My name is Arisya, and I am a third-year Economics student at the University of Glasgow. Over 12 weeks, I joined iGii as a Market Expansion & Growth Intern, working with Business Development and Marketing.
When I first heard about the Saltire Scholars Programme, I never imagined it would lead me into the world of advanced materials. My first exposure to the sector had been during a summer school on space economy at Maastricht University, where I briefly heard about the role of nanotechnology in satellites and space applications.
Two years later, after progressing through the assessment centre stage and landing in the candidate pool, I eventually secured an internship with iGii, a deep-tech company that developed and patented a 3D carbon nanomaterial called Gii.
It was not where I initially expected my career journey to take me, but it quickly became a truly rewarding experience and showed me the versatility of where an Economics degree can take me.
The Role
My main project focused on exploring commercial opportunities for Gii-based microheaters. Microheaters are tiny, high-precision thermal devices designed to provide targeted heating. They can be used in a range of applications such as printed electronics, wearable healthcare devices, battery thermal management and more. While iGii's core business was in biosensing and point-of-care diagnostics, I was genuinely impressed by the possibilities for the Gii material in emerging markets.
As part of Business Development and Marketing, I worked most closely with the Sales team and reported directly to Jo, one of the Sales Directors. One thing that surprised me was the variety of tasks involved. I conducted secondary market research, compiled prospect lists, analysed industry trends, and spoke to colleagues across the company to develop a deeper understanding of both the technology and the business model.
I also had the opportunity to tour several of iGii's facilities, including the Energy & Catalysis, Sensors & Product Development labs, as well as the manufacturing cleanroom, where I saw first-hand how Gii is developed and manufactured.
Alongside my main project, I contributed to marketing content and supported sales and marketing initiatives beyond the original scope of my internship, including preparing and researching materials for conferences.
Through these experiences, I gained valuable insight into how iGii works with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), acting as a development partner integrating Gii into products rather than simply a supplier. This gave me a greater appreciation of how customer requirements are translated into commercial solutions and how different stages of the supply chain work together to bring new technologies to market.
One project I am particularly proud of was developing a non-technical guide to Gii-based microheaters. From proposing the idea to researching, discussing and drafting the content, the project challenged me to strengthen both my written communication and research skills. The guide is intended to support future sales conversations by providing a clearer view of the customer journey for microheater applications, making it my small but meaningful contribution to the team's strategy.
The Support
One of the biggest learning experiences for me was adapting to professional life in a full-time office environment. This was my first in-person internship, and initially I was nervous about whether I would be able to contribute meaningfully in a short amount of time. Those concerns quickly disappeared thanks to the supportive culture at iGii.
The support from my manager and the wider iGii team played a huge role in building my confidence throughout the placement. From my first week, I was encouraged to share ideas, ask questions and take ownership of my work. What stood out most was how approachable everyone was. In a smaller company, it was easier to approach and speak directly with members from the leadership team, scientists, engineers, business services, and gain insight into different areas of the business.
I also appreciated the opportunity to get involved in company activities outside of my role. From attending the quarterly update meeting to joining gatherings and being invited to share a personal recipe in the company newsletter, these experiences helped me get to know the people I work with a little better as well as explore the surrounding city of Stirling.
I was also fortunate to have another fellow intern at iGii throughout the summer. Although we were in different departments, having someone else experiencing a placement at the same time made the journey much easier. It was great to be able to share ideas, compare experiences and celebrate our small wins together.
The Takeaways
Looking back, what I am most proud of is having the confidence to step into an unfamiliar industry and embrace every opportunity to learn. This internship also helped me gain a clearer picture of my interests and possible career paths as I step into my final year of university. Most importantly, it confirmed that I am excited by roles that tackle meaningful problems and challenge myself to build new skills.
To future Saltire Scholars, my advice is don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Always ask questions, and make use of the time and resources available. If anyone reading this is interested in applying for the next Saltire cohort, please feel free to reach out!
I am grateful to iGii, Entrepreneurial Scotland and the Saltire Scholars Programme for providing this opportunity to me. Many thanks and may our paths cross again in the future!
