James Clafferty
2026 Saltire Scholar
Project Engineering Intern, Network Rail
Civil Engineering, University of Strathclyde
Hi, my name is James. I am currently going into my fifth and final year of Civil Engineering at the University of Strathclyde. Over this summer, I have been working in the project engineering team at Network Rail.
Walking into my first day at Network Rail was daunting. Although I was excited, it was still nerve-racking to step into the unknown. However, many of those nerves quickly dissipated when I met the other interns, who were friendly, outgoing, and (most importantly) in exactly the same situation as me.
One thing that immediately surprised me was the diversity of the other interns' backgrounds. I had assumed that everyone would be studying engineering and even expected to recognise some people from university. I was wrong. Neuroscience, business, and biology were just a few of the degree subjects that other interns are studying. In fact, I was the only intern studying civil engineering. Not only did this allow me to meet people I might never otherwise have crossed paths with, but it also gave me invaluable insight into different ways of thinking and approaching problems. This helped me build a network that I relied on throughout my internship, enabling me to ask questions, gain advice, and learn from others' experiences.
The value of asking for help is one of the most important lessons I have learned during my internship. Whether it is from fellow interns in other departments or other members of my team, seeking support and learning from others is essential. It is not always easy, and it is still something I sometimes struggle with, but asking questions when you do not understand something is vital for both personal and professional development. It is through these conversations that knowledge is shared and growth takes place.
My confidence is another area in which I have developed significantly throughout my internship. Entering a professional environment pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me become far more confident in the workplace. This confidence has grown through simple experiences, such as emailing people I had never met, contributing in meetings, and reaching out to colleagues on Teams. While these tasks initially felt daunting, they gradually became second nature.
I have also gained valuable experience on site, which is something I do not often have the opportunity to experience at university. Through these visits, I have been able to see first hand how projects are delivered and how engineering decisions are made in a real-world environment. I was also fortunate enough to have the once in a lifetime opportunity to go up the Forth Bridge, allowing me to experience one of the world's most iconic feats of civil engineering up close. Seeing the scale, complexity, and craftsmanship of the structure was both inspiring and a reminder of the impact that engineering can have on society.
Working on my project exploring engineering events gave me a sense of purpose throughout my internship and ensured I always had meaningful work to focus on. It also allowed me to research an important and fascinating topic that I can continue to build upon throughout my professional career, examining the role of project engineers in adding value to the business in terms of safety and economically. Presenting my findings to the other interns was particularly valuable, as it gave me the opportunity to communicate technical concepts to a non-engineering audience and develop my presentation skills.
Finally, spending time with the other interns outside of work allowed me to get to know them on a more personal level and better understand their individual personalities. As a result, working together in the office became more enjoyable, and presenting in front of them felt far less intimidating. Through this experience, I learned the importance of building genuine relationships with colleagues, not only professionally but personally as well.
Looking back, my internship at Network Rail has helped me grow both professionally and personally. From developing my confidence and communication skills to learning the importance of collaboration and seeking support, I have gained experiences that will stay with me throughout my career. Most importantly, the internship has reinforced my enthusiasm for civil engineering and given me a clearer understanding of the impact engineers can have in shaping and maintaining the infrastructure that communities rely on every day.
A massive you to the Saltire Scholars Programme, Network Rail, and my team for making this opportunity possible.
