Hi, I’m Lewis, and I study Business Management with Marketing at The University of Edinburgh. When I applied to the Saltire Scholars Programme, I sought an experience that would challenge me, push me outside my comfort zone, and allow me to prove to myself that I could make meaningful contributions in a professional environment far removed from the lecture theatre.
This summer, I got exactly that with the opportunity to join Network Rail’s Edinburgh Maintenance Delivery Unit as an Infrastructure Maintenance Intern. Over 10 weeks, I was exposed to the sheer scale and complexity of Scotland’s Railway. I worked on projects ranging from engineering and operations to finance and investment strategy, and in doing so, discovered just how many different moving parts come together to keep the railway running safely and reliably.
My main project involved overseeing the planning and eventual construction of a new trackside walkway, which entailed creating a new access point and walkway to provide frontline colleagues with easier and safer access to their worksites. I took responsibility for liaising with contractors, arranging site visits, and ensuring the project progressed smoothly. Feeling genuine ownership of a project was a great professional experience, and being given the support I needed, while also still being allowed to work independently, balancing technical requirements, time management, and team coordination, was an experience that I am extremely grateful for. It showed me that leadership isn’t always about having the answers; sometimes it’s about asking the right questions.
Another highlight was developing a periodic works bulletin to strengthen communication with Train Operating Companies. The idea came after I suggested improvements on how the vegetation work the Delivery Unit was completing could be better communicated throughout our supply chain. Proposing and delivering a solution that improved efficiency felt like a small but tangible way I could leave a lasting contribution.
However, not all of my experiences were planned. When Storm Floris hit, I joined the Delivery Unit’s Silver Command, updating a live tracker and helping to direct teams to incidents across the network. Being in the middle of a reactive, fast-moving environment was both intense and eye-opening. It reminded me that while long-term planning is crucial, resilience and adaptability are equally important in keeping the railway running, especially in a maintenance environment where situations can change at a moment's notice.
Finally, I gained valuable exposure to the Finance and Investment teams. I helped gather and display key data that will contribute to ongoing route upgrade proposals. Seeing how operational information is transformed into business cases and ultimately strategic funding decisions gave me a new appreciation of the bigger picture.
Looking back, this internship was as much about personal growth as it was about professional experience. Coming from a business background, I wasn’t sure at first how I would fit into a highly technical environment. What I learned was that a fresh perspective matters.
I also grew in confidence. Initially, I was hesitant about speaking up in meetings or offering suggestions. By the end of the internship, I was presenting my ideas to colleagues, coordinating with contractors, and seeing my contributions shape projects. That shift from feeling like “just an intern” to being a valued team member is something I’ll carry with me into whatever I do next.
Even with the fantastic projects I was a part of, the most rewarding part was the people. From frontline colleagues working night shifts to those within my team, as well as directors and executives, everyone I met was generous with their time and open about sharing their expertise. The conversations I had provided me with insights and connections that I could never have gained without this internship. These experiences will help shape my future career in whatever path it may take.
For me, being a Saltire Scholar has meant proving to myself that I can step into an unfamiliar world and still make a meaningful contribution. It has shown me that growth happens when you push beyond what you know, whether that’s taking ownership of a project, asking questions in a room full of experts, or finding solutions to problems you’ve never faced before.
If you’re considering applying to the Saltire Scholars Programme, my advice is simple: do it. Don’t worry if the internship seems unrelated to your degree, as that’s exactly what makes it valuable. The programme is about learning to adapt, building confidence, and discovering how your skills can be applied in ways you might never have imagined.
As I head into my final year at university, I know this experience will shape not only my career ambitions but also how I approach challenges in the future. This summer wasn’t just about railways; it was about resilience, collaboration, and growth. That is what the programme is all about.
