This summer, I will be interning at the Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB) for 12 weeks as part of the Investment Origination Team. My role focuses on supporting the team with research and analysis to identify potential investment opportunities across different sectors of the Scottish economy, as well as assisting with proposal evaluation, due diligence, and the preparation of investment memos.
My main goal for this internship is to grow professionally and gain deeper insight into the impact investment landscape. Much of the Bank’s mission centres on supporting Scotland’s transition to net zero and reducing carbon emissions, particularly within the energy sector. This aligns closely with my academic interests, as I plan to focus my dissertation on a related topic. The internship has already helped me develop a stronger, more practical understanding of the industry.
I settled into my role quickly. The first tasks I was given felt familiar, drawing on coursework I had completed at university, but they were applied on a much larger and more complex scale. I was introduced to my team early on, and they were always willing to offer guidance and support — something I really appreciated, as this was my first experience in a role like this. I’ve also had the opportunity to connect with colleagues across the office, making the internship a valuable networking experience.
Throughout my time at the Bank, I’ve learned a great deal about the investment origination process and the importance of impact investing. One of my key responsibilities was writing an impact thesis for a potential client, which required me to collaborate with teams across the organisation. Having my name on an investment paper as part of the deal team was a real moment of pride and reflected my contribution to key decision-making.
I also took part in site visits and interacted directly with clients, which helped me better understand the real-world impact of the Bank’s investments. Alongside this, I was paired with a buddy who provided ongoing support, and I made a point of building relationships with colleagues and fellow Saltire interns through client meetings, team sessions, and informal coffee catch-ups.
Being recognised for producing quality work and receiving guidance on complex financial models boosted my confidence and encouraged me to take on more responsibility. While my long-term aspirations haven’t changed, I’ve become far more proactive — reaching out to team members, seeking opportunities to contribute, and taking greater ownership of my work.
During my internship at SNIB, I’ve developed essential skills including time management, communication, and sector analysis through extensive research on a variety of deals. I also had the privilege of working on a deal that progressed to the second stage of the Bank’s approval process, which was a significant learning experience. Managing multiple projects at once taught me how to prioritise effectively, and contributing to Scotland’s economy while receiving positive feedback were some of the highlights of my time at the Bank.
Joining the Saltire Scholars Programme and working at SNIB has solidified my career path in development economics — an area I’m deeply passionate about. I’m incredibly grateful to both the programme and the Bank for their support, guidance, and mentorship. Looking ahead, I plan to continue building my industry knowledge through seminars, networking, and further learning opportunities.
