Business Development
My experience in Business Development began in 2022 when Stephen Hey asked me to attend Develop: Brighton while working with him on Unseen Galaxy. While there I was looking for support on the project as well as building my own personal network. This was a great introduction to networking and business development.
I attended Develop: Brighton again in 2023 while working for NextGen Skills Academy. We were asked to exhibit student work at the UKIE Festival of Food event on the Tuesday night. I took with me five of the twenty members of the Access Rocksteady bootcamp where we displayed work created by the cohort and I discussed NextGen’s various programmes, opportunities and events. The rest of the week was spent establishing connections with studios and professionals looking to take part in and support NextGen programmes.
I am proud to say that on both occassions, I have created new links with games industry professionals and have continued to stay in touch where possible, strengthening my relationships with my growing network.
NextGen Skills Academy
My work with NextGen started when Marcia Deakin asked me to help provide administrative support to the Access Rocksteady 12 week bootcamp and my role gradually expanded to include much more responsibility. This included building and strengthening relationships with industry professionals that would be willing to engage with and support work with both NextGen’s level 3 students and their work as a part of the Mayor of London’s Creative Skills Hub.
In order to find professionals willing to engage with students, I attended events including Develop: Brighton, EGX, Games Careers week and more where I connected with individuals and companies that would be willing to take part in various different engagement opportunities.
I pride myself on the strength of the relationships I’ve formed with the people that I’ve been in contact with during my time at NextGen and the value that those relationships has brought to students across the UK. I’m hopeful that I can continue to expand my own personal network, as well as create meaningful relationships in all of my future roles.