Valentina Lucernoni
2026 Saltire Scholar
Business Management and Change Intern, Network Rail
Finance and Business, University of Edinburgh
My name is Valentina and I am a Finance and Business student at the University of Edinburgh, entering my final year. This summer, I had the opportunity of spending 10 weeks as a Business Management and Change Intern at Network Rail. Prior to my internship, I had no experience in an office environment and was unsure of what to expect. What drew me to the Saltire Scholars Programme was not only the opportunity to experience working in an office environment, but also the opportunity to learn how best to format my CV and approach an interview.
When my internship started, I was slightly overwhelmed by this new environment, but I soon became familiar with key concepts and was continuously supported by my team throughout my time at Network Rail.
My project focused on looking to understand how teams across the business identify, track and monitor benefits. Through this research, I could identify examples of best practice to inform my team’s processes of benefits management, providing them with recommendations to improve their current processes.
One of my proudest moments was when I was granted the opportunity to deliver my End of Programme presentation during a meeting. Throughout the meeting, several questions were raised about the benefits of the change projects presented, which showed my contribution to my team is also going to be valuable to other areas of the business.
From this experience, I have gained more confidence in myself and have been able to improve the way I present, express my ideas and opinions and work more effectively in a team. I have been able to communicate more effectively, take on new challenges and contribute more positively in a professional environment.
From this, I was able to grow on a professional and personal level, applying my current skillset to a workplace environment, as well as developing skills from working in this type of environment. These transferable skills can be applied in the future, whether that be during my last year of university, in a future career, or just day-to-day life.
As my project allowed me to engage with stakeholders across the business, this allowed me to build relationships and a professional network with people who can support my personal and professional development.
This experience introduced me to a role I was not aware of previously and has become something I am now passionate about. The internships offered through the Saltire Scholars Programme are a great opportunity for anyone looking for some experience, and I would hugely encourage you to apply!
