Coming into this internship I was worried about not fitting in and not being able to deliver my project to the standard expected of me. My project required the use of a software and topics I was unfamiliar with which felt daunting at the time. However, I recognised this as a chance to learn and got stuck in. My project focussed on creating live trackers to assess the condition of their drainage assets (pipes, drains, ditches, etc…) and ensure that work is being done where it needs to be. I may have been uncertain about my work to begin with but as time went on, I became more and more confident in myself and what I was doing. Ultimately, I have created tools which will be used to allow the team to do their day-to-day work and ensure the safety of our railway more efficiently.
As an intern at Network Rail I have had the opportunity to explore Glasgow central station, learning about its history and the role the railway has played in the UK. I was also able to take in the fantastic views from the top of the forth-rail bridge, which was an amazing experience that I wouldn’t have gotten to do if it wasn’t for the saltire scholar programme.
My time here has been filled opportunities to travel and experience different areas of network rail, from level crossing inspections in the day on the west coast to drainage inspections at night on the east. I’ve even had the opportunity to take in the views of the Lothians in a helicopter! If I were to give any advice to someone in my position next year it would be to make the most of it and take every opportunity you can get. Putting myself out there was the key to making the most of this experience and why I have been able to develop as a professional engineer.
The opportunities don’t end at with tours and views though. Network rail provides its employees with volunteer leave which I am using to help the team with renovating a primary schools playground. This has been a massively rewarding opportunity so far, allowing me to make contributions outside of the company and give back to the community. We spent our day painting, gardening, and decorating the playground
