Saltire Internship – a global experience

Mercy Abel took part in the Saltire Scholar Internship Programme this summer, travelling to the USA to work in the science sector. Here she talks about how it took her out her comfort zone and gave her a global experience.

On Monday June 10th, Thermo Fisher Scientific’s division – Viral Vector Services (VVS) – welcomed me and five other interns from the Saltire Scholar Internship Programme. This was VVS’ third year as a Saltire host company. For ten weeks, I was VVS’ Digital Communications Intern. Although I was based in the Alachua, Florida site, I had the opportunity to visit and work in all four locations across Massachusetts and Florida.

The Saltire Programme is designed to select ambitious and creative undergraduates from Scottish Universities who will undertake meaningful internships with globally known companies as well as entrepreneurial start-ups from all over the world. This year, Saltire has reached its biggest cohort with 181 students taking part in the programme across five different continents. The University of Strathclyde is Saltire’s leading contributor of scholars which is largely due to incredible work that the previous Strathclyde scholars (now known as Saltire ambassadors) do to promote the programme to Strathclyde students.

When I first heard about the Saltire Programme, I honestly thought that it was too good to be true. Every possible obstacle was trumped by the most reassuring (yet unbelievable) answers during the presentation that Saltire delivered at the University of Strathclyde. Host Companies? Globally known. Accommodation out-with Scotland? Funded. Flights? Covered. Need for a car? Provided. Is it paid? YES. As an International Business student, the understanding that many of the internship opportunities extended beyond the UK immediately made me realise that this was an opportunity that I simply could not pass up.

Thermo Fisher Scientific is the world leader in serving science – an industry I never thought I’d find myself being a part of. VVS’ Alachua location was a work environment that was easy to quickly feel like a part of the team... better yet, a part of the family. The people are what became my favourite part of the company. Friendly conversations were constantly circulating the offices and departmental heads’ office doors are swung wide open for whenever you need their help.

My main project was to create and roll-out a corporate video series for VVS where I got to work with staff across all locations.  The video shoots were full of laughter, jokes and a deeper insight into what different departments do both in Massachusetts and Florida... who said work can’t be both productive and fun? Being a part of the communications team, I had the privilege of interning under my great supervisor who was always supportive of my ideas which consistently pushed me to strive to do my absolute best with each task I was given. I also worked closely with VVS’ Communication Specialist who had been a great help in helping me get to grips with an office work environment as well as all the different software that I was being introduced to.

The skills I have gained throughout the Saltire internship with VVS are incomparable to what I could have possibly learned from any other internship position. Having the unique opportunity to live and work abroad has certainly improved my confidence levels and networking skills with people from all over the globe. Additionally, interning with a scientific-based company pushed me well out of my comfort zone but only more towards being open to learning how my knowledge from my studies at Strathclyde Business School can have a significant impact anywhere – as long as I give it 100%.

A major part of the Saltire experience was being able to explore and travel the USA. This was so strongly encouraged by VVS that by week two, the company flew us Florida interns to Massachusetts to attend a dinner hosted by the business’ former CEO and providing the chance to explore the city of Boston. Weekends were also well spent travelling the sunshine state of Florida, including taking advantage of the Fourth of July long weekend in Miami.

Reflecting on my Saltire internship journey, I am so thankful for the several information and help sessions held by the university and the abundant former scholars from a variety of degrees in Strathclyde Business School (and beyond) who were more than willing to be of help when needed. There is no question that I will become one of those persistent Strathclyde Saltire Ambassadors as if it was not for them, I would not have become a Saltire Scholar. This internship is truly one-of-a-kind, and I believe that it is my duty to encourage any Strathclyde student with the right ambition and drive to grab this opportunity and experience it!

About Mercy Abel

Mercy is an International Business Student from Strathclyde Business School. She is beginning her fourth year of studies to complete a joint honours degree studying both International Business and Marketing.