Hi I’m Peter McAdoo and I am about to enter my final year of studying International Business at Strathclyde University. I applied to the Saltire Scholars programme to gain hands-on experience in a working environment and to test the knowledge and skillset I have built throughout my studies. My ambition is to be a business leader in the future and the programme’s commitment to developing talent to make this goal become a reality further encouraged me to apply. Through University I have found that I gain energy and inspiration in an entrepreneurial environment and I seek to learn more about where my place could be in Scotland’s great entrepreneurial ecosystem in the future.
I spent the summer as an intern at Innovative Partners. IP are expert consultants in innovation and growth funding. The team at IP is small and growing which meant I was able to get involved in all functions across the business. I was given training across the entire process, and worked with great guidance and trust from all at the business.
I quickly picked up a range of tasks, including collating financial documents, assisting operations with client communications, and ensuring consistent administrative practices. At all times through my placement I felt encouraged as my supervisors held belief in my abilities and I never felt any overwhelming pressure or expectations. Everyone I interacted with at the group created a space of transparency where I always felt as though I could ask for explanations and clarification on anything. I was advised to be as curious as possible and I adopted the confident and driven attitude held by all the team as we looked to maintain and improve our excellent service for clients. I became more adventurous and diverse in my learning by drawing on the strengths and expertise of my colleagues, making the most of their knowledge to support my own growth.
IP is part of the wider Carlowrie Group that hosts a range of businesses and charities that work together towards a collective goal of doing business for good. Visiting some of the other organisations gave me so much insight into what the group is working towards, this left me with great inspiration and ideas of how I can contribute.
My knowledge and skillset have definitely been tested and stretched throughout the summer. As I have progressed I have begun to approach tasks with improved confidence and comfortability. I was able to integrate well and find my place in the team which is something I can be proud of. I feel incredibly lucky to have found an environment and team where I felt encouraged and supported but also tested to grow and develop. Moving forward I have gained a clearer picture of what personal skills and growth I can pursue ahead of graduating next year.
Throughout the internship I’ve felt so inspired and the idea of running my own business feels much more exciting and possible. I now have greater insight to the attitude of resilience and optimism that is essential when approaching the busy schedule of an entrepreneur. My internship has given me further confirmation that I have the personality and passion needed to reach my goals.
The experience has helped me to understand what motivates me and the values I personally hold and how important it is to work somewhere that is driven with strong purpose and ambitious goals. I have gained a much clearer understanding of what I would like to achieve in the future and how to approach and activate my ideas.
I have signed up to be a brand ambassador for the programme in the hopes to encourage others to sign up to the programme. The team and network at Entrepreneurial Scotland has been fantastic to connect with and I am excited to see what other opportunities there will be for me to get involved with going forward.
