My name is Skye Davison, and I study Business at The University of Strathclyde. As I head into my honour’s year, I’m focusing on Hospitality and Tourism Management with Marketing. I applied to the Saltire Scholars Programme because I wanted an internship during my penultimate year that would give me structured, accredited experience that would truly complement my studies.
Going into this internship, I was hoping to gain professional experience. I’ve been working in the same job since I was 17, so I wanted the chance to broaden my skills, apply my academic knowledge in a real-world setting, and see how business concepts translate into practice.
I applied to the programme because I had heard from Saltire Alumni about the exceptional support provided by the team throughout the recruitment and application process. As an accredited programme, Saltire offers valuable credentials to participants. The CV workshops and assessment centres were particularly beneficial, effectively preparing me for real-world professional scenarios.
I interned at Property Connections, a real estate agency in Bathgate. My role focused on content creation and managing their social media accounts, giving me hands-on experience in marketing and digital communication. I worked on creating graphics and videos, and I also explored AI solutions to showcase properties, such as using Matterport virtual tours. It was exciting to combine creativity with technology to present houses in engaging ways. The internship was directly related to my business degree, particularly marketing. It allowed me to apply what I’ve learned academically in a practical setting, improving my digital marketing, content creation, and project management skills.
During my internship, I contributed significantly to the team’s social media presence, achieving almost 70% growth on Instagram in my first month. I also created graphics and visuals to showcase properties and highlight local areas, which allowed me to develop a strong understanding of the market and our audience.
My work had a meaningful impact on the team by driving growth on social media and establishing a more structured, consistent approach to our online presence. This helped the company engage more effectively with its audience and strengthen its brand.
The most rewarding and memorable part of my internship was being invited to major events, such as the Taylor Wimpey Ball, and being specifically asked to market a luxurious development. These experiences gave me insight into high-profile marketing and the property industry at a professional level.
I also had the opportunity to build strong professional relationships with everyone in the office, who felt like a supportive family. I was even offered a role to return after university, which I plan to take on alongside my studies.
This experience has helped me become more confident in speaking and presenting my ideas, both in the office and to clients. While I enjoyed marketing, I realised I also really enjoy teaching and interacting with people regularly, which has influenced my thoughts about my future career path.
The internship also challenged my expectations. Although I enjoyed creating graphics and visuals, I discovered that I prefer a role that is more customer-facing and allows me to engage directly with people.
One of my proudest achievements from this summer was securing the internship independently, without relying on personal connections. Many of my peers were not successful in finding similar opportunities, which makes this accomplishment particularly meaningful.
I would encourage any student considering the programme to apply. It’s a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional environment, develop valuable skills, and build your confidence. The exposure to real-world challenges and responsibilities is something you won’t get in a typical classroom setting.
I would recommend it because it allows you to explore different industries, develop both technical and interpersonal skills, and make meaningful connections with professionals. The programme gives you a chance to learn, contribute, and grow in a supportive environment while enhancing your CV and future career prospects.
Future Scholars should be proactive, ask questions, and take every opportunity to get involved. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone as you’ll learn more by taking initiative. Also, document your experiences and reflect on them, as this will help you see how much you’ve grown over the course of the programme.
Overall, being a Saltire Scholar means that I have gained practical experience, developed professional skills, and grown personally. It represents my commitment to learning, my ability to contribute meaningfully in a workplace, and the confidence to pursue new challenges in my career. It’s a milestone I’m proud of and one that will continue to shape my professional journey.
