Daayum Mohsin is a Pharmacology student at the University of Strathclyde who entered the Saltire Scholars Programme with a clear motivation: to explore where his skills could take him beyond traditional pharmacology pathways.
While studying, Daayum became increasingly interested in entrepreneurial thinking through the University of Strathclyde’s Strathclyde Inspire Programme, and the ability to build transferable skills that could open up different career directions - particularly in data and analytics.
At a time when the graduate job market felt competitive and uncertain, Daayum saw Saltire Scholars as an opportunity to challenge himself, test his capabilities, and explore emerging interests in data, coding and analysis.
Daayum completed a ten-week internship at Hamilton Ross Group as a Data Analyst, working within a live business environment and contributing directly to operational decision-making. Notably, his line manager and mentor, Jamie, was himself a former Saltire Scholar, creating a full-circle moment within the programme.
During the internship, Daayum was trusted with transforming legacy data and reports into a modern Power BI dashboard environment. As part of his internship Daayum completed a Power BI for Business Intelligence Course to boost his skills.
Working across Power BI, SQL and Excel, Daayum helped establish a new reporting foundation that gave senior and middle management access to real-time financial and operational insights, reduced reliance on manual reporting, and supported faster, more informed decision-making across the organisation.
While Daayum significantly strengthened his technical capabilities across Power BI, SQL and Excel, his internship and involvement with the Saltire Scholars Programme also had a lasting personal impact.
“Some weeks, I was just running off cold-shower energy… pushing myself and keeping going. What that’s come out of is a more defined and well-versed image of myself.”
The experience reshaped his confidence and professional mindset.
“I’m happy to have seen improvements not just in my learning of skills, but also in my mentality… taking one step at a time to move towards the goal that I want.”
Daayum credits the Saltire Scholars Programme and Entrepreneurial Scotland for the layered support he received throughout the process.
“The support isn’t just words - it’s action… layered levels of advice, communication, and people wanting to see you grow and develop.”
Looking ahead, Daayum now sees a clear path towards a data-focused career and hopes to give back to the programme in the future. Since taking part in the programme, Daayum has secured a merit-based scholarship to complete the MSc Data Analytics Programme at the University of Strathclyde.
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The Saltire Scholars Programme is Entrepreneurial Scotland's flagship programme designed to find, grow and connect students with the ambition and potential of becoming future leaders for Scotland.