My name is Danyaal Hussain, and I am a Civil Engineering student at the University of Strathclyde. I first heard about the Saltire Scholars Programme through friends who had participated before me, as well as LinkedIn posts showcasing the incredible opportunities it offers. What drew me to apply was simple: I wanted to gain real work experience in a professional setting, build my network, and develop skills to help me navigate my future career. Having completed my internship, I can confidently say that the programme delivered all of that and more.
This summer, I interned with Network Rail as part of the Capital Delivery Team. My main project involved creating Authority and Re-Authority templates in Excel, designed for collaborative use across teams to streamline the process of acquiring project authority. The goal was to allow multiple users to populate relevant fields simultaneously, review information internally, and transfer data seamlessly into the investment gateway portal. By making this process faster and more collaborative, the templates will help projects move forward efficiently, which is vital in such a large and complex organisation. Presenting this project in my final week was a proud moment, knowing it will have a lasting impact beyond my internship.
Alongside this, I had the chance to rotate across different areas of Network Rail’s work, including the Buildings and Civils Renewals team and the Geotechnical team. These experiences provided a broader understanding of how civil engineering operates in practice. From reviewing as-built drawings in the office to witnessing project management during site visits, I saw first-hand how classroom concepts translate into real-world applications. One highlight was visiting the iconic Forth Bridge, a truly memorable experience and a standout moment of my internship.
While my work was closely tied to my degree, it pushed me to grow in new ways. On the technical side, I strengthened my Excel skills, learned the basics of Power BI, and worked with specialist tools like Geo-RINM. Professionally, I developed core skills such as communication, teamwork, and organisation, which are just as important as technical expertise in any workplace.
Reflecting on the summer, the biggest impact has been gaining clarity for my future career. Before the internship, I wasn’t entirely sure which path to pursue within engineering. Spending ten weeks at Network Rail revealed the scale of the rail industry, the variety of roles available, and the kinds of environments in which I might thrive. More than anything, it gave me the confidence to know I can succeed in this field and reassured me that I am on the right track in pursuing a career in civil engineering.
Another highlight of my internship was the people I worked with. From managers to colleagues across the teams I shadowed, everyone was welcoming, approachable, and generous with their time and advice. I made valuable connections, both in person and on LinkedIn, which I know will be helpful as I progress in my career. The experience also gave me the chance to step into a real engineering environment, contribute to meaningful projects, and grow in ways the classroom never could.
For any student considering the Saltire Scholars Programme, my advice is simple: go for it. The internship will expand your horizons, introduce you to new opportunities, and help you build skills that will serve you for years to come. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, get involved, and step outside your comfort zone. Being a Saltire Scholar is about growth, connection, and opportunity - an experience that will stay with me as I continue to build my future.
