My name is Danny Adam and I have just started my fourth and final year at Heriot-Watt University studying International Business Management. I applied to the Saltire Scholars programme to get out of my comfort zone and pursue an internship which would improve my employability post-graduation. I hoped to develop my communication, team working and presenting skills through the programme in addition to immersing myself in a corporate professional working environment.
This summer I interned at Network Rail in Glasgow as part of their Route Programme Management team. My main project focused on creating initiatives to ensure that trains were leaving on time at particular stations. To complete my main project I: utilised Power BI dashboards to identify the 5 worst stations for dwell overtime, visited each station to collect quantitative and qualitative data, analysed the collected data through Excel, created recommendations to atone for passenger flow issues which were increasing passenger boarding time and as such causing trains to leave late, and submitted these recommendations through a formal business case which included a cost assessment and benefits forecast. I also had opportunities to support my team with various smaller tasks and work on side projects, such as the creation of a Power BI dashboard showcasing various projects and their corresponding performance data.
After presenting my main project to the Route Director, he invited me to present in front of senior Network Rail and ScotRail staff in addition to circulating my project with the Network Rail Scotland executives. This was the most rewarding part of the internship.
This internship has helped me grow both personally and professionally. Presenting my main project to senior Network Rail and ScotRail staff boosted my confidence and taught me the importance of clear, data-driven communication. Working on real-world operational challenges strengthened my teamwork, analytical, and problem-solving skills, and opened my eyes to career paths in project management that I hadn’t previously considered.
I would encourage any student considering the Saltire Scholars Programme to apply. It’s an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills, and challenge yourself. My advice for future scholars is to embrace every task, ask questions, and actively engage with colleagues, as these experiences offer the most learning. Being a Saltire Scholar now feels like joining a network of ambitious, motivated individuals and serves as a reminder of the value of stepping out of your comfort zone to grow and make a real impact.
