This summer, I had the opportunity to spend 9 weeks as a Digital Cultural Heritage Intern at Scottish Historic Buildings Trust. Coming from a joint degree in computing and management, I found myself uncertain about which career path to pursue. This uncertainty made an internship an ideal way for me to explore different fields and see where my skills could best fit.
When I discovered the Saltire Scholars Programme, it immediately caught my attention. I knew that every stage, whether the assessment centre, the internship application, or the internship itself, would be a valuable learning experience that could help me clarify my career direction.
Throughout my internship, I was able to immerse myself in the history of Leith, meet community groups, and professionals from various cultural and historical institutions. What stood out the most was the passion and dedication of the people I met. Their enthusiasm for their work has been a powerful motivator for me.
The breadth of tasks I was involved in allowed me to build skills in areas I had not previously explored. Not only did I gain technical knowledge about digital heritage, but I also grew personally and professionally. My confidence, communication, and organisational skills saw significant improvement. These were areas I had been keen to develop, and the supportive environment of the internship allowed me to do that.
I would highly recommend the Saltire Scholars Programme to anyone considering it. It’s more than just an internship, it’s an opportunity for growth, exploration, and connection. For me, it has been an invaluable experience, and I believe it can offer the same to future participants.
