Mike Robinson, like many Kootenay kids, spent a lot of his childhood enjoying the outdoors. As a result, he developed a keen interest in the diversity of plants, animals and ecosystems in the area.
After graduating high school, he took a few years to work as an arborist, in silviculture and in surveying. Though the work was interesting, the ability to pursue questions and find out more about our environment was going unsatisfied. He decided it was time to go back to school.
College of the Rockies was Mike’s choice to help kick-start his post-secondary education.
“I chose the College for a combination of quality of education and convenience of being able to stay in my home town,” he says. “It also provided a great opportunity for upgrading a few high school courses while beginning university-level courses.”
After completing his studies at the College in 2000, Mike went on to university at Okanagan University College (now UBC Okanagan). Upon completion of a Bachelor of Science degree, he was offered a job as an aquatic technician for Interior Reforestation, Ltd.
A few years later, Mike returned to school again. He earned a Master’s of Science degree in fisheries biology through University of Lethbridge.
In 2010, he returned to Cranbrook and began an environmental consulting company, Lotic Environmental. His original vision was for the company to consist of a group of about four employees. However, the company grew to have 14 employees in just five years.
Owning and operating a business while continuing to do the job he loves is just where Mike wants to be.
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