Alexandra Blake
2026 Saltire Scholar
Finance Intern, FortisAlberta
Accounting & Finance, University of Strathclyde
My name is Alex, and I study Accounting & Finance at the University of Strathclyde. I was drawn to the Saltire Scholars Programme because of the wide range of opportunities it offers across the UK and internationally. After attending an information session, my interest in the programme was further strengthened, particularly by the opportunities available in North America. Through this experience, I hoped to gain valuable insight into the Accounting & Finance industry and explore the career paths available to me as I consider my future.
I completed my internship at FortisAlberta in Calgary, Canada, where I worked as a Finance Intern within Fortis's Financial Transformation team. During my internship, my role involved learning the company's processes, identifying areas of inefficiency, and developing solutions to improve them. This gave me the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills I have developed throughout my three years at university in a practical setting, while also learning many new skills along the way. Of course, it was not all work. I also had the chance to take part in the company's annual Cornhole Tournament, which was a great way to connect with colleagues and try something new.
This internship has significantly enhanced my confidence and adaptability. Moving abroad, meeting new people, adapting to a different culture, and living and working in a new country pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me grow both personally and professionally. The experience has given me the confidence I need as I prepare to enter the workplace after university. Along the way, I built meaningful relationships and developed both local and international networks that I know will benefit me for years to come. While the experience was not always easy, and there were times when I missed my friends and family back home, I would not change it for anything.
Outside of my internship, I embraced every opportunity to explore Canada and experience new things. I attended the Calgary Stampede and immersed myself in the city's famous Western culture. I also had the chance to experience the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, while one of the highlights of my summer was a weekend trip to Vancouver and Vancouver Island.
Overall, I have completed my internship with a real sense of accomplishment. Knowing that some of the processes I developed will continue to be used within the company has been particularly rewarding. The Saltire Scholars Programme has played a huge role in helping me build my skill set, develop professionally, and prepare for the future. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is motivated, eager to grow, and looking for a unique challenge that will push them beyond their comfort zone.
