My name is Amrit Dhillon, and I recently graduated with an Honours degree in Psychology. When I applied to the Saltire Scholars Programme, I was motivated by a desire to step outside my comfort zone, gain experience, and discover new opportunities for personal and professional growth. More than anything, I wanted to challenge myself in a new environment and build the confidence to apply my skills in a professional setting.
This summer, I interned with Genezen, a contract development manufacturing organisation (CDMO) in Boston, as a part of their HR team. My role was both dynamic and rewarding, giving me the chance to engage in projects that supported employee engagement, wellbeing, and organisational culture. A particularly valuable experience was hosting focus groups with staff to gather feedback and insights. Facilitating these sessions taught me how to create an open space for discussion, helped me strengthen my communication skills, and showed me the real impact of listening to employees’ voices in shaping positive change. One of the turning points in my internship was learning to take my own initiative, stepping forward with ideas and solutions that added value to the team and showed me the importance of being proactive in a professional environment.
Another highlight was the opportunity to present my work to colleagues and senior staff. What began as a daunting challenge soon became one of the most rewarding aspects of my internship. It gave me confidence in my public speaking, allowed me to see the influence of my contributions, and pushed me to trust in my ability to lead discussions in a professional setting. Beyond the projects themselves, one of the most valuable parts of the internship was the connections I made. I built strong relationships with my colleagues, which made my time in Boston even more meaningful, and I also had the privilege of connecting with senior executives whose insights and guidance have inspired me as I think about my career. I learned so much from colleagues who were deeply passionate about what they do. Their energy and dedication not only inspired me but also encouraged me to raise my own standards, approach challenges with enthusiasm, and see how much of a difference it makes when people truly care about their work. These professional and personal connections are something I’ve carried home with me to Scotland and will continue to value moving forward.
Reflecting on the summer, I am proud of the growth I’ve experienced. I developed adaptability and confidence, skills that will stay with me no matter where I go. Most importantly, I now feel that I have a clearer alignment between who I am, the skills I bring, and the career path I want to follow. That sense of direction is something I didn’t expect to gain so strongly, but it has
been one of the most important outcomes of my time as a Saltire Scholar. The programme has been transformative. It offered me the chance to grow beyond the classroom, adapt to life in a new country, and prove to myself that I could thrive in an unfamiliar environment. It has given me experiences and lessons that will shape not just my career, but also my confidence in facing whatever challenges come next.
To any student considering applying to Saltire, I would say to embrace it wholeheartedly. It will test you, but in the best way possible. You’ll build new skills, gain unforgettable experiences, and become part of a global network of ambitious and supportive people. Beyond that, the programme gives you the chance to discover strengths you didn’t know you had, to grow in confidence, and to see yourself thriving in situations that once felt daunting. It’s not just about the internship, it’s about the friendships you make, the mentors you learn from, and the perspective you gain on what’s possible for your future. Looking back, I know this experience has shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined, and I’d encourage any future Scholar to throw themselves into it with an open mind and a willingness to grow. For me, being a Saltire Scholar now means belonging to a community that values resilience, curiosity, and growth. It’s about paying opportunities forward, supporting others, and continuing to push boundaries. This summer has shown me just how much can be achieved when you step outside your comfort zone and I’ll carry that lesson with me wherever I go next.
