What made you choose Arbtech?
I originally wanted to go down a research route, but then found out about ecological consultancy and joined the fieldwork team at a different company.
I spent my first ecology season doing crazy hours and travelling all over the country but gained invaluable experience and took a huge step up into my dream career. During that time, I met an Arbtecher who loudly raved all about their culture and working life. From then on, I knew that I wanted to work for Arbtech.
As I was still studying at university, I spent the next year as a BERS subcontractor, taking on as many surveys as I could possibly fit in to gain experience.
When Arbtech posted a new job advert, I jumped straight at it and joined the most amazing team.
What do you love most about the company?
What I love most about Arbtech is the people.
Although we all live far apart and most of us work from home, the team socials and great online communication really bring us all together.
I love how incredibly helpful, welcoming and friendly everyone is, which – as a new starter – makes settling in all that much easier.
There is such a vast amount of knowledge among the team, which is so readily shared and makes the start of a junior’s career with limited understanding seem a lot less daunting.
What do you do when you are not at Arbtech?
I love travelling and exploring nature – as if I don’t get enough of that with the job!
The highlight of last year’s travels was a few nights spent on Lundy Island – a remote animal haven with no phone signal where I got to enjoy the peaceful seals basking and beautiful puffins nesting their chicks.
A couple of trips to Devon, North Wales and Croatia were also on the list, where I enjoyed hiking around, fascinated with the wildlife and habitats that differ from my local area.
This year’s travel plans consist of similar antics.
What is your biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
A set routine.
It helps immensely and is key to having a productive day.
Learning to enjoy the journey despite failures is also especially important, and as someone starting out in their career, it is fundamental to your learning.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
Admittedly, my very first social at Arbtech remains my all-time favourite – an all-expenses paid three-day festival at Latitude.
What a way to meet your coworkers for the first time!
Other experiences I hold dear include a water assault course in Delamere, a Ninja Warrior park in Southampton, and countless nights out in various parts of the country.
As you can tell, we love any excuse to get together and spend time as a team.
Where do you want to travel to next?
New Zealand is definitely at the top of my list at the moment! The diverse landscapes are calling out my name.
I’d also love to revisit Asia at some point too, as it really won my heart travelling around Thailand a few years ago.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
Hopefully still at Arbtech. I really can’t see myself being anywhere else. The perks, people, amazing boss and flexible work just cannot compare to anywhere else.
I would like to progress further in the company as my knowledge grows
I enjoy mentoring newcomers and sharing the wisdom I’ve picked up from colleagues, just as I did when I first joined.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
I’d love to go on a research programme in Australia at some point. The wildlife is just so rich and different from ours; it would be amazing to work with it closely.
In the distant future, I dream about having my own little bit of land to turn into a wildlife haven, to enjoy sharing with all the little creatures and just be immersed in nature.
Olga joined Arbtech in 2023.
