David (Right) with Jonathan Goode, Head of Alumni Relations. BU graduate and business founder, David Burnet, has been named BU's Alumni Volunteer of the Year for 2023.
David graduated in Games Technology in 2018 and is now the Director of INVIDAR, which uses emerging technologies to create virtual environments and interactive experiences for brands including Samsung, Sony and Google.
David has maintained a close connection with BU since completing his studies. He took on several Student Research Assistant roles at the university before taking up his first external role for a local digital agency. Since launching INVIDAR he has employed fellow graduates and returned to share his experiences with students through guest talks, online articles and podcasts.
Michelle Poole-Winter from the Alumni Relations Team said: “David has continued to be a great support to BU students, particularly games technology students, by sharing his thoughts on the value of work placements, the importance of developing technical skills and how to build a business without investment. The industry is extremely competitive, and David has shown a real passion to share his knowledge and expertise with students while also investing in developing his own business.”
David said: “I’m ecstatic and honoured to receive this award. I feel that it’s hugely important to give back and I feel that it’s my responsibility to support BU students and staff, empowering them to take their next steps by providing opportunities, information and insights, just as I had while I was at BU. Thank you to everyone at BU and I look forward to working with you this academic year.”
Jenna Darlow leads BU’s Graduate Skills Programme, which David is set to support in the coming year. She said: “David is very keen to engage with students and tell his career story of what is has taken to become a successful entrepreneur. I am looking forward to him coming along to co-deliver our Steps into Self Employment Masterclass in November and also supporting the industry insight visit that we have planned for students at The Foundry in Poole.”
