Kirsty Farrands
2026 Saltire Scholar
Communications and Stakeholder Relations Intern, Gibson Energy
Journalism, Media and Communications with Politics and International Relations, University of Strathclyde
Hi, I’m Kirsty, and I’ve just finished my fourth year at the University of Strathclyde, studying Journalism, Media and Communications with Politics and International Relations. This summer, I had the pleasure of spending ten weeks in Calgary, Canada, working as a Communications and Stakeholder Relations intern at Gibson Energy.
I first came across the Saltire Scholar Programme in September 2025. I was going into my final year of university feeling like I was falling behind everyone else and that I didn't have enough experience to be competitive for opportunities like Saltire Scholars.
Looking back now, I realise this was obviously not true. Applying for Saltire pushed me to look at the experiences I already had and recognise the skills I had gained from them. More importantly, it taught me that experience doesn’t have to look the same for everyone.
The first day was a daunting experience, stepping foot into my first corporate role in a brand new country. However, my nerves were quickly settled when I met my team and everyone at Gibson. The Gibson environment is an extremely friendly one, living up to the Canadian stereotype.
My role allowed me to experience a side of communications that I had not encountered at university. I worked on a wide range of internal communications, from sharing updates about charity events and company initiatives to communicating internal business and organisational updates. I quickly learned that communicating effectively within a large organisation is not simply about writing well. Producing effective communications content also involves using visual and graphic tools thoughtfully, being clear about what you want to communicate, and understanding your audience.
Additionally, I enhanced my skills in Canva while learning to use new software systems, including SharePoint to produce and publish articles and Workshop to create professional internal emails. It was especially rewarding to apply the Canva and web design knowledge I developed during my degree in a professional setting.
One of my favourite projects was helping to organise a charity fundraising event, which included a Chilli Cook-Off and silent art auction. It was a great opportunity to get involved in something outside traditional communications work while developing my event-planning and organisational skills. The event was also a success, raising more than C$4,000 for charity.
I also had the opportunity to edit and produce an internal video for Gibson Energy’s team participating in the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer, a charity cycling event. This allowed me to combine the creative skills I developed during my degree with a professional communications environment, and it was particularly rewarding to see something I had worked on being used by the organisation.
One of the most valuable parts of my internship was the opportunity to work alongside Gibson Energy’s Sustainability and Indigenous Relations teams. Coming from Scotland, I had limited opportunities to learn about the histories, cultures and contemporary experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, so this was a particularly valuable part of my experience. I was also able to contribute to communications relating to this work, giving me insight into how organisations approach topics that require cultural awareness, sensitivity and thoughtful communication.
One of my favourite memories from the internship was taking part in an Indigenous Hand Games learning session. I also gained insight into the sustainability reporting process, giving me the chance to see how sustainability and Indigenous Relations connect with corporate communications.
Getting to try something completely new, in a new city, in a new country across the pond gave me a wealth of new experiences I will not forget. There were always networking events, especially for interns and graduates, work trips to visit the company’s oil facility, and volunteering events.
I was lucky enough to live in Calgary with 10 other Saltire Scholars. We would spend our evenings and weekends trying new things. Being just an hour away from the Rockies meant almost every weekend was spent exploring places people travel thousands of miles to visit. From hiking in Banff and Canmore to visiting Lake Louise and Lake Moraine, I was able to experience parts of Canada that I never imagined I'd get to see. We were even lucky enough to spend a weekend in Vancouver and Vancouver Island!
It is also important to note Stampede. It was probably one of the highlights of my summer. For ten days every July, Calgary hosts the Calgary Stampede, a huge Western festival involving rodeos, live music and plenty of cowboy hats. Dressing in Western gear, both in and outside of the office, was definitely a memorable part of the experience. It was fantastic to see the corporate side of celebrating such an event like Stampede, giving yet another insight into professional networking.
Be curious. No one is going to judge you for asking a simple question about something in a meeting. If anything, it shows you are interested. By being curious, you can open a door to a new area of the profession and learn new information about your industry.
Say yes. Being an intern and a Saltire Scholar meant I was exposed to a variety of experiences and networking events. From coffees to volunteering events, to pickleball, to stampede events, to Saltire dinners. All of these events helped me meet new people in and out of the company and expand my network.
The biggest thing I have taken away from my Saltire Scholar experience isn't necessarily one particular skill or project. It's confidence.
When I applied in September, I was convinced that I didn't have enough experience. Eleven months later, I now have 10 weeks of experience in Communications, experience living in a new country, an international network and new friendships. You do not need to have existing corporate experience or the highest grades to become a Saltire Scholar. I certainly didn't think I was the obvious candidate when I applied. By making use of resources such as university careers services and taking the time to properly prepare, you can learn how to present the skills and experiences you already have in the right way.
I am now proud to say that I have a job in Government Affairs, related to my degree, lined up for September. The experience and confidence gained through the Saltire Scholar programme played a huge part in securing this opportunity. The Saltire application process itself was also hugely valuable. It taught me how to present my existing experience effectively and gave me the confidence to write a strong CV and cover letter. I also made use of my university careers service throughout the Saltire application process and when applying for internships through the Saltire candidate pool. Their support was invaluable in helping me recognise the skills I already had and present them effectively to potential employers.
So, if there is one thing I would tell anyone considering applying for Saltire Scholars, it would be to apply even if you don't think you're the obvious candidate.
You never know where that 'Apply' button might take you.
