Sophie Davidson
2026 Saltire Scholar, Commercial Operations Intern at Minaris Advanced Therapies in Philadelphia
Studying International Business Analysis and Technology at University of Strathclyde
Hi everyone, my name is Sophie Davidson, and I recently graduated from the University of Strathclyde with a degree in International Business with Business Analysis and Technology.
When I applied to the Saltire Scholars Programme, I wanted to spend my summer doing something that would push me outside of what was familiar. The opportunity to live and work abroad while gaining real work experience immediately appealed to me, as did becoming part of a community of Scholars with different experiences and ambitions.
This summer, I spent 11 weeks in Philadelphia working as a Commercial Operations Intern at Minaris Advanced Therapies. I worked on a range of projects, including developing an internal webpage to improve cross-functional alignment, creating a new department SharePoint to centralise resources, developing a business playbook documenting key processes, and creating an AI platform to support an existing business process. It was rewarding to see work I had produced being used beyond a university assignment and to understand how small improvements can make day-to-day operations more efficient.
One of the biggest things I learned was how to be comfortable not knowing everything. Coming from a business background and entering the cell and gene therapy CDMO industry was a huge change. At the beginning, there were plenty of conversations and processes I didn't understand, and I sometimes questioned whether I really belonged there. I quickly realised that this was exactly why I was there: to learn. I became much more comfortable asking questions, speaking to people across the organisation and taking on things I hadn't done before.
A particular highlight was being given a tour of the testing laboratories. Seeing the work taking place and hearing about its importance was genuinely eye-opening. It made me think beyond the role I might want after university and consider the kind of organisation I want to contribute to. It gave me a much clearer idea of what I value in a future career.
But my Saltire experience was about much more than work. I got to experience my first summer in the US, from experiencing the 4th of July celebrations, trying American food and exploring Philadelphia to going to baseball and American football games. I travelled to New York City, visited Washington DC and Ocean City, New Jersey, and made memories that I know I wouldn't have had without this opportunity. Some of my favourite days were meeting up with other Saltire Scholars and hearing about their very different internships and experiences.
Looking back, I am most proud of taking the leap: moving to a new country and starting work in an industry I knew very little about. I came into the summer hoping to become more confident and figure out what I wanted from my future, and I leave feeling that I have done both.
For anyone considering applying to Saltire Scholars, my advice is to say yes to the opportunity, even when it feels unfamiliar. Some of my best experiences came from simply being open to something new. Make the most of your internship but also make the most of where you are. Explore, meet people, try things you've never done before and enjoy it because the weeks fly in.
Being a Saltire Scholar means being part of a community of talented people with stories and experiences that are completely different from your own. I'm incredibly grateful that this summer allowed me to become part of that community and have an experience I will remember for a very long time.
