Women in arb: Viktoria Carstens

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND?

I was born and raised in Denmark, where I studied animal science and agrotechnology in the past. Anything I’ve done has always revolved around nature and animals. In 2016 I went to Sweden to work with trees and in 2018 I finished my education as a forest and nature technician.

WHERE ARE YOU BASED?

I am based in southern Sweden, by a big lake surrounded by forest.

WHAT DOES YOUR DAY-TO-DAY WORK INVOLVE?

I run my own company where I work mostly as a freelance arborist or as a sub-contractor for other arb companies. My company also covers my Instagram business and I love the creative outlet! My day-to-day can differ a lot. Some days I work for myself with private customers, some days for other companies and some days I spend doing exactly what I love like hanging with my dog and spending time in nature. Being my own boss gives me that freedom and I am so grateful!

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO PURSUE A CAREER IN ARBORICULTURE?

After lots of travelling and not being sure what to pursue next, I applied to study nature and culture communication at Copenhagen University. While waiting to get accepted at uni, I joined a chainsaw introduction course. Word spread that I was now involved with trees and in the process of getting my chainsaw licence and I then got an offer to become an apprentice at a Swedish arb company. I just went for it and I haven’t looked back since!

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE OF ARB WORK?

My first experience of arb work was a whole new world for me. I had zero knowledge on the subject before I started, and I soon found myself with a lot to learn and a lot of fears to overcome! It was hard work at first, working my fitness level up and getting comfortable in the trees. I’ve been lucky to work with some very skilled arborists right from the beginning and gotten a lot of insight.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU HAVE LEARNED DURING YOUR TIME IN THE INDUSTRY?

The most important thing I’ve learned is definitely to let go of fear and just do. Trust your gear and your gut. A lot of times I’ve found myself unsure or scared in a situation, I’ve had to push my limits and widen my comfort zone. Most times, it has been a positive outcome and a personal gain that is so worth all the blood, sweat and tears!

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT IN THE INDUSTRY?

A proud achievement has definitely been all the hard work I’ve put in, to go from being a total beginner to a confident arborist running my own business.

ANY CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?

Some career highlights have been competing in tree climbing all over Europe and making it to the ETCC (European Tree Climbing Championship) a couple of times. I’ll never forget these experiences and I’ve been so proud and excited as a rookie to compete alongside some of the best climbers in the world. Travelling to Australia with Teufelberger in 2019, competing at Red Bull Branched Out, was a great experience of pushing limits and having a blast. Another big highlight has been working with Stihl in Sweden. The acknowledgement from a company that big means so much to me and I’m happy to give back to the industry by using my platform on Instagram to share my experiences.

WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE OF BEING A WOMAN IN A MALE-DOMINATED INDUSTRY BEEN?

A lot has happened since I started working with trees. So many women have joined the industry lately and I am thrilled to see more diversity within the field. I am completely aware that societal issues have made it hard for some women to work their way through a male-dominated industry and I’m very proud of the women before me doing exactly that. I sure have dealt with these issues. I’ve felt a greater need to prove myself. Some colleagues, strangers and even teachers have been doubting my skills, intentions or right to ‘take up space’. I do experience some pocket sexism every now and then, both online and on job sites. People like to comment on gender or ask if it is hard work because I am a female. I try to shake this off as I like to think that people have good intentions, but I am not afraid to speak up if I feel like someone overstepped a boundary. These experiences have only made me stronger and louder, made me work harder and at least prove to myself that I can do whatever I set my mind to. I am not here to be put in a box or live under any limits just for being a woman.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO ENCOURAGE MORE WOMEN INTO THE SECTOR?

I think we are all responsible for creating an environment that makes tree work appeal to anyone with a passion for it, no matter how they identify. I think it is important to support women within the industry, welcome beginners and give them the ballast to withstand any negativity.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACING THE SECTOR AT THE MOMENT, IN YOUR VIEW?

Right now I think COVID-19 is the biggest challenge to overcome in any industry, but looking forward, I hope people will focus more on sustainability, tree care and our environment that is desperately suffering because of human behaviour.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH STIHL?

I was honoured to be offered the opportunity to film Stihl’s new campaign while working for an arb company in Sweden. They reached out, looking for a female within the industry willing to become a new face of their brand. I was growing my Instagram alongside working with trees, and we saw an opportunity for a mutually beneficial collaboration.

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE AS AN AMBASSADOR FOR STIHL INVOLVE?

As an ambassador for Stihl I get to work closely with their tools, test exciting new products and reach out to a lot of people with shared interests. I have always loved expressing myself in various creative ways. Creating Instagram content and videos is now one of them and I really thrive on it.

ARBORICULTURE IS VERY POPULAR ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS SUCH AS INSTAGRAM – WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS?

Oh, I love the tree community on Instagram! It has been a big part of my career from day one and I have watched it form and grow over the years. Instagram offers a great way for like-minded people and people in the same field to share and discuss important topics like gear, safety, correct technique and experiences. There is a great community spirit, just like at competitions. I believe people genuinely want the best for one another. For me, it’s a great way to inspire and be inspired.

ANY PARTICULAR AMBITIONS YOU ARE LOOKING TO ACHIEVE IN THE NEAR FUTURE?

As for everyone else, the spring of 2020 changed drastically for me, as I just got home from spending three months in the US, totally unplanned. Competitions are off until next year and work has been put on pause. I am going to take the coming time to collect all my stuff, spend time with people I love and get back in the trees ASAP!

Follow Viktoria on Instagram: @viktoriacarstens

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