On Wednesday 25th of September, Entrepreneurial Scotland’s Saltire Scholars, Host Company Partners, University Partners, programme stakeholders and supporters came together at The Social Hub in Glasgow to mark the conclusion of the 2024 Saltire Scholars Prorgramme.
The event was a celebration of the remarkable achievements of this year’s cohort and the power of collaboration that drives the programme each year. We are proud to celebrate a record breaking year for the programme, where 195 students were placed in internships across 80 different host companies, with placements spanning the UK, Canada, Australia, the USA and the Czech Republic. These internships offered unique, hands-on experiences, providing Saltire Scholars with the chance to work on innovative projects in diverse industries across the world.
The evening was a pivotal moment to reflect on an impactful summer for so many students and hosts alike. The evening’s keynote speaker, Josh Traynor, an International Relations Student from the University of St Andrews, delivered a heartfelt speech highlighting the transformative power of the programme and what lies ahead for Saltire Scholars as they take their next steps into their future careers as Saltire Alumni.
The night featured an engaging panel discussion hosted by Senior Programme Executive, Anna Rafferty. The audience heard from three Saltire Scholars who shared their experiences working on diverse projects in various industries worldwide.
Toluwani Giwa, a Chemical Engineering student from the University of Strathclyde, shared her experience as a Technical Operations Intern at EnteroBiotix, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company which develops full-spectrum microbial therapeutics. Hari Sandhu, an Environmental Science student from the University of Dundee, shared his experience as an Offshore Wind Analyst with Xodus in Boston, Massachusetts, and Neve Stuart, an International Relations and History Student from the University of Dundee shared her summer experience as a Project/Asset Management Intern with Network Rail in Glasgow.
Representatives from host companies, ranging from large corporates such as Barclays, to independent businesses like Gallagher Healthcare, shared how the Saltire Scholars Programme has benefited their organisations. They spoke about the contributiosn the scholars made during their internships and how the programme has been instrumental in nurturing Scotland’s emerging talent.
The evening also featured a conversation with Craig McLenaghan, a 2015 Saltire Scholar and now Senior Employer Engagement Coordinator at the University of Glasgow. Craig highlighted the importance of the programme for University Partners and how internships through the Saltire Scholars Programme provide students with invaluable opportunities to enhance their employability, confidence and be exposed to new companies from around the world, especially in Scotland.
A special moment of the night was the celebration of the 2024 Saltire Scholars’ fundraising efforts. The scholars successfully raised £3,783.56 (including Gift Aid) though a number of activities – from bake sales and car washes, to sponsored walks, runs and cycles. These funds will go directly towards supporting future students in the programme, helping to ensure the sustainability and growth of the Saltire Scholars Programme.
The Return Reception concluded with networking and lively discussions, offering an opportunity for scholars, partners and stakeholders to connect, reflect and look forward to what comes next.
Host companies partner with us because we have a robust selection process that identifies individuals who are consistently cited as the top talent within Scottish universities. Discover the benefits of hosting a Saltire Scholars..
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.