MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation: London Trek

16 May 2017

Having just returned from the trek to London, I can tell you the experience was extremely valuable and enjoyable. The trek consisted of four visits to separate companies to discuss topics related to our programme including innovation practices within these companies, entrepreneurial challenges, company culture, and venture creation.

Day 1

Our trip began with a visit to Google’s offices in London, which were as impressive as they have been touted to be. Our host led us through a tour and discussed how they used interior layout and design of the office to drive collaboration and productivity. We also had a presentation and question and answer segment that gave our group insight into the corporate culture and life as a Google employee.

The next stop was Bad Brownie, a company which recently won funding on the TV show Dragons’ Den, where we met with the founders, Paz and Morag. Coming from the posh offices of London to the garage-turned-kitchen that is the Bad Brownie office, was quite a stark contrast. It really gave our group exposure to a wide spectrum of opportunities that lay ahead. During our time here the founders walked us through their entrepreneurial journey, from the decision to start the company to the challenges they faced throughout the process, both large and small, and how they addressed these challenges. I found this to be very interesting and beneficial as someone who has been involved in start-ups and is currently managing one from afar.

The first day of the trek was capped with a group dinner, where we were able to discuss the days activities and enjoy a night out in the city of London.

Day 2

We began Day 2 with a trip to Escape The City, a company which helps individuals find new exciting careers or start an entrepreneurial journey. This visit picked up right where Bad Brownie left off, conducting the presentation/workshop in unique space that is in the midst of being renovated. We discussed what success looks like for each of us in the next few years and how the millennial generation’s view is deviating from the traditional definition of success. This visit was very helpful and really got the group to think about what is next for us after the programme is finished.

The next visit was Amazon where we took part in a panel discussion and then a casual session where we had the chance to speak with the panel members and a few people that are currently in their graduate scheme. The panel provided insight into a number of divisions of Amazon and how their roles allow for innovation. The panel was a mix of younger employees to more senior members of their team which gave a good mix of how innovation varies not only between the different divisions, but also at the various levels of their organisation.

Overall, the trip provided me the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of companies. As someone who is debating whether to re-enter the workplace or start a new entrepreneurial journey, this trip was exactly what I needed. It not only gave me a glimpse of life into some of the top organizations in the world but also a taste of what life as an entrepreneur working to make an idea come to fruition would look like. It was a very beneficial trip and am grateful for the experience.

Scott Hakes, MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Find out more about Santander funding under Opportunities.