Jake Hudson
PIPS Host Organisation: Edventure
Project Title: Supporting Business Development

At Edventure, Jake Hudson served as the CEO’s assistant, gaining insight into high-level decision-making and understanding what makes a business truly run. Working closely with the CEO, Jake could address any priority for the company. He began by auditing each of Edventure’s policies, attempting to unify them with a common look and feel. Jake quickly discovered that the policies had been produced in an ad hoc patchwork manner, with several key areas entirely missing. After deciding on a template, he researched the most current guidance and regulations for every area of the business, eventually producing over 15 policy documents for the board to review.

In addition to this, Jake acted as an IT manager, completely redesigning Edventure’s digital filing system, managing several IT threats, and overseeing everyone’s digital accounts. In the final month of his placement, he was tasked with finding his replacement, leading him to explore various ways Edventure could partner with local universities and colleges. This ranged from a part-time intern with Wiltshire College to funded internships from the Universities of Exeter and Bristol, and even exploring opportunities for a KTP with the University of Bath.

While Jake enjoyed all aspects of the work and gained great insight into the intricacies of running a third-sector company that is both an SME and a CIC, the area he loved the most was building partnerships with other institutions. When he met the University of Bath’s head of business development at their Ignite+ business showcase, he was fascinated to learn that this individual also had a PhD in microbiology. This encounter solidified Jake’s interest in pursuing an alternative career to science, which he found he could greatly enjoy.