What made you choose Arbtech?
Working for Arbtech was recommended to me by a graduate ecologist here. From this, I applied to be a sub-consultant doing bat surveys last year.
Working as a subbie made me really passionate about ecology work, and from then on, I strived to gain more knowledge and skills in this field. When I saw the BERS intern role at Arbtech, I knew I had to go for it!
Arbtech was a standout company to me due to offering such a wide range of opportunities and experiences that you would not find elsewhere.
After six months of hard work and determination, I was offered a full-time job with the company as a graduate ecologist.
What do you love most about the company?
What I love most about the company is the ecologists and other workers within it!
I always felt comfortable throughout the internship to ask for help with I needed it, and this was always met with real passion and enthusiasm from other ecologists.
Although we work from home, there is a real sense of support, and I wouldn’t have developed such knowledge and confidence without this.
I also love the freedom that comes with this role. You are in control of your own diary and trusted to do your job to a high standard in a way that works for you.
What do you do when you are not in Arbtech?
I love to be outdoors whenever I get the chance.
I’m in the process of finishing my MSc in wildlife conservation – which has included a lot of screen time – so any opportunity to go out on a walk and reconnect with nature is taken!
I also love to spend time with my partner and friends and will always take every opportunity to visit my family, three dogs and (of course) the tortoise.
My favourite pastime at the moment is going to my and my partner’s favourite coffee shop, which sells the best pastries.
I’m also very keen on doing yoga and climbing whenever I can.
What is the biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
Get involved with as much as you can!
Throughout the years, I have made sure to take every opportunity I can to gain confidence and skills, even if they were massively outside my comfort zone.
Although some things are scary and can give you major imposter syndrome, some of your biggest and proudest achievements come from getting yourself out there in those situations and being able to say ‘I did that’.
I would not be in the position I am in today without sticking to this advice.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
As I am new to the company, I’m yet to experience an Arbtech social.
I have, however, had the opportunity to go for coffee meet-ups with other graduate ecologists and my mentors. Having time put aside to meet up and work together is really great when you often work from home, and it really helps you feel supported.
Where do you want to travel to next?
I would love to do a big trip to South East Asia and explore places such as the Philippines, Thailand, Laos and so on.
I am hoping that I can also save up to go to Canada to visit a close friend of mine who has moved out there.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I hope to see myself progressing within the ecology field, gaining licenses for protected species in the UK, and gradually moving up to senior levels within the company.
As I’m new to the company, I can’t wait to see my confidence grow and learn more about all things bats!
In 5 years, I also hope to be living somewhere in Wales close to good hiking spots with my partner and a couple of dogs.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
One of my main goals is to get into bat care.
I would love to be able to rescue some bats and help with their release back into the wild. In fact, I actually know someone within this company who is planning to train me up on this!
This past year has been very intense, balancing both my master’s and the internship at Arbtech. Therefore, in my personal life, I want to make sure I put aside more time for myself, whether that’s through going to yoga classes and walks or just having some pyjama days!
I would also love to save up to travel to more places in the world.
Katie joined Arbtech in October 2024.
