From Grad to Project Lead: Bre’s Journey at e2m
We recently caught up with Bre to reflect on her journey at e2m.
Fresh out of a master’s in conservation biology, Bre was looking for a chance to work outdoors, learn new skills, and contribute to balancing environmental values with project delivery. She saw an opportunity for a graduate ecologist role at e2m and applied, she wasn’t expecting much and wasn’t entirely sure what being an “ecologist” meant at the time. Within weeks, she’d interviewed with Scott and joined a small but ambitious team of 12.
That was almost six years ago.
Since then, Bre has carved her way as a senior ecologist and team leader. Her story captures what makes e2m different: a focus on people, quality, and values that have stayed consistent even as the team has grown to more than 50.
The highs and lows of being a grad
Bre recalls her early days as a whirlwind of fieldwork. Straight into major projects, she was quickly logging long days in regional Queensland, meeting the challenges of unfamiliar sites and complex client needs. Like many grads, she felt the steep learning curve – but also the exhilaration of knowing she was building skills that mattered.
“The fieldwork and travel was a big drawcard for me back then, it was a great opportunity to see places I never would have otherwise, I got up to Silver Status on Qantas pretty quickly.” she recalls. “But what kept me here was the people and the values. Even when things were challenging, you always knew someone had your back.”
Taking a sabbatical – and returning stronger
Three years in, Bre made the request to take a year off to travel. Rather than losing her, e2m supported her decision and held her role open.
“I always knew I wanted to come back. That flexibility says a lot about how e2m values its people. The culture of trust, and balance is rare in the industry. I feel fortunate to have a genuine work–life balance, we don’t use timesheets here and there is a lot of investment in learning and personal branding”.
Growth with values intact
From a tight-knit team of 12 to a company of more than 50, e2m has expanded without losing what Bre values most: quality people and strong values.
“The scale has changed, but the people haven’t. Everyone is smart, reliable, and like-minded. It’s amazing to see that consistency as we’ve grown.”
For clients, this continuity means long-term relationships and trusted points of contact. In industries where projects stretch across years, having the same skilled people involved makes a real difference.
Career development and impact
Today, Bre is focused on project management and client liaison, building on her natural strengths in organisation and big-picture thinking. She’s managed major infrastructure development assessments, contributed to long-term conservation research programs, and is shaping the way projects are delivered.
Her advice to new grads?
“Don’t stress if you don’t have it all figured out. Ecology is broad – your skills will find a place here. At e2m you’ll be supported, challenged, and surrounded by people who care about both the work and each other.”
At its heart, Bre’s journey reflects e2m’s purpose: great people achieving balanced environmental outcomes.