580 students successfully enter the Saltire Scholar Candidate Pool after a rigorous selection process.
580 students have progressed to the candidate pool stage of the Saltire Scholar Internship Programme, a strong result for the scheme which aims to find and grow the next crop of entrepreneurial leaders that will shape Scotland.
After a rigorous application process, 698 students progressed to the assessment centre stage, a new step in the selection process. Introduced to reflect the graduate recruitment market and to have a more equal and well-rounded assessment of applicants, the assessment centres were formed to see candidates through a series of workshops which featured a presentation exercise, a group activity, a panel discussion and a situational judgement activity. These workshops were designed to test hopeful candidates on their communication skills, teamwork, leadership potential, creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking, passion, confidence, planning and preparedness, all of which are desired attributes and skills that shape a potential Saltire Scholar.
28 assessment centres were held virtually and in person across Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow, with over 100 volunteer assessors and 46 brand ambassadors in place to help assess this year’s candidates. After four weeks of assessments, 580 candidates were successful in reaching the candidate pool phase of the programme and will now be eligible to apply for an internship with a global host company.
Host company partners include international SMEs and large corporates from a variety of industries who believe the internship programme is an essential partner for the growth of graduate talent within their organisations. The programme boasts partners such as GSK, Baker Hughes, SharkNinja, Edrington, Intelligent Growth Solutions and Ooni who host interns with the programme consecutively.
Speaking on the calibre of this year’s students, Saltire Scholar Programme Manager, Kelly Glass said:
“The calibre of talent from this year’s applicants has been outstanding. Candidates have demonstrated an impressive level of natural confidence, leadership and passion that has shone through our new assessment centre format.”
For Chief Executive Sean McGrath, this year’s candidates showcase the potential of Scotland’s future as one of the best places to live, work and do business.
“Each year, we continue to be impressed by the level of talent that comes through Scotland’s universities, and this year is no exception. With this year’s pool of candidates, I’m confident that we have a mass number of future leaders in our hands, who will go on to create a significant impact on our economy and Scottish society and will put Scotland on the map as a beacon of great leadership and entrepreneurship.”
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