Joel Davenport
Edinburgh
Summary
I have a degree in neuroscience and a growing passion for food and hospitality. I learn quickly and have proven teamwork capability. I am a versatile professional with a strong foundation in hospitality, customer care, and certified in First Aid. I have multilingual communication skills, including intermediate French and conversational proficiency in Wolof, Mandinka, and Nyanja, acquired through extensive fieldwork. I have gained leadership and teamwork abilities through participation in Exeter University Hockey, developing organisational and communicational expertise. I have managed multiple bars at Underbelly Fringe highlighting my ability to perform under pressure. Culinary skills developed through preparing meals for events and family gatherings reflect a passion for cooking.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
16
16
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Service worker
Splendid catering service
Edinburgh
2021.07 - 2026.01
- Worked at various high-end events such as weddings, dinners and Scottish Golf Open having led teams and ensured customer service standards.
- Solved customer complaints efficiently, enhancing company reputation.
Health Screen worker
Zambian Health Screen
Mfuwe, Zambia
2025.09 - 2025.10
- Clinical shadowing GP and Paediatrician in Zambia for 4 weeks: diabetes and epilepsy screening programmes (Mfuwe Epilepsy Foundation).
- Learnt doctor-patient interactions, screening techniques in the laboratory, conducted blood tests and assorted patient documents.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve daily laboratory targets.
Underbelly Bar Staff
Underbelly
Edinburgh
2025.08 - 2025.08
- Managed customer disputes effectively, preserving the business reputation.
- Ensured customer satisfaction by providing excellent service.
- Rotated stock regularly, reducing waste from expired products.
Barista/Kitchen assistant
Pleasance Café
Edinburgh
2023.08 - 2023.08
- Worked as a barista/kitchen assistant during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
- Trained new staff members on café operations, fostering teamwork and consistency.
- Implemented hygiene standards throughout café premises for public health safety compliance.
Volunteer
Project Trust
2021.11 - 2022.06
- Delivered structured English lessons to junior and senior classes in schools, adapting teaching styles to varying literacy levels.
- Successful charity fundraiser by completing a marathon.
- Developed cross-cultural communication and language skills.
COVID Ward Volunteer
Royal Infirmary Edinburgh
Edinburgh
2020.04 - 2020.06
- Assisted nursing staff on an orthopaedic ward with independent patient interactions.
- Exposure to clinical environment.
Education
BSc (2:1) - Neuroscience
Exeter University
2022.09 - 2025.07
The Edinburgh Academy
2008.09 - 2021.06
Skills
- First Aid certified; confident in emergency response and patient support
- Multilingual communication: Intermediate French, conversational Wolof, Mandinka and Nyanja obtained through fieldwork, demonstrating my ability to learn from people quickly
- Proven team player with leadership experience through Exeter University Hockey Men’s 4th team
- Worked for Underbelly Fringe, in charge of multiple bars, showing my ability to work well under pressure
- If I am not outside then I am a keen chef in the kitchen, having made many meals for my family and friends, and had shifts in commercial kitchens prepping lunches and canapes for events
Accomplishments
- I played for U16/U19 Scotland hockey teams and was captain for my school 1st XI hockey team which challenged my self-confidence and team-working skills.
- I represented my university course as a wellbeing intern, helping to arrange support groups and the end of year celebration.
- August 2017+2018- cycled Tour O’Borders in Scotland and two Sportifs.
- August 2019-June 2020- Head of Eco committee at school where I oversaw organising meetings and objectives for the committee.
References
- Jamie Le-Bert-Francis, Splendid, JAMIE@SPLENDID.CO.UK
- Yuktee Dogra, academic tutor, Y.DOGRA@EXETER.AC.UK
- Keith Birrell, GP and valley doctor (Zambia), KEITHBIRRELL@NHS.NET
Employment History
- Splendid Catering Company (July 2021-Present)
- Pleasance Café and Underbelly Bar Staff- Fringe (1st August 2023- 28th August 2023, 1st August 2024-31st August 2024/25)
- Lind and Lime Gin Distillery (June 2024-September 2024)
- Neuroscience Well-being Intern (25th March 2024- 20th June 2024)
Timeline
Health Screen worker
Zambian Health Screen
2025.09 - 2025.10
Underbelly Bar Staff
Underbelly
2025.08 - 2025.08
Barista/Kitchen assistant
Pleasance Café
2023.08 - 2023.08
BSc (2:1) - Neuroscience
Exeter University
2022.09 - 2025.07
Volunteer
Project Trust
2021.11 - 2022.06
Service worker
Splendid catering service
2021.07 - 2026.01
COVID Ward Volunteer
Royal Infirmary Edinburgh
2020.04 - 2020.06
The Edinburgh Academy
2008.09 - 2021.06