there is never a dull moment at our house! I love to cook and bake, and we often take turns cooking for each other, although my friends have to put up with my veggie meals.
What is your biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
I would say that doing something that you enjoy makes the hard work a lot easier.
For example, my dissertation for my degree was on a topic that I really enjoyed (how bat activity and species richness varies with different farming methods used). I spent the summer collecting data in the Sussex countryside and the rest of the year researching and reading papers that both interested me and were relevant for my degree.
Whilst many of my friends were complaining about their dissertations, I thoroughly enjoyed mine. Of course, I found some parts difficult, but I felt like I could get through it because I enjoyed the topic. This resulted in a first-class dissertation, which I am very proud of.
I think that this is relevant in many parts of life: career, sports, and any other goals that you may have.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
Although I have not yet had the chance to attend many socials, I was lucky enough to be invited to the company ski trip to Austria in January.
It was one of the first times I met most people, and by the end of the holiday, I knew I had made some friends for life. The entire trip was amazing, and I found a new love for skiing, though I definitely need some more practice. I am already planning my next ski trip, so hopefully, I will see some improvement!
As well as skiing, I spent the week eating and drinking in some amazing places with some amazing people, and of course, trying out some jiu-jitsu, which I enjoyed more than I thought I would.
Without a doubt, one of the best experiences of my life, and I can’t wait to see what comes next for Arbtech socials.
Where do you want to travel to next?
I love travelling and have been to some amazing places in my life. I took a gap year before university to travel around South East Asia, as well as several trips with my family, who also love to travel.
I spent a few weeks in Peru and really enjoyed the culture, so I would love to travel around South America.
Additionally, I would love to spend some time in Italy. I am currently learning Italian and need to practice (not to mention I love the food). As previously mentioned, I also want to go on another ski trip in Europe!
I am going to Sri Lanka for Christmas and the New Year, which I am insanely excited about! I have some family members there, so it will be nice to see them, but it will also be nice to spend the Christmas break on the beach.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
Honestly, I am not 100% sure what I see myself doing in 5 years’ time.
I am only 23, so I don’t feel as if I should put any pressure on myself to be at a certain point in my life when I am 28.
I hope I am happy, have a career that I am enjoying, and am surrounded by friends and family.
I also would like to have a good work-life balance; I feel it is important that I have a social life and time to unwind so that I can put my all in when at work.
I hopefully will be living in London with a few friends, which has been something I have wanted for a long time.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
A goal I have for my career is that I would like to complete a master’s in conservation in the future. I enjoyed learning about conservation and similar subject areas in my undergraduate degree and would like to explore this further.
One part of a master’s that really appeals to me is the research project that is completed in the second half of the course. I really enjoyed my undergraduate dissertation and want to see what I can do at a higher level.
In my personal life, I have several goals including living abroad for a few months, becoming fluent in Italian, and maybe even completing a ski season. I am not rushing myself to complete these goals, however, as right now, I am enjoying working at Arbtech and living with my friends.
Josie joined Arbtech in July 2022.
