Sophie Motherwell
2026 Saltire Scholar
Business Development and Market Research Intern, Project Health and Safety Services
Marketing and Economics, University of Strathclyde
Hi, I’m Sophie. I study Marketing and Economics at the University of Strathclyde and I am just about to head into my final year. Over the summer, I spent three months working as a Business Development and Market Research intern for Project Health and Safety Services in Glasgow.
During my internship, I researched market trends and business opportunities before creating outreach materials to use when contacting potential clients. What I loved about the experience was that I had so much autonomy and ownership over my own project. I was trusted to do the work they had set out for me and I was allowed to do it in a way that worked for me. Even though it was challenging at times, I found the feeling of working something out to be really rewarding (and support was always there if I needed it).
I also took on other business tasks and found out more about how a business works in practice. At university, I sometimes find it hard to see how the information and skills I am learning will be useful in the workplace. However, after my internship, I can see this connection much more clearly and it also showed me some of the skills that I may need to develop further. I definitely feel more ready for my final year and life after university having spent the summer applying my knowledge and learning new things.
One thing that is really unique and amazing about the internships you can complete as part of the Saltire Scholars programme is that you often work with business owners and members of the executive team. Every internship is different but I found this to be a real benefit for me. My desk was directly across from the owner of the company, with the general manager only being a few steps across the room from me. This made asking questions very easy, I got to be involved in lots of interesting conversations, and I made great connections with the team.
I think I will remember the experience I had this summer forever but it almost never happened. I had convinced myself it was not worth applying as I was going on a semester abroad and would not be eligible to apply for the international internships. I started writing my application anyway in case I changed my mind, and after reading some more blog posts, I knew that I would regret letting this pass me by. So, I applied - on the day of the application deadline. I am so glad I did as the skills and experience I gained over the summer will be so useful throughout my career and my life. Even if you are heading off for an exchange semester or year abroad, do not let that stop you from applying. There are so many opportunities in Scotland and the wider UK that you will not find anywhere else.
So, if you are thinking of applying then you absolutely should. You have nothing to lose but you have so much to gain. My advice would be to be yourself. I know that is cheesy but being yourself and being honest about your skills, experience, and thoughts throughout the application process will make it so much easier. Good luck to everyone applying!
