Holly Milne
2026 Saltire Scholar
Corporate Finance Intern, KPMG Canada
Economics, University of Edinburgh
Hello! My name is Holly, and I am an incoming fourth-year Economics student at the University of Edinburgh. This summer, I had the privilege of spending my summer in Toronto to join KPMG Canada as a Corporate Finance intern within the Deal Advisory team.
I applied to the Saltire Scholars Programme after hearing previous Scholars speak so highly of their experiences. They talked not only about the professional opportunities they had received, but also about the confidence, friendships and support they had gained. After learning more about the program and speaking to former Scholars, applying felt like an absolute no-brainer.
I hoped the experience would develop my professional skills and give me a clearer idea of what I wanted to do after university. However, I did not anticipate just how much I would also grow personally.
The internship
On our first day at KPMG, we were welcomed by an incredibly friendly team. I worked alongside fellow Saltire Scholar Anna and a small group of Canadian interns who, over the ten weeks, became great friends.
During my internship, I supported the team across several live M&A projects. My work included preparing client presentations and marketing materials, conducting company and industry research, developing my financial modelling skills and contributing to due diligence materials. The experience showed me how much research, analysis and attention to detail sit behind every client deliverable.
My Economics degree gave me a strong analytical foundation, but the internship allowed me to apply those skills in a fast-paced, commercial environment and also gave me the capacity to be creative. It also developed my understanding of professional judgement, teamwork and client communication.
One of the most rewarding parts of the internship was seeing my work contribute to real client projects. Even when I was responsible for one part of a larger task, I could see how it supported the team’s overall objective. This helped me become more confident in taking ownership of my work and speaking up when I had an idea or needed clarification.
Personal development
Moving to Toronto was daunting at first. I was beginning a demanding internship while adjusting to a completely new city and country. However, I quickly felt at home after meeting the other Saltire Scholars living in Toronto and getting to know my incredible flat mates.
Living and working abroad made me more independent, adaptable and willing to step outside my comfort zone. I became more confident navigating unfamiliar situations and trusting my own abilities.
Outside work, we made the most of our time in Canada. Our evenings and weekends included visits to the CN Tower, beaches, water parks and Niagara Falls, as well as barbecues and a trip to Montreal. Sharing these experiences brought us closer and helped us form friendships that became one of the highlights of the summer.
The Saltire support network also made a huge difference. Whether through fellow Scholars, alumni or members of the Saltire Foundation board and junior board, I always felt there was someone I could contact for advice or encouragement.
I am proud that I did not simply complete an internship abroad. I built a life and a community in a new city while contributing to a challenging professional environment. The experience proved that I am capable of much more than I sometimes give myself credit for.
Pay it forward
My advice to anyone considering applying to the Saltire Scholars Programme is to do it without hesitation. It offers far more than an internship: it provides an international experience, a supportive network and a community of ambitious, like-minded people.
During your internship, speak to as many people as possible. Ask colleagues for coffee, learn about their experiences and make the most of the opportunity to hear different perspectives. Some of the most valuable advice I received came from informal conversations.
It is also important to be proactive. Raise your hand for opportunities, let people know when you have capacity and do not wait for every task to be given to you. Ask for feedback and use it to improve your next piece of work.
Most importantly, back yourself. You may be one of the youngest or least experienced people in the room, but that does not mean your contribution is any less valuable. Trust that you have earned your place, ask questions and be willing to share your ideas.
Being a Saltire Scholar now means being part of a community that extends beyond one summer. I began this experience hoping to develop my career, but I finished it with greater confidence, friendships, an international network and a much stronger belief in what I am capable of achieving.
